Building the people, relationships, and strategies for lasting success.
When trust is tested with your team, donors, or community, we help mission-driven organizations find a way forward.
Our Story
SM Coaching Solutions was born from an extraordinary turnaround story.
When Sara Marshall—a seasoned sales executive with no nonprofit experience—partnered with Dr. Arthur Lisi to save a struggling Catholic school from closure, their unconventional approach defied expectations. Together, with their team, they transformed Monsignor Clarke School from an institution facing potential closure into a thriving community with 70% enrollment growth and over $1 million raised.
Their success wasn't accidental. Sara's two decades of sales and service expertise brought fresh thinking to traditional development, while Arthur's leadership and educational psychology background created the foundation for authentic community engagement. Mentored by respected development leaders and recognized nationally for their innovative methods, they proved that development isn't just fundraising—it's "the meaningful involvement of people in your mission."
Today, we bring this same transformative approach to organizations across all sectors. Whether you're a nonprofit struggling with donor engagement or a business seeking deeper community connections, we help you build authentic relationships that drive measurable results and sustainable growth. Read More...
Our Process
Why This Matters Across All Sectors
Why This Matters Across All Sectors
Our Process
Whatever your organization, our approach follows a proven path:
- Listen & Assess: We start with confidential conversations with your leaders, staff, board, and community, combined with a review of your communications and connections. That way we understand what's really happening, not just what's on paper.
- Strategic Planning: Together, we develop practical strategies that fit your mission, your people, and your goals.
- Implementation Coaching: We work alongside your team to put strategies into action, providing templates, talking points, and practical tools that build your team's capacity to lead relationships on their own.
- Measurement & Refinement: We track not only outreach but depth of engagement: how well you're turning supporters into partners in your mission.
Why This Matters Across All Sectors
Why This Matters Across All Sectors
Why This Matters Across All Sectors
Development is about relationships, not just resources. Whether it's donors for nonprofits, families for schools, or customers for businesses, lasting success comes from people who feel
genuinely connected to your mission.
Our approach addresses fundamental questions:
- Are you clearly communicating what makes your organization special?
- Are your supporters becoming ambassadors who feel invested in your success?
- Is your leadership team aligned and communicating with trust?
- Are you involving your community in your mission, or simply informing them about it?
- Are you measuring engagement, not just activity?
When people feel genuinely connected to your purpose, they become more than supporters. They become advocates and partners.
Contact Us
Reach out to discuss how we can help transform your organization.
SM Coaching Solutions
