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I’m Dr. Dan Elash. For the past 35 years I’ve used a blend of business coaching and psychology to provide clients a simple, effective, & straightforward approach to developing their people and experiencing the growth they deserve!
Discover your true purpose and create a fulfilling life.
Improve your communication and build stronger connections.
Realize the untapped potential in their your workforce & operations.
Take Stock
Identify Obstacles
Make A Plan
Engaged Action
Deploy Leadership
Throughout my professional life, I’ve worked at the intersection of psychology, leadership, and transformation. My journey has been grounded in clinical expertise and driven by a passion for helping people, organizations, and communities realize their fullest potential. What follows is not just a list of credentials, but a story of impact—across courtrooms, clinics, classrooms, and boardrooms.
A Forensic Foundation
Earning my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Kansas gave me more than academic training—it launched a career rooted in understanding human behavior under pressure. Early on, I conducted group therapy with inmates at the Kansas State Penitentiary and completed intensive psychological assessments at the Jackson County Jail in Kansas City. These formative experiences taught me how people adapt to high-stress environments and how the legal system intersects with mental health.
Later, I contributed to the Kansas City Bar Association’s professional development programs and served as an expert witness in Missouri, Maine, and Virginia. As a former diplomat in the American College of Forensic Psychology, I helped courts and attorneys unravel complex psychological issues, always with the aim of ensuring fairness and clarity in legal decisions.
A Clinical Calling
My clinical career began with an internship at a residential drug treatment center. From there, I moved into therapeutic work at the Wyandot County Mental Health Center and then served as a staff psychologist at Osawatomie State Hospital, where I worked with adults across the full spectrum of psychiatric needs—including on the forensic ward.
I’ve also been in private practice in three states—Missouri, Maine, and Virginia—where I supported individuals and families through personal crises, transitions, and long-term healing. I led needs assessments for Social Security Disability and directed three mental health centers in Northern Maine. In that role, I was granted admitting privileges to the regional hospital and provided guidance to courts, schools, and state departments on complex mental health and developmental cases.
At the intersection of leadership and mental health, I’ve supported pastors and congregations in crisis. My work with the BGAV and the Center for Congregational Health has brought me into sacred spaces, helping faith communities navigate difficult transitions and regain stability.
Integrating Medicine & Coaching
Throughout my career, I’ve served as an adjunct professional at hospitals and medical schools—from St. Luke’s Medical Center in Kansas City to the University of Missouri Medical School. These roles expanded my understanding of how psychological and medical systems overlap, and how to support patients holistically.
Today, I continue to coach through organizations like Living Free Together, a nonprofit supporting military families. Whether in hospitals or homes, my focus remains the same: empower people to make meaningful, resilient change.
Teaching & Thought Leadership
Teaching has always been close to my heart. Over the years, I’ve consulted with and lectured at the University of Virginia, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the University of Missouri Medical School, and even the United States Naval War College. I believe in making complex ideas accessible and actionable for real-world leaders.
I’ve published over 40 articles and three books exploring leadership, authenticity, and organizational energy. My writing has been featured by Leader-Values.com, ExpertAccess, and Chief Executive China—always with the goal of helping leaders bring clarity, courage, and consciousness to their work.
Selected Writings
Articles:
• “Are You A Sucker for A Good Excuse?” – Expertaccess.cincom.com, 2010
• “Authenticity and Leadership” – Leader-Values.com, June 2010
• “Leadership in Uncertain Times” – CW Bulletin, April 2009
• “Excuses Inevitably Lead To Value Destruction” – Leader-Values.com, February 2010
• “Infusing Your Organization with Energy and Hope” – Leader-Values.com, July 2010
• “Thought Killers: How Leaders Lower Their Followers’ IQs” – Chief Executive China, June 2004
Books:
• Leadership Imperatives – ICFAI University Press, Hyderabad, India, 2006 (with K.B.S. Kumar)
• Doing It Right: Realizing Your Company’s Potential – iBizresources, New York, 2003
Current Board Positions
KEYS 365 – Advisory Board (Non-Profit Specializing in suicide prevention)
Voices for Mental Health – (Non – Profit Specializing in broadcasting & disseminating
information in support of mental health)
Years Experience
Businesses Mentored
Years Experience Empowering Military & First Responder Families
It’s truly my passion to help people have the right tools and gain insight on how to create the life they’ve always dreamt of. Throughout my work with my clients, I have refined my tools and developed strategies to help people reach their goals easily and effortlessly while having emotional support with someone who truly cares and is on their side.
We will discuss the changes you wish to see and which coaching package suits your needs.
We will set goals and create a roadmap to help you reach your goals.
Deploy tactics that will enact positive change
My best friend and I own our business and we were having a trouble separating our friendship from the business. Dr, Dan taught us how to have direct conversations driven by intent and that were in support of the mission and goals we had set for the business. He even discovered a few areas of our business that needed attention, unknown to us! In just 7 months our brand, operations, sales, and personal issues were addressed and refocused. Dr. Dan gave us processes and tools that helped us successfully remain friends and run a business together!
Owner - Movendi Properties
Thanks to coaching, I was able to uncover my true passion and gain the clarity I needed to pursue it with confidence and purpose.
Jane Smith
Marketing Manager
LifeVista coaching has made a significant impact on my relationships, enhancing my communication skills and overall well-being.
Mike Johnson
Sales Representative
Find answers to commonly asked questions about and our services.
Life coaching is a collaborative process that helps individuals identify and achieve their goals, overcome obstacles, and improve their overall well-being. We want to sharpen your ability to think clearly about your goals and to give you the confidence to work through the obstacles that are getting in your way. Our mission of this work is empower you to realize your full potential through harnessing the power of your mind.
The duration of coaching varies depending on individual needs and goals. It can range from a few weeks to several months. We work to empower you to own your growth rater than make you dependent on the coaching process.
No one is as smart as everyone. Dr. Elash brings a background in behavioral science, extensive experience in helping businesses evolve, grow, and thrive. With this background we collaborate to realize your businesses full potential.
Each consultation varies in nature, scope, & complexity. To ensure we fairly price our services we create per project pricing rather than fixed rate services. Reach out for your quote today!
Simply put... no. Our time & resources are exclusively reserved for individuals that are truly committed to change. We believe it is unethical to engage a client when it is clear there are not the ingredients for success.
Begin your journey towards a happier and more fulfilling life by taking the first step today.
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2037 Buck Mountain Rd, Free Union Va 22940
434-422-6400
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