

What's Your Story?



No matter our background, path, etc., every company, leader, team, and person has a story that shaped how they got to where they are, what they are currently doing (or not doing), and where they want to go. The best part about our stories is that no matter how they began, we can change how they end - if we choose to do so. All transformational change starts the same - with a choice.
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WHAT ARE YOUR BARRIERS?
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We all have barriers or blocks that get in the way of our success. Sometimes it is things we really can't control. Sometimes it is in our control; we just don't realize it. Being a passionate, traditional martial artist for over a decade, the more I trained, the more I started to visualize my professional and personal barriers as literal blocks or slabs. Whether a slab of wood or concrete, those items began to represent the challenges I faced leading teams, building partnerships, and even dealing with the "stuff" in my daily life.
To pass my black-belt testing in 2019, I was required to break through two solid one-inch concrete slabs with one hand. In the months leading up to it, I was really nervous I could not do it; or worse, that I would make existing injuries worse by doing it. With practice, determination, and the encouragement of Cianelli, Sensei and my dojo family at Tsuru Ki Martial Arts, when the day came, I DID IT! But, I wasn't alone on the journey. Others helped and encouraged me to face my fears and doubts and achieve what seemed impossible. I kept a piece of one of the broken slabs to remind me any time I start to question or doubt what I can do, the impossible can be possible.
How can Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions help your company, your team, or you break through the concrete slabs blocking your success? Start by scheduling a free discovery session by clicking HERE or https://calendly.com/barbaraanne-purposefilledsande/coaching-and-consulting-discovery-session.
Wishing You Success,
Barbara Anne
Founder & Owner
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Meet Our Team

Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, MSEL, PCC, CPC
Founder & Owner
I am a "solutions navigator" who is passionate about helping companies, teams, and individuals find their "why" and core purpose so they can successfully move forward with authenticity to achieve their goals. A seasoned community & economic development and training & coaching professional, I have well over two 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 & Engagement for Cooperative Business Assistance Corporation (CBAC) in Camden, NJ.
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.
Before 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, for-profit, and municipal government arenas.
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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), Association for Talent Development (ATD), Long Covid Alliance, and several, professional and civic organizations.
I am also a black belt in a very traditional form of martial arts, and a member of the International Okinawa Goju-Ryu Kenshi-kai Karate-Jutsu Kobu-Jutsu Association.

Lisa Hilleren, MA, CPTD, AINS, MBTI
Lead Learning 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 wing woman 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sarai Romero
Lead Civility, Inclusion, Equity & Diversity (CIED) Training 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 Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Training Development Consultant, I am leading the overhaul of our inclusion, equity, and diversity training. I started as an intern and I am very happy to be continuing on in this role.
I recently completed my Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Business Administration and General Management at Southern New Hampshire University. I plan on pursuing a career in Human Resources with a focus on creating inclusive environments for non-majority group members.
While I was in school pursuing my degree, I also participated in the Braven Fellowship and have taken various courses that have to do with gender inequality, racial inequality and how to become a company that is more diverse and accepting of the differences that we all have to offer.
My studies ignited a fire in me, and led me to pursue a role in a diversity, equity and inclusion. But in these past few years, we have seen a lot of injustices towards people of color and women. As a result of these events, many companies pledged Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity changes. I want to be part of a company that is committed to the changes that allow for POC, women and the disabled community to have more opportunities for growth, better pay and have a fighting chance for success.
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I am a proud wife and mother of our four-year-old son and currently expecting our second child. I love to read, go on hikes, travel and try different types of food.

Ariel Rankin
Administrative & Engagement 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 Intern. I help with preparation of special events and help represent the company at meetings, training events, and networking engagements, and I occasionally assist with preparing for "What The Why?!? with Barbara Anne." I also helped create the website and updating it. I helped set up all of the company's social media, assist with editing video content, and I sometimes handle other jobs, as assigned.
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. In August 2021, I completed my "Introduction to Statistics" certificate with Stanford University through Coursera - click here to validate my credential. Now that I graduated high school, I plan to pursue a degree in trade and potentially become a plumber.
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My hobbies include all things Anime, singing, yoga, walking, playing online games, and hanging out with friends.
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Click HERE to schedule a FREE Discovery Session and Preliminary Assessment Today!