Meet Channelle Charest: Our Growth Minded Empath
If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my career, it’s that no experience is wasted. Every role I’ve taken on—whether in the corporate world, the non-profit space, or my own artistic ventures—has led me to the next, each one shaping the way I see growth, connection, and opportunity. My path hasn’t been traditional, but that’s what makes it exciting. I’ve had the chance to wear a lot of different hats, and now, as the Program Director & Strategic Advisor at Solomon Advising, I get to bring it all together in a way that truly aligns with who I am and what I love to do.
From Startups to Art Therapy and Everything in Between
My background is a bit of a mix, to say the least. Most recently, I spent a year as an Art Therapy Day Program Director for adults with developmental disabilities—a program I helped open nearly 15 years ago. It was incredibly rewarding to return to something I was a part of from the very beginning, witnessing how much it had grown and evolved. Before that, I was part of a tech startup, joining as employee number 49 and helping build it into a company with over 1,000 employees and 10 locations across the country.
Along the way, I’ve worked in legal, non-profit, government finance, commercial real estate, and marketing, while always gravitating toward roles focused on business development and growth. I love big-picture thinking—figuring out how to take an idea and turn it into something tangible, whether that’s scaling an operation, expanding a team, or refining a strategy to make it more effective.
What Growth Means to Me
At Solomon Advising, my job is all about growth—both in the literal sense of helping businesses scale and in the deeper sense of supporting people as they reach new milestones. Growth is more than just hitting numbers or expanding operations (though those things matter). It’s about finding smart, sustainable ways to evolve while staying true to your core mission.
One of the best ways I’ve learned to accomplish this is by listening, like really listening. It’s something that pays off both professionally and personally. Understanding what people care about, what motivates them, and where they want to go is a key component to translating ideas into action. I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can encourage, create, and elevate, and I see that same spirit at Solomon.
Excited for What’s Ahead
Having seen what Jen and her team have done so far, I’m incredibly excited about what Solomon Advising can accomplish, not just for ourselves but for our clients. I love working alongside people who are passionate about what they do, who think creatively to solve problems, and who genuinely care about making an impact. Seeing our clients achieve big wins while doing meaningful work is what makes this job fulfilling.
At the end of the day, my goal here is simple: to help Solomon Advising and our clients reach the next level, to make a meaningful impact, and to enjoy the process along the way. I’m excited to be part of this team, and I look forward to seeing what we can build together.
Outside of work, you can usually find me tattooing, spending time with friends and family over a great meal, or just enjoying a good laugh. I’m always working toward better balance in life (an ongoing journey, for sure), and someday, I’d love to learn how to surf—because why not keep adding to the list of adventures?!
At Solomon Advising, we help mental health practices and professional services firms turn growth into lasting success. Whether you're scaling your business, optimizing operations, or refining your marketing strategy, our expert guidance helps ensure your next steps are built for long-term impact. Ready to take your business further? Let’s create a roadmap for sustainable success—connect with us today.