January 9, 2026: Stepping Out (of Hiding) and Stepping In (To Visibility)

Gayle Petrillo was born and raised in Albany, New York. Gayle has called Tucson home for 27 years. She is a coach, author and speaker.

Gayle’s 35+ year career focused on healthcare leadership roles. She managed hospital departments, served as Director of HR for a large medical group, was Director of Physician Operations for a hospital system, as well as Executive Director for a multi-specialty medical practice. Over the years, she has witnessed amazingly good, as well as bad and ugly leadership and communications.

In 2017 Gayle launched First Impressions, an image consulting and career coaching firm. Her philosophy: “We never get a second opportunity to make that all important first impression.” She coaches clients to strengthen their confidence, communication, and professional presence.

As a young girl Gayle was accidentally burned. The physical and emotional scars have lasted a lifetime. In her first book, The Accident, and its Spanish counterpart, El Accidente, she shares how she overcame fears, phobias and body image issues, turning obstacles into positive outcomes.

Her memoir, Becoming Visible: Overcoming Trauma-Based Fears, Phobias and Self-Doubt closes the loop by talking openly about surviving not only a burn injury as a toddler, but also domestic abuse, stalking, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Becoming Visible was published in April 2025 and offers a powerful voice to those healing from trauma through small, steady acts of bravery rather than dramatic transformation.

Gayle serves as Board Chair for the American Red Cross of Southern Arizona and volunteers with the Arizona Burn Foundation.

Some scenes from our January 9 meeting.