Meet Our Coaches

Rowell Mariano is an award-winning talent development professional, international speaker, and communication coach whose mission is to help individuals lead with authenticity and express their fullest potential. He has built a training institution rooted in authenticity, purpose, and personal development. With a rich background in talent management, learning and development, and coaching, Rowell has guided individuals—from professionals to public figures—in discovering their voice, clarifying their intentions, and stepping into their potential.

Known for his ability to draw out deep insights from everyday experiences, Rowell specializes in communication coaching, presence-building, and values-based leadership. His training sessions are recognized for being structured yet soulful—combining practical frameworks with reflective activities that empower learners to show up with clarity, empathy, and strength. He has coached executives, politicians, celebrities, pageant candidates, media personalities, and professionals from various industries, including frontliners and blue-collar workers—all with one core message: “Be amazing. Be you.”

He is a Commissioner and Global Liaison for the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), where he supports the advancement of high-quality continuing education on a global scale. Rowell is also the author of Will it FIT? a guide for training professionals and enthusiasts—a trusted resource for facilitators and learning leaders seeking to create meaningful, outcome-driven training experiences.

As a trusted consultant and trainer, Rowell has served as a resource speaker for government institutions, private companies, and international organizations—designing and delivering programs that are as engaging as they are transformational. At Talent Academy International, he continues to champion growth that is intentional, expressive, and deeply human.

April Salonga is a certified training facilitator and learning strategist with a deep commitment to helping people learn smarter, faster, and more meaningfully. With years of experience in designing and delivering capability-building programs, she specializes in translating complex concepts into engaging and actionable learning that drives results.

Formerly the Training Manager for Integrated Quality Management Systems at Hyundai, April brings real-world expertise from high-performance environments where precision, structure, and people development go hand in hand. She is certified by the Philippine Society for Talent Development (PSTD) and is known for her ability to strike the perfect balance between rigor and fun in her training sessions.

April’s signature style is grounded, energizing, and highly relatable. Whether she’s facilitating a session on leadership, workplace communication, or personal effectiveness, she brings insight, empathy, and infectious positivity. Her sessions are infused with practical tools, reflection exercises, and her signature “fun magnet” personality—making learning both enjoyable and effective. Her training programs are widely praised for being learner-centered, interactive, and designed for lasting impact.

At Talent Academy International, April helps learners develop the skills and mindset to thrive in today’s modern workplace. She champions growth that is practical, personal, and empowering—supporting individuals and teams to perform with confidence and clarity.

Arvy Villamarzo is an internationally certified professional coach, HR leader, and learning facilitator with over 30 years of experience in training, talent management, and talent acquisition. As the former President of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Philippines, Arvy brings both global coaching standards and deep local insights into every engagement—supporting individuals and teams in achieving personal clarity, professional growth, and strategic alignment.

He is certified to administer and interpret a wide range of personality and leadership assessments including Gallup StrengthsFinder, MBTI, DISC, EQ, FIRO-B, and Hogan, allowing him to guide clients through rich self-awareness and development journeys. His ability to blend diagnostics with action planning makes him a sought-after coach for executives, team leaders, and cross-functional groups.

Arvy is also a licensed facilitator of transformative learning programs such as The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Crucial Conversations, which he delivers with relevance, humility, and impact. With a strong foundation as an HR practitioner, he has spent decades designing leadership pipelines, implementing learning strategies, and equipping leaders across industries to succeed in dynamic, high-pressure environments.

At Talent Academy International, Arvy serves as a coach and mentor to both individuals and leadership teams—helping them build trust, communicate better, and lead with authenticity and intention.

Meleena Santos is a soulful and genre-blending vocal artist whose music reflects both technical excellence and deep emotional expression. As one of the original coaches of Talent Academy from its early beginnings as a live-streamed singing competition, Meleena has mentored countless aspiring singers in finding their voice—both literally and artistically.

Her sound is a captivating fusion of Neo-Soul, RnB, Soul Jazz, and Funk, inspired by icons like Yebba, JoJo, Billie Holiday, and Erykah Badu. Meleena is celebrated for her expressive delivery, fluid vocal runs, and ability to convey raw vulnerability on stage. Her career highlights include winning I Can See Your Voice, becoming a four-time defending champion on Tawag ng Tanghalan, and securing a Top 7 spot in The Clash 2024. She has also appeared in Asia’s Got Talent Season 3 and performed on various platforms such as Indie Voices PH, Net25 Letters and Music, and Daily Tribune Friday Mixer.

At Talent Academy International, Meleena coaches singers and performers to go beyond technique. She helps them access their emotional truth, connect with lyrics, and deliver performances that resonate with authenticity. Her coaching style is intuitive, soulful, and affirming—perfect for those who want to express themselves not just as vocalists, but as artists.

Dwin Araza is a versatile performer, singer-songwriter, and coach with a compelling presence both on and off the stage. As one of the original coaches of Talent Academy during its live-streamed competition era, Dwin has helped shape the journey of many emerging artists by guiding them through the craft of vocal performance, audience engagement, and stage readiness.

He gained national recognition for his hit single “143 (Friend Zone)” under VIVA Records and previously rose to prominence as a member of the hip-hop group Juan Rhyme, known for the 2014 track “Sana’y Pagbigyan.” His work reflects a unique blend of lyrical storytelling, vocal edge, and urban rhythm. Beyond music, Dwin is also an experienced event host, having led prestigious events such as the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards in the Philippines and Malaysia, as well as corporate celebrations with personalities like Giselle Sanchez and Tuesday Vargas.

Dwin’s artistic range extends into television, with appearances in ABS-CBN series including Darna (2022) as Juanito, High Street (2024) as Gerald, and Saving Grace (2025) as Mr. Santos. His cross-disciplinary experience allows him to coach learners on everything from mic technique to on-camera presence.

At Talent Academy International, Dwin inspires performers to own their spotlight—developing not only their voice and presence, but also the confidence to perform with intention and impact.

Ron Gohel is a classically trained stage performer and vocal artist whose passion for the arts is matched only by his depth of performance. As one of the original coaches of Talent Academy, Ron has been instrumental in nurturing emerging talents in voice, theater, and expressive storytelling since the platform’s inception.

With a degree in Broadcast Communication from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Ron combines academic discipline with a magnetic stage presence. His body of work includes standout performances in Pedro: Awit at Indak, the poetic musical Mula Sa Buwan, and the Broadway hit #KinkyBootsMNL by Atlantis Theatrical. His international accolades include multiple medals at the 20th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Long Beach, California, and a scholarship grant from the New York Film Academy—testament to his excellence on a global stage.

At Talent Academy International, Ron coaches aspiring performers in vocal dynamics, stage movement, acting technique, and character immersion. His sessions are both disciplined and creative—providing learners with the technical tools and emotional grounding to perform with clarity, confidence, and soul.

Dr. Barbara R. Primm is a highly regarded consultant, educator, and nonprofit strategist with decades of experience in organizational development, continuing education, and social impact leadership. She is known for her work with nonprofits, schools, and training providers who aim to scale their reach, secure funding, and elevate the quality of their learning initiatives.

Dr. Primm holds a Doctorate in Instructional Leadership (Andragogy), an MBA from Lindenwood University, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from North Central University. She is a Commissioner for the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), where she plays a leading role in helping institutions design high-quality learning experiences aligned with global standards. She is also an expert in grant writing, and frequently leads strategy workshops for organizations seeking sustainable growth and impact.

She made history in public service as the first Black female officer assigned to the Evidence Technician Division of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department—paving the way for inclusion and representation in law enforcement.

At Talent Academy International, Dr. Primm supports professionals, nonprofit leaders, and educators in building scalable programs, achieving accreditation, and crafting winning grant proposals. Her coaching is practical, empowering, and built on a lifetime of service and results.