Karen L Bruns, PCC

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Karen Bruns is a heart-centered leader whose work bridges agile practice and transformative experiences and healing. As Founder of Monarch Coaching & Training, LLC, she brings warmth, insight, and deep purpose to everything she does—whether guiding teams through agile transitions, walking alongside individuals on their healing journeys, or creating transformative retreats. 

She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the ICF, a Certified Team Coach (CTC) through Scrum Alliance, and holds three certifications in neuroscience and is a Registered Certified Brain Coach. Karen is also the creator of a growing library of Somatic Coaching tools that integrate body-based wisdom with evidence-informed coaching practice. Her approach is grounded, integrative, and deeply human—rooted in the belief that the brain and body can heal, adapt, and thrive no matter what it has been through.

Karen is a Certified Open Space Facilitator and a Training from the BACK of the Room Certified Trainer/Facilitator (for both in-person and virtual). She’s also the creative mind behind the Coaching Retreat - An Open Space Experience; a first of its kind retreat that will travel the world bringing the ICF Core Competencies to life in an all new way. 

As the creator and host of Neuroscience Summit Live, she brings together global voices exploring polyvagal theory, breathwork, vagus nerve health, and the healing power of presence. Her personal journey with medical trauma led her to advocate for those with Balsam of Peru allergy, offering community support and practical tools through her online group and wellness platform, BOPAllergy.com.

She is the author of Savor Without Sensitivity: Balsam of Peru Friendly Recipes—a 333-page collection of stories, journal prompts, and nourishing meals that support whole-family wellness.

Whether in the boardroom, the classroom, or the kitchen, Karen helps others find strength, resilience, and joy—by meeting them exactly where they are.

Robert Lessenger started with Monarch Coaching & Training, LLC first as a Scrum Master, and is now a co-trainer of our Transformative Agility in HR course. He provides an empathic, thought-provoking approach to meeting people where they are.  

Robert believes that everyone is whole and complete. He is passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves in creative and positive ways. Robert enjoys giving back to the communities he is involved in and places heavy importance on serving the BIPOC community as a Choctaw American Indian 

Robert is TBR trained, as well as Scrum Alliance, Kanban, and ICAgile trained.