A little more about Charlene...

I love gathering ideas, looking for possibilities, and starting things.

I graduated with a Social Work degree from Goshen College but decided business development was a better fit.   As a college student I started a Shaklee business over 45 years ago which continues to serve as the financial backbone for all our ventures. You can learn more about that story here. I am honored to hold the title of Presidential Master Coordinator – Shaklee Corporation's highest leadership rank.  In my 30s I set two ambitious goals: to launch four businesses and explore every continent (except Antarctica) before turning 40. I reached the first, and missed the second by two years.  

Working with my husband Doug, we took a run-down B&B and turned it into an award-winning Country Inn on 42 acres in Virginia’s Allegheny Highlands.  The project grew to include a 4000 square foot Conference Center, a restaurant, and a residential development tucked into the slopes of Warm Springs Mountain.  I had the most fun creating an innovative bistro and wine bar, discovering my interior design chops, and establishing a healthy business culture for our employees.  Click here for a peek into that era of our lives.

These days, my creative energy goes into The Amplius Group, a Washington DC-based consulting firm I co-founded. We catalyze communities of human thriving in the developing world — working alongside local leaders in Africa, Asia, and Central America, using disruptive technology and social innovation to create the conditions where local leadership can emerge rather than dependency.

I've served on various Boards along the way, enjoy occasional conference speaking, and continue to mentor emerging leaders. I'm passionate about networking artisans and creating marketing platforms which empower disadvantaged women across cultures — a mission you'll find woven through this labor of love, Kilometer 66 which I co-founded with our daughter.

First and foremost I am a follower of Jesus – hungry to conform into His image and shed the trappings of Religion. I am privileged to "do life" with my best friend, Doug Fike, and enjoy walking alongside him and his growing global network of change agents. Together we're part of The Avanti Collective, a faith-rooted community where I get to develop and share core content of my own. Check it out there are all kinds of free resources to enjoy.

We also enjoy deepening our friendships with our two adult children (Justin, Janelle) and their spouses, and these days I answer to "Ama." It’s what my granddaughters call me, and a title I wear with far more pride than any of my professional ones.

I relax by cooking and setting the stage for great conversations in our home. My favorite sport is urban trekking. You'll find me collecting found objects, sampling new world wines, observing primates in the wild, or catching up on the latest HGTV binge.