
Team Member Bios
Dedication - Expertise - Authenticity - Passion - Empathy
Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills,
MSEL, PCC, CPQC, CELC
Founder & Owner
I am a "solutions navigator" who helps people feel seen, heard and validated for the amazing and unique human BEings they are. I am passionate about helping companies, teams, and individuals find their "why" and core purpose so they can move forward authentically to achieve their goals. I am also a seasoned community and economic development, training, and coaching professional. I have three decades of relevant experience in the government, non-profit, and corporate arenas, partnering at all levels to achieve success.
In addition to Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions, I currently serve as Director of Compliance and Engagement for Cooperative Business Assistance Corporation (CBAC) in Camden, NJ, and in fractional roles in two other companies. I am also an Advisory Board Member for three technology start-up companies that I met through my role as a mentor with the Founder Insitute and other founder-funder activities.
Before CBAC, I served as a Management Analyst/Community Liaison for the White House Promise Zone Initiative in Camden, NJ. Stationed at the U.S. Department of HUD, I coordinated a 15-federal agency partnership to achieve sustainable success in one of 14 Federal Urban Promise Zones.
Prior to that, I served as Supervisor of Lender Relations & Economic Development/Women's Business Ownership Representative for the U.S. SBA NJ District Office. I also held other positions at varied levels of leadership, training, and development with the SBA and in the non-profit, corporate, and municipal government arenas.
I have an M.S. in Executive Leadership from Champlain College, a B.A. in Political Science/Honors from Rowan University, an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Rowan College of South Jersey, and multiple professional certifications and adult continuing education certificates. I am a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Forbes Coaches Council®, Association for Talent Development (ATD), Long Covid Alliance, and several professional and civic organizations.
I am also a second-degree black belt in a traditional form of martial arts and a member of the International Okinawa Goju-Ryu Kenshi-kai Karate-Jutsu Kobu-Jutsu Association.
Sarai Romero
Lead Civility, Inclusion, Equity & Diversity (CIED) Training & Engagement Consultant
Growing up and seeing my parents go from factory job to factory job, I knew that was not what I wanted for myself, I also wanted to give back to my community. In my role with Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions® as the Lead Civility, Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Training Consultant, I lead the development and updating of CIED training program. I started as an intern; I was hired after completing my internship to be the CIED Consultant and was promoted to my Lead role in August 2023. I was recently accepted as a mentor for the iMentor program for eligible high school students in Chicago.
In May 2023, I completed my Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Business Administration, and General Management at Southern New Hampshire University. While pursuing my degree, I participated in the Braven Fellowship and have taken various courses on gender inequality, racial inequality, and how to become a more diverse company that is accepting of the differences we all have to offer. In June 2024, I earned a Certificate in Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity.
My passion is working in Human Resource-related roles, focusing on creating inclusive environments for marginalized populations and group members. My studies ignited a fire in me and led me to pursue a role in diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, in these past few years, we have seen many injustices toward people of color and women. In 2020, many companies pledged to initiate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. Sadly, many pledges have been reversed when CIED is most needed.
I work with Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions because I want to be part of a company that is committed to making changes that allow People of Color, women, and the disabled to have more opportunities for growth, better pay, and a fighting chance for success.
I am a proud wife and mother of two boys - our six-year-old son and one-year-old. I love to read, go on hikes, travel, and try different types of food.
Lisa Hilleren, MA, CPTD, AINS, MBTI
Lead Learning & Development Consultant
Nothing fulfills me more than supporting people’s growth and evolution. As my client, I’ll steer you clear of the pitfalls and rabbit holes I’ve tumbled down and provide clear, concise training and coaching that gets you to your goal as expeditiously as possible. Whether you are at the start of your career and need additional skills development or are a seasoned professional whose vision has shifted, your wingwoman is ready and waiting!
I am a corporate, healthcare industry, and call center operations and training professional who creates, delivers, and evaluates product, procedural, regulatory, and systems training. I am also a leadership and professional coach. I have developed and delivered training in emotional intelligence, cultural competency, customer service skills, communication skills, and more. I have created and maintained Call Center desk-level procedures for vendor and internal call center agents.
In addition to this role, I serve as a national training manager for a large healthcare company. Before that, I worked in leadership roles in Health Insurance, Property & Casualty Insurance in non-profit and corporate environments. I’ve worked in organizations that were start-ups and established, siloed and matrixed, ones that downsized, and ones that merged.
I have an M.A. in Communication & Studies, a B.A. in General Studies with a Concentration in Business, both from Southern New Hampshire University and an A.O.S. from Central City Business Institute. I am a Certified Professional in Talent Development (“CPTD”), an Associate in Insurance (“AINS”), a Certified MBTI practitioner, and a Horizon Facilitation Certification from Rutgers University.
Last but certainly not least, I authored Reconstructing Eve, a novel I labeled 'transformational fiction,’ i.e., using entertainment as the conduit for sharing insights that lead to personal growth.
Ariel Rankin
Administrative & Events Consultant
My goal and purpose at this time in my life is to learn as much as I can and help others.
I am the Administrative and Engagement Consultant. I started as an intern before becoming a consultant. I am also a part-time associate with a local shoe retailer and a college student, which is a huge accomplishment for my family.
At Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions, I help prepare for special events and help represent the company at meetings, training events, and networking engagements. I occasionally assist with preparing for recordings of episodes of "What The Why?!? with Barbara Anne." I helped create and update the company website. I also helped set up all of the company's social media, sometimes assisted with editing video content, and handled other jobs as assigned, based on my availability. I also recently designed the website and other related tools and helped launch another entrepreneurial venture - Multi Spectrum Productions.
I became a college student at Grand Canyon University during the Winter of 2024. I am pursuing a Bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. In August 2021, I completed my "Introduction to Statistics" certificate with Stanford University through Coursera. In June 2022, I graduated from Bayonne High School. During my time there, I served as a class representative on the Student Council for all four years, and I was inducted into the National Honor Society in May 2021.
My hobbies include anime, singing, yoga, walking, playing online games, and hanging out with friends.
Tony Novak, CPA
Fractional Chief Financial Officer
Tony Novak is a dedicated advocate for small businesses, bringing decades of hands-on experience in finance, risk management, and sustainable investment. As a CPA and
small business owner, he has advised and supported dozens of entrepreneurs, helping them navigate tax strategies, legal compliance, and financial planning.
His diverse background spans from farming and aquaculture to financial services and marina management, making him uniquely equipped to assist businesses in both traditional and
emerging industries.
With advanced degrees in taxation, finance, and accounting, Tony combines technical expertise with a passion for economic development in rural communities. His leadership in professional organizations, public speaking engagements, and volunteer service further reflect his commitment to empowering small business owners.
Now focused on fostering tax-advantaged investment
opportunities along the South Jersey coastline, Tony is eager to bring his expertise to a government-funded program assisting small businesses in achieving stability and
growth.
Ryan Thompson
Lead Business Strategy & Development Consultant
Ryan V. Thompson is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Divine Connections Consulting Agency. She transformed her passion for relationship building into a purpose-driven business by launching her own consulting firm, embracing the
entrepreneurial spirit of those she admires most. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and a certificate in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix.
Her career spans almost eight years in the financial services industry, twelve years in leadership, and nineteen years in sales and customer service. Ryan believes in the power of being the change you want to see in the world. She fulfills this duty by volunteering on various non-profit boards and being an active member of the communities where she lives and works. Her accomplishments in leadership and community service have been recognized with the Emerging Woman
Leader Award from the Forum of Executive Women and the Business Support Partner Award from the Lancaster Avenue 21st Century Business Association.
Ryan aspires to create a legacy for her children that will make them proud and inspire them to leave their mark on the world.
Anj Castro
Executive Assistant
I am an independent virtual assistant and the Founder of TimeCraft Virtual Assistance & Business Support. I help entrepreneurs reclaim their time, streamline operations, and achieve work-life balance without burnout. I am passionate about empowering business owners to delegate effectively so they can focus on high-impact activities that drive growth. My expertise lies in business operations, virtual assistance, project management, and team management, allowing startups and established brands to scale efficiently.
Currently, I am building my own brand, TimeCraft—a team of dedicated virtual assistants helping entrepreneurs offload non-essential tasks and create systems for sustainable success. Our mission is simple: Helping Entrepreneurs Save Time Through Smart Delegation. Some of the startups and brands I have worked with include KnowMediQ, BIPOC, Melodia Home Care, PAACATI, the International Society of Diplomats, First Class Business, and now Purpose-Filled Solutions and Evolutions, and I will be working with DLAR very soon, helping them reclaim valuable time.
My journey started in 2013 when I pursued a career as a call center agent, driven by my passion for working in a field that involves the English language. However, after getting married in 2018, my husband and I found ourselves living separate lives due to opposite work shifts—he worked during the day as a truckman, while I worked nights in a BPO, all while being away from both of our families. The loneliness of our situation changed when the pandemic hit in 2019, which became a blessing in disguise, opening the door to a new opportunity. I discovered the world of virtual assistance, allowing me to transition from working in the city—away from my family—to working remotely from home. Determined to succeed, I enrolled in multiple skill courses and built a strong foundation in virtual assistance and business support.
What began as a solo virtual assistant evolved into TimeCraft —a thriving team built on trust, efficiency, and results-driven delegation. As the business grew, I noticed a common struggle among entrepreneurs:
❌Burnout from handling everything alone
❌Endless to-do lists leaving no time for what truly matters
❌Scaling feels impossible due to overwhelming tasks
That’s where we come in. Delegation isn’t about giving up control—it’s about gaining freedom.
🚀My team and I help business owners streamline operations, outsource non-essential tasks, and focus on high-impact activities. With our support, they can scale faster—without sacrificing their well-being.
Beyond leading TimeCraft, I am passionate about business support, process optimization, and virtual assistance. I am dedicated to helping entrepreneurs save time—guiding them in scaling their businesses without sacrificing personal time and well-being.
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