Our Team

The Middle Way Institute has its beginnings in the early 2000s, when Dean Harbry stepped out from his successful career in corporate management to launch a leadership and executive coaching practice. Over the last two decades, this practice has evolved and expanded into the Middle Way Institute, which remains dedicated to applying the wisdom that mankind has cultivated from time immemorial to the workplace of the 21st century. Our team of certified coaches is prepared to help you and your organization learn, internalize and implement concrete principles and practices of leadership as a profession.

  • Dean is a Middle Way Certified Coach. He brings a long history of visionary leadership and managerial leadership coaching with individuals and teams from banking, finance, technology, medical, public power, manufacturing, media, sales and nonprofit. As a trusted advisor, he partners with executives to leverage human resources.

    Dean’s coaching focus is to help organizational leaders develop and maintain healthy corporate cultures. To achieve this goal, institutional leaders must hone their influence skills, develop executive presence, and pay particular attention to overseeing authorities as well as peer relationships, direct reports and vendor relationships.

    Corporate Experience Summary

    • Mergers & Acquisitions: In banking environment, oversight for all FTE and complement management in multi-bank acquisitions, linked to corporate budget and human resource planning.

    • Information Technology: Created national IT infrastructure from scratch in financial services environment, with strong team development.

    • Operational Management: President and COO with oversight responsibilities for IT, Human Resources, Marketing, Finance and Accounting, Client Service, Investment Operations, Compliance and Program Development.

    • Consulting: State government, educational institutions, financial professional firms, law firms, auto industry, medical research, nonprofit institutions, boards of directors, corporate leadership training

    • Medical Research: Statistical reporting, developing and managing medical research databases.

    Personal

    • Mission: to create clarity in next steps, promoting forward movement

    • Premise: a “shift” is the basic unit of human change

    • BA in Organizational Management; post graduate studies in “Professional Coaching and Human Development” at International University of Professional Studies

    • Avid runner, completing over 20 marathons

    • Unquenching drive to build wholesome organizational cultures where humans thrive

  • Janalee serves as Chief People Officer and Executive Coach at the Middle Way Institute (MWI), where she also leads the Middle Way certification program. In addition, she works as a Human Resources Consultant and is certified as a Senior Certified Professional in Human Resources (SHRM-SCP), a Middle Way Certified Coach (MWCC), and a Certified Professional Leadership Coach (CPLC).

    With 30 years of leadership experience, Janalee has served private, nonprofit, and government sectors. She has coached leaders across diverse sectors — from Fortune top 10 companies and Christian nonprofits to entrepreneurs in start-up organizations. Her career includes building HR infrastructures from the ground up, guiding leaders through cultural integrations during mergers and acquisitions, and equipping leaders at all levels to grow in both competence and character. She has also supported organizations experiencing rapid growth, helping leaders navigate the infrastructure and cultural challenges that accompany expansion.

    Janalee’s mission is to help leaders foster a Middle Way culture where individuals are aligned with their strengths, emotional intelligence is elevated, and organizations flourish. She brings this mission to life not only through coaching and consulting but also by sharing her insights broadly: she is a featured contributor on the podcast, The Third Option, and develops and teaches content for MWI’s free monthly Leadership as a Profession training series, which brings leaders together to elevate the profession.

    Outside of work, Janalee enjoys spending time in the mountains, being with her dogs, family, and friends, traveling, and serving in her church community.

  • Susan is a Middle Way Certified Coach (MWCC). Susan’s long standing organizational leadership background within the Automotive Industry provides her with a high degree of business acumen and a deep understanding of organizational cultures. As a trusted advisor, she partners with executives to hone influence skills, address strategy and cultivate a culture of performance. Susan’s coaching focus is to help organizational leaders develop executive influence competencies, paying particular attention to overseeing authorities (i.e. boards and executive leaders), as well as peer, vendor and direct report relationships.

    Corporate Experience Summary

    Sales and Marketing Leadership

    Seamless start-up of captive finance company for Volvo Retailers in the Central Region market

    Planning and leadership of strategic key corporate marketing, advertising and consumer event initiatives

    Management of field personnel overseeing training, advertising, events and promotions for retailers in the Northeast Region

    Customer Satisfaction

    Successfully launched a global Customer Satisfaction reporting system for Volvo’s North American retailers leading an International team from Sweden, Germany, UK, and North America.

    Training and Development

    Oversaw development of training initiatives for 400 US and Canadian retailers resulting in both instructor-led and web-based training modules required to meet yearly training curriculum standards.

    Personal

    Mission: to serve business leaders and teams reach their professional and personal goals

    Passion: to drive organizational and individual excellence and engagement that results in lasting positive change and forward motion

    BS in Organizational Development; MBA in Management; ACC with International Coaching Federation

    Athletic enthusiast participating regularly in a variety of endurance activities – i.e. ½ marathons, cycling, triathlons, marathons

    Coaching clients include

    AutoTrader.com, Manheim, Centers for Disease Control, McKesson Corporation, University of Georgia Terry College of Business, AT&T, Molnlycke Health Care, HP, Cox Enterprises, QBE First, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, UBS, Raymond James, Brightworth, Ronald Blue & Co, Ultimate Software, World Vision, Habitat for Humanity, North Point Community Church, BGEA

  • Bobby helps individuals and teams leverage the power of clarity and focus. His coaching emphasizes helping organizational leaders raise the leadership lid of their organizations, grow in influence, and shape intentional culture. In addition to leading a thriving church, Bobby dedicates part of his time to coaching leaders and organizations who want to thrive in their mission. Both church and coaching give him a front-row seat to helping people grow. He often says he stands at the intersection of important decisions, helping people make their next step their best step. His ministry background has given him a unique perspective on people development, communication, and organizational health, which he brings into his work with clients.

    Bobby routinely works with:

    • Leaders who feel like they are their own worst enemy

    • Second-in-command leaders who want to serve their leader and organization well from the second chair

    • People who are promoted or hired to lead something they didn’t start

    • Non-profit leaders who are struggling with funding and recruiting volunteers

    • Teams who want to fine-tune their mission, purpose, and values to create an intentional culture

    • Introverted leaders whose voice needs to be heard

    • Leaders who want to be free of the overwhelm

    • Individuals who want to create compelling keynotes and inspirational messaging for their teams

    • Organizations who want to clarify their marketing message so they connect more effectively with their customers

    Bobby serves as a trusted advisor using practical tools and proven assessments to help leaders and their organizations experience breakthrough performance. His goal is simple: to help you find clarity, grow in confidence, and lead with greater impact.

    Personal
    Bobby’s mission is to help others discover and live their best. He is a Middle Way Certified Coach, trained in a pioneering framework designed to be the go-to approach for effective coaching, and he is also a credentialed coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). He also draws on over 20 years of non-profit leadership experience, academic training (BA in Liberal Arts, MDIV in Biblical Studies), and service in the Air National Guard. Outside of leadership and coaching, he enjoys time on the water as an avid skier.

  • Father Elias Dorham is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and has been involved with leadership development for over 25 years. His personal experience includes various leadership positions in the Military, Intelligence Community, and private sectors. Father Elias is dedicated to helping both individuals and organizations perform more effectively by supporting the transformation of leaders at every level, helping them to become more effective, capable, and impactful. His passion is developing authentic leaders who are both inspired and inspiring. He coaches from a place of deep concern for the transformational experiences of his clients.

    Corporate and Experience Summary

    His coaching and leadership development work encompass the military, federal/local government, and technology sectors. After graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1993, Father served two sea tours, as well as multiple tours with civilian agencies. After his military career he spent several years in leadership at the Central Intelligence Agency prior to entering the Technology Sector until his ordination. His experience includes working with numerous managers and leadership teams at various federal and local governmental agencies for the purpose of creating effective and sustainable change, and includes building trust, navigating the dynamics of cross-organizational teams, and building high performing teams. His executive clients include senior managers in the Federal Sector, Executive Directors in the high-impact nonprofits, and executives in the Technology and healthcare sectors.

    Personal

    Father Elias holds a B.S. in Political Science from the United States Naval Academy, an M.S. in Information Technology from the Naval Postgraduate School, and M.A. in Theological Studies and a Doctor of Ministry from St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. In addition, he holds a Certificate in Creative Leadership from the Central Intelligence Agency and is a graduate of the Innovative Organization Certificate program from the Kellogg School of Management. He is a graduate of the Newfield Network Coach Training program, and has coached over 75 clients for a total of 500+ coaching hours.

  • Erin is a Certified Middle Way Professional through the Middle Way Institute and provides direction, guidance and administrative services for the team. She is also certified in both the RightPath and Leadership Behavior DNA assessments and provides deep insights into human behavior through her assessment feedback. She is trained as a life coach and provides constant support to those around her, using this gift.

    Erin’s vision and mission is to create a framework for human behavior where harmony and true relationship can exist, particularly in the difficult and challenging world we now live in. This is why her focus and commitment to the Middle Way Institute is so crucial. For her it is a life calling.

    Corporate Experience Summary

    Accounting and Payroll: serviced multiple branches with payroll and billing administration, ensuring accuracy and availability of data.

    Assistant Operation Manger: working in the underground construction environment to ensure the best practices and standards were upheld in all administrative contexts.

    Client Service: worked as a Client Service Administrator, servicing 100+ clients in a large RIA to ensure all client transactions were precisely addressed while meeting the client business and relationship needs.

    Event Management: arranged for Board of Directors’ meetings, pastoral conferences and training events by providing event planning services and program agenda in a variety of venues and locations.

    Assessment Administration: administer large assessment databases providing profile results and basic interpretation for all Middle Way Institute and Internal Innovations clients. Organize and distribute results as needed for client servicing and client management.

    Client Management: interface with organizational leaders and church hierarchs to address their needs in an executive coaching and training context. Highly skilled in working with all personality types with the ability to mirror their behavior and address their needs and concerns.

    Personal

    Mission: to live and reflect a wholesome life so that others may receive and implement grace

    Avid community volunteer. Erin works within her community and local churches organizing service projects and large social events. She has served on various committees and loves to use her time in this way.

  • Philip is a seasoned leadership coach and strategist dedicated to empowering executives, managers, and teams to unlock their full potential.

    With over 25 years of experience across multiple industries, including banking, software, engineering, consulting, and non-profit, Philip brings a powerful blend of insight and strategic vision to help clients navigate challenges.

    Philip has facilitated over 60 leadership 360 assessments, debriefed more than 100 Path4 and Path6 profiles, and led many team workshops, equipping leaders and teams with tools to enhance emotional intelligence, improve communication, and foster cohesive collaboration. Certified in RightPath and Working Genius, Philip leverages his Working Genius strengths in Wonder and Discernment to guide clients in exploring innovative possibilities and making informed, intuitive decisions.

    Prior to joining The Middle Way institute as a coach, he was a client for over 5 years and has used the principles of The Middle Way in business as well as life.

    As a coach with the Middle Way Institute, Philip is passionate about cultivating holistic leadership, bridging gaps between business and technical teams, and driving organizational success through people-focused strategies.

    Whether you’re an executive seeking to elevate your presence, a manager navigating change, or a team aiming to align on shared goals, Philip partners with you to create clarity, build confidence, and achieve lasting impact.

    Philip and his wife, Heather, have been married for 26 years and have 5 children. His primary hobbies include training for marathons and riding his motorcycle through the north Georgia mountains.

  • Dean Harbry, MWCC

  • Janalee Rainwater, SHRM-SCP, MWCC

  • Susan Heusser, MWCC, MBA

  • Bobby McGraw, MWCC, ACC

  • Fr Elias Dorham, PCC

  • Erin O’Connor, MWCP

  • Philip Duffie