About Us

Redefining What It Means to Drink Mindfully

At AFicioNAdo™, we believe in the power of choice — the freedom to enjoy world-class beverages without alcohol, and without compromise. We're here for bartenders, beverage professionals, and curious drinkers who want to elevate their expertise in the evolving world of alcohol-free and cannabis-infused drinks.

Founded by passionate experts in hospitality, education, and wellness, our mission is to provide meaningful certification and training programs that empower professionals to thrive in this fast-growing industry.

We’re proud to be the world’s first alcohol-free and non-alcoholic adult beverage certification program — created by industry leaders for industry leaders. Whether you’re already in the beverage world or just getting started, we’ll help you stand out, speak with confidence, and shape the future of mindful drinking culture.

Why We Started

It wasn’t just about business. It was about making room for new voices, new choices, and a better beverage culture. As alcohol-free options rise in popularity, there’s a growing need for serious training, representation, and innovation. We saw bartenders, beverage pros, and wellness advocates asking for guidance — and we answered.

We created AFicioNAdo™ to fill a gap: offering credible, inclusive education and certification that celebrates flavor, quality, and intention. Our goal is to champion a new standard of excellence and ensure that mindful drinking isn't just a trend — it's a respected part of the beverage industry.

Our Mission

We are here to educate non-alcoholic adult beverage professionals and enthusiasts and grow the category, supporting a movement of people who want flavorful alternatives and great drinking experiences.

Our Programs

Our Founders

Meagen Coester, MBA
Founder + CEO of AFicioNAdo™ Certification Program

Coester has lived a zero-proof lifestyle since 2020 and is passionate about elevating the category and reducing stigma around alcohol-free and non-alcoholic (AFNA™) adult beverages. With an MBA in Sustainable Business and 20 years in CPG, Coester’s experience includes national beer education at Boston Beer Company and global hops sales roles with Kalsec and NZ Hops Ltd. Coester is currently the On-Premise and Training Lead and Director of Easy Man (delta 9 THC beverage) for Go Brewing in Naperville, IL—one of the fastest-growing breweries specializing in non-alcoholic beer and functional beverage. A Certified Cicerone® and BJCP judge, Coester has completed 140+ hours of in-person beer sensory training and has consulted for breweries, cannabis beverage producers, and hop startups.

Leigh Gall
Co-Founder, Cannabis Beverage Certified™

Leigh Gall (she/her) is an energetic sales executive with 20 years’ experience. She started by blazing a trail at the Boston Beer Company. After leaving Boston Beer, Leigh went on to a role as community marketing manager for RaceTrac Petroleum. Most recently she held the title of vice president of sales at TUPPS Brewery, overseeing multiple states, a sales team, and national accounts, while working alongside production and marketing. Leigh now leads Happi THC seltzer as vice president of sales, working with distributors and retailers nationwide. Leigh has a passion for growing education and awareness for this quickly growing category, inspiring her to co-create this exam and collaborate with many industry experts in the cannabis beverage industry. By helping to normalize and de-stigmatize cannabis for consumers and businesses, she hopes that both can mutually benefit from what cannabis has to offer.

Rachel Martin
Founder & CEO, Oceano Wines
Co-Founder & Program Author, AFNA Wine Certified™

With a background in viticulture, sensory science, and hospitality, Rachel Martin has spent over 20 years pushing the boundaries of modern wine. Trained in enology at Napa Valley College and the University of Bordeaux, she has blended technical expertise with a passion for innovation—launching premium nonalcoholic and low-alcohol wines that highlight true terroir. From helping define the Middleburg Virginia AVA to crafting award-winning wines on California’s coast, her work reflects a deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and mindful drinking. Her contributions have been recognized by Forbes, Bloomberg, Food & Wine, and more. She is also a frequent speaker at industry events focused on the future of wine and consumer trends.