Danielle Medrano
@daniellemedrano
Cognitive performance specialist and high-performance coach improving execution under pressure.
United StatesWhat I'm looking for
I’m a learning and leadership development professional with 15+ years designing and delivering high-impact training programs in military, corporate, and high-performance environments. I specialize in adult learning, facilitation, coaching, resilience, and human performance optimization, translating complex psychological and performance science into actionable experiences that improve decision-making, communication, execution, and team effectiveness. In my current role as a Cognitive Performance Specialist, I deliver cognitive performance training and mental skills coaching for Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II student pilots preparing for Combat Air Force operations.
I also lead instructor development through monthly 12-hour IPUG training, teaching modules on active learning strategies, coaching mental performance, debrief optimization, and human performance systems. Across my background, I’ve built and refined curriculum using ADDIE principles, delivered executive and group coaching, and collaborated with multidisciplinary human performance professionals—using evidence-based psychological techniques, biofeedback, and neuroperformance tools to support situational awareness and stress management. I’m proud of measurable outcomes from coaching and train-the-trainer delivery, from improving leadership effectiveness to supporting deployment-ready performance through resilience and mental skills training.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Cognitive Performance Specialist
LMR Technical Group / Bering Straits Native Corp
May 2025 - Present (1 year 1 month)
Delivered cognitive performance training and mental skills coaching for Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II student pilots preparing for Combat Air Force operations. Designed and instructed an ongoing monthly 12-hour Instructor Pilot Upgrade (IPUG) course covering attention control, decision-making, emotional regulation, resilience, coaching methodology, and debrief optimization under pressure.
Human Performance Senior
Feb 2019 - Nov 2019 (9 months)
Contributed to development of the Army’s ACE-SI (Ask, Care, Escort–Suicide Intervention) curriculum using the ADDIE instructional systems design framework. Partnered with Army Public Health Center and Army National Guard/Reserve stakeholders to evaluate and improve curriculum effectiveness, and provided train-the-trainer facilitation coaching during beta testing through teach-back evaluation and s
100% Travel Resilience Instructor
Mar 2017 - Nov 2019 (2 years 8 months)
Served as a primary instructor supporting the Air Force Comprehensive Airman Fitness program across installations in the continental U.S. Facilitated weeklong train-the-trainer programs teaching 11 resilience and leadership skills to cohorts of 30–60 participants, and performed QA/QE evaluations to improve facilitator effectiveness and learner engagement.
Cognitive Performance Coach
Jul 2018 - Feb 2019 (7 months)
Supported the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence through the Cognitive Enhancement and Performance Program. Led development and facilitation of a 40-hour performance optimization course for Special Forces Soldiers, delivering mindfulness/attention control training, mental skills instruction, and executive coaching supported by biometric and neuroperformance tools.
Master Resilience Trainer
Armed Forces Services Corporation
Feb 2015 - Jan 2017 (1 year 11 months)
Delivered resilience, leadership, and performance training for the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier & Family Fitness program across the United States and Europe. Led a five-person facilitation team delivering quarterly train-the-trainer programs, developed and taught human performance curriculum (confidence, energy management, attention control, goal setting, imagery, and mental skills), and provided
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
National University
Master of Arts, Performance Psychology
Grade: Distinction
Earned an M.A. in Performance Psychology from National University (Distinction).
University of Oregon
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology
Earned a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Oregon.
Availability
Location
United StatesAuthorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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