Darlene T. Carver

Ms. Carver has spent more than 40 years helping humans communicate, collaborate, and generally behave better at work. She’s trained everyone from AstraZeneca to the U.S. Social Security Administration and many others in between.

She founded, ran, and eventually sold her own accredited business school, then launched her boutique consultancy, Merlin & Associates, where she teaches teams how to communicate clearly, solve problems without drama, manage time and stress, and lead without scaring anyone. DISC profiles are her superpower.

She also serves as a career coach for veterans and active-duty military members figuring out what they want to be when they grow up, again, after retirement or separation.

In the community, she’s a former Dean of the NSA-DC Speaker Academy, a fire department volunteer, a two-time SBA Education & Training Advocate of the Year runner‑up (just missed it by "that" much), and co‑author of two books.

She holds a BS in Business Education from the University of Maryland and an MBA from Frostburg State University.

Her favorite pastime? Hanging out with her nine exotic parrots—who are loud, opinionated, and clearly preparing to take over the house.