Allison K. Hamm, ThD, ACC

Coach ・ Author・Teacher

Welcome.

Allison Hamm is a leadership and presence coach whose work centers on how we make meaning of our experiences to craft purposeful and fulfilling lives. She is an ICF-certified core practitioner of Presence-Based Coaching, weaving rigorous intellectual inquiry into mindfulness-based attention training and somatic awareness to support clients in building their capacity to see their situation with new eyes and act accordingly. She thrives at the intersection of theory and praxis, integrating deep reflection with practical action.

She is also an author and independent scholar. With an education in biblical and theological studies (MDiv, ThD), she teaches and consults at Duke Divinity School, exploring the role of language and interpretation in human development in her scholarly writing. Her forthcoming book Leviticus as Discourse (Pickwick Publications, 2025) is a theoretical and exegetical study of the role of discourse in the priestly literature of the Hebrew Bible and its ongoing significance for contemporary readers. These interests find purchase in her coaching as it is informed by adult development and narrative coaching.

And she’s also a musician. A classically trained pianist and violinist, Allison has performed as a soloist, led ensembles, and taught lessons for over twenty years. Her musical background infuses her coaching and scholarship with a deep appreciation for the value of persistent practice, listening to the parts within the whole, and improvising in the moment.

  • “Allison is passionate about individual growth and success and exhibits a genuine interest in helping people. Her encouragement and support helped me embrace my weaknesses, discover my potential, and take courageous steps toward progress.”

    —Lois Y., Duke University

  • “In my work with Allison, I was struck by the intensity of her presence — an intensity that helped enliven the space and call me into a wakefulness of my own experience.

    Allison has a gift for asking just the right question in both a kind and provocative way that helps me see a situation in a new light. She is both precise and warm, a rare combination in the coaching world today.”

    —Halleluiah S., Leadership Development Consultant at Presbyterian Healthcare; Santa Fe, NM

  • “Now in my second master’s degree, I’ve studied under a lot of teachers. Dr. Hamm’s ability to pay attention to the needs of her students and tailor a rigorous yet non-competitive learning environment to support individual growth is exceptional, and demonstrates her commitment to providing the best and most productive learning experience possible.”

    —Logan J., Duke University

  • “Working with Allison has been a beautiful experience. I always feel very seen and heard during our time together. Her presence and support, paired with a unique ability to always see the bigger picture, has helped me understand my situation in ways I had never thought of.”

    —Abby H., Somatic Coach & Marketing Consultant; Guatemala

  • “Navigating graduate school has been strenuous and challenging, to say the least. During this great season of change, I knew I could depend on Allison for wisdom and thoughtful advice that was tailored to my needs. Allison strengthened a new sense of agency in me, and thanks to her attentive guidance I feel more empowered as a human being. “

    —Natasha A., Duke University

  • “Working with Dr. Hamm meant abundant independence paired with faithful, thoughtful support. Because of her early and consistent calls to determine WHY this work was valuable to me and HOW I would measure my own progress, I knew what my end goals were and what kind of commitment was necessary to achieve them. Every step of the process necessitated my active participation, but I never felt overwhelmed, nor did I lack faith in achieving my aims. I attribute this to the structured approach that Dr. Hamm provided for my process, as well as her open and practical attitude that allowed space for questioning, for frustration, and even for celebration.”

    —Allison T., Duke University

  • “As my professor during my graduate studies, it was evident that Dr. Hamm’s engagement with me and my peers went beyond the role of instructor. Her broader perspective prompted me to hone my skill as a writer and scholar while also nurturing my growing edges.”

    —Esther H., Interim Executive Director of Presbyterian Campus Ministries; Duke University

  • “Allison’s constant encouragement and unwavering prompting toward improvement helped me reach my goals. Her clear style of communication and true desire to see me succeed made her guidance invaluable.”

    —Amy B., Duke University