Optimizing AP Laboratories Through Specialized Leadership Coaching Services

My AP Lab Leader Wayfinder Program will help new Anatomic Pathology leaders create sustainable systems and leadership strategies so that they can operate effective laboratories and lead with confidence.

Get Exclusive Updates, Plus a Look at What’s Next!

Are You A New AP Leader...

who wants to start on a sound foundation with leadership development?

Are You Not AP Specialized...

and are responsible for overseeing and/or providing Quality Assurance for an Anatomic Pathology Laboratory?

Are You Seeking Advisement...

that is not offered by your organization on effective  leadership and operational improvement strategies?

Are You In Need Of Coaching From A...

seasoned and relatable advisor who understands your needs and the demands of an Anatomic Pathology Laboratory?

About Melissa

Hi there! I'm Melissa Thompson, founder of Thompson AP Lab Optimization Services LLC. ASCP certified in Medical Laboratory Technology and Cytotechnology, I have over 30 years’ experience, specializing in Anatomic Pathology. My areas of expertise include:

● Leadership Coaching and Team Development

● Cytology and Histology Operations

● Regulatory Inspection Readiness

● Lean and Total Quality Management

● Efficient Workflow Systems

● And more...

I have walked in your shoes and understand the challenges and opportunities that come with leading an Anatomic Pathology Laboratory. I have always been a highly engaged leader, passionate and committed to serving others. This passion and commitment were the driving force in forming my coaching business with the signature AP Lab Leader Wayfinder Program™. As a Certified Professional Development and High Performance Coach, I designed this coachsulting program to collaborate with lab leaders like yourself on attaining leadership and operational goals.

Why Choose TALO?

Expertise

Gain insights from a seasoned Anatomic Pathology Lab professional through personal coaching.

Clarity

Receive a jargon free, straightforward approach to leadership development, process improvement, and other essential concepts. 

Results Driven

TALO Services is committed to tangible results that lead to sustained personal and professional growth.

Privacy

Your journey is a private space for self reflection and improvement. TALO Services does not require nor will ask to disclose your place of business.

Leadership Coaching Services with the AP Lab Leader Wayfinder Program™

 "Wayfinders don’t just navigate—they empower others to find their own compass, fostering courage and vision in every step of the journey."

What Does The Wayfinder Program Offer?

The AP Lab Leader Wayfinder Program™ provides a unique blend of personalized leadership coaching and strategic consulting, utilizing the signature TALO Crosswalks Method. By partnering with you, I’ll provide the tools, insights, and actionable strategies to help you lead more effectively, optimize lab performance, and implement sustainable improvement strategies. Learn more about the different packages we offer below!

WAYFINDER

BLITZ

The Wayfinder Blitz is an 8-session coaching engagement designed to help you quickly gain clarity, confidence, and momentum. Whether you're new to your lab, transitioning into a management position, or taking over a department in need of direction, this program provides a focused roadmap for your first critical months.

$1,200

• 8 Session Engagement

• 4 Full and 4 Mini Sessions

• Unlimited Email Access During Engagement*

• Wayfinder Reflections™ Insights

• Flexible Payment Options

WAYFINDER

COMPREHENSIVE

This is TALO Services’ complete coachsulting program—a 24-session, high-impact engagement designed to empower you as a lab leader and elevate your organization. Throughout the program, we combine leadership coaching with strategic lab consulting to help you develop confidence, clarity, and direction. This holistic approach not only supports your personal growth as a leader but also drives long-term operational excellence across your lab.

$3,600

• 24 Session Engagement

• 12 Full and 12 Mini Sessions

• Unlimited Email Access During Engagement*

• Wayfinder Reflections™ Insights

• Flexible Payment Options

WAYFINDER

READINESS

This targeted coaching engagement is designed specifically to prepare your lab for regulatory and accreditation inspections. With a strong focus on compliance, documentation, and operational precision, Wayfinder Readiness equips lab leaders with the tools, confidence, and strategies needed for a successful inspection experience.

$800

• 2 Session Engagement

• 1 Full and 1 Mini Session

• Unlimited Email and Text Access During Engagement*

• Wayfinder Reflections™ Insights

WAYFINDER

ADVISORY

TALO Services won’t leave you hanging. Once all of the engagement work is complete, keep up the momentum with the Wayfinder Advisory program. This offers continued support while you implement your goal objectives and sustainability practices. This program can also be utilized as a standalone product. For the standalone option, book an Insight Call for more details.

$175/month

• Monthly Subscription

• Unlimited Email and Text Access While Subscribed*

• Call In Access During TALO Office Hours

*Response is within 48 business hours. Prior notification will be provided during non-business/vacation times.

Ready for coaching?

COMING SOON

Introducing the AP LAB SAVVY Membership!

The AP Lab Savvy Membership is an exclusive, ongoing support and development program design specifically for Cytology and Histology leaders. It combines coaching, tools, community, and on-demand resources to help you grow your leadership capacity and elevate your lab’s performance.

What’s Included in the Membership?

Monthly Q&A Session

Get guidance through real-world lab challenges - from staffing issues and inspection readiness, to process improvement and team development.

Mini Trainings & Courses

Monthly live or recorded sessions covering topics like leadership development, Lean methodology, inspection readiness, team coaching, and performance management.

On-Demand Tools & Templates

Checklists, audit prep tools, coaching exercises, and organization tools- all designed to save time and elevate your operations.

Support and Discussion Groups

Join a growing network of AP lab leaders navigating similar pressures. Ask questions, share ideas, and learn from others in a supportive and enjoyable environment.

Why Join? It’s simple. Managing a lab is complex and often isolating—this membership gives you the support, tools, and professional connections you need to thrive.

Get Exclusive Updates and Buzz about TALO’s

AP Lab Savvy Membership.

Ready To Embark On Your Optimization Journey?

Click below and book an Insight Call to learn more about what TALO Services can do for you.

TALO FAQs

  • DescriCoachsulting is a unique service representing a hybrid approach of coaching and consulting. It integrates the personalized guidance of coaching with strategic insights and challenge-solving expertise of consulting. This dual approach ensures that both you and your lab are aligned for success.

  • The length of the program can vary based on your specific needs and goals. TALO Services offers packages from short term engagements that focus on a specific challenge to long term engagements for continuous leadership and operational development.

  • The AP Lab Leader Wayfinder Program is ideal for Anatomic Pathology lab supervisors, managers, and directors from all aspects of the operation.

  • Yes, we do! There are customized payment plans for short term and comprehensive engagements. For more details, please schedule an Insight call.

  • Some common areas that can be addressed include:

    • Leadership development and management skills

    • Workflow and process optimization

    • Challenge solving and decision making

    • Quality and process improvement strategies

    And more….

  • To get started, schedule a complimentary Insight call. We’ll get acquainted and perform a needs and goals assessment. Based on this, a tailored coachsulting plan will be created that aligns with your objectives.