The three partners, Meredith Bell, Dennis E. (Denny) Coates, Ph.D., and Paula Schlauch, have worked together for over 26 years. We each bring something different to the team. We’re like a strong, healthy family, with caring relationships based on mutual trust and respect.
In addition, we outsource to a trusted group of experienced software engineers and developers who make it possible for us to bring state-of-the art software to our clients.
Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.
CEO and Co-Founder
As CEO of Performance Support Systems, Inc., Dr. Coates has created award-winning brain-based programs and resources for parents, leaders and teams for over 30 years. A graduate of West Point (1967), he retired from the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel in 1987. He earned his Ph.D. in English from Duke University (1977) and served on the faculties of the United States Military Academy, the Armed Forces Staff College, the College of William and Mary, Thomas Nelson Community College, and the Center for Creative Leadership.
He is the co-creator of 20/20 Insight GOLD, the award-winning performance feedback survey that has been used by millions of people worldwide since 1994. He also is the co-creator of Strong for Performance, the versatile online follow-up performance coaching program.
His current focus is giving science-based knowledge about adolescent brain development to parents and adults who work with youth, so they can help young people wire their prefrontal cortex for executive/critical thinking skills and achieve optimum intellectual capacity for adult life. A recognized parenting, learning and development thought leader, he is working on a new book about how adults can nurture the adolescent brain, Blossom/Prune.
DrDennyCoates.com is a gateway to the best websites, books, articles, videos and other resources for raising teenagers.
Meredith M. Bell, M.A.
President and Co-Founder
Meredith Bell has been an entrepreneur since 1982. In her first business as a consultant and trainer, she conducted hundreds of programs for leaders and the members of their teams to help them communicate and work together more effectively.
As President of Performance Support Systems since 1991, Meredith is head of marketing and sales, and she’s personally worked with thousands of entrepreneurs, leaders, consultants and coaches. She loves building strong relationships with our clients, resellers, affiliates and vendors. She understands what’s required to build the loyalty and commitment that lead to repeat business and referrals. Meredith is always looking for great joint-venture and affiliate relationships, so contact her if you have an idea for one!
Meredith is also a major contributor to the learning materials in all the company’s products, especially Strong for Performance. This unique virtual coaching system combines assessment, learning resources and a self-selected coaching network to help people ingrain skills and new behavior patterns.
Meredith is a frequent guest on podcasts, where she addresses topics like essential communication skills for the workplace, the benefits of focusing on giving and being of service, and what’s required to develop positive habits and skills over time.
In her free time, Meredith enjoys spending time with her husband out in nature, exploring the world of birds. She also loves being a grandmother and cherishes time her two young grandchildren, who live close by.
Paula Schlauch
Vice-President and Co-Owner
Paula has been Vice President and CFO of Performance Support Systems since 1991. She is a graduate of The College of William and Mary and she has over 30 years’ experience in banking and business management. Her executive responsibilities include administration of financial, legal, personnel and resource programs within PSS.
Paula authors the monthly ezine, TechNews, for software administrators of 20/20 Insight GOLD. She also performs technical support for all our products and loves sleuthing out technical issues. And all of our clients know she’s always here to help!
Paula has been studying subtle energy therapies for more than 17 years and is a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner and RoHun Facilitator. She volunteers at local hospitals and healing sanctuaries as an energy therapist.