There’s rarely a straight path from point A to point B. And truthfully, I’ve often found myself wondering, Why did it take me so long to get here? But with time and reflection, I’ve come to understand that the journey isn’t supposed to be linear.
It’s made up of all kinds of terrain—moments that feel like progress, others that feel like standing still, and seasons where the direction isn’t entirely clear. There have been detours I didn’t expect, slow stretches that tested my patience, and moments of clarity that reminded me why I started in the first place.
Every step—whether smooth or uncertain—has shaped me. It’s in those in-between places that I’ve done some of the most meaningful growth. And while it hasn’t always been easy, it’s been real, and it’s been mine.
I’ve known from a young age that I was meant to teach, lead, and—perhaps to my own peril—guide others through complex systems. In the world of academia, that sometimes felt less like herding cats and more like herding peacocks. Still, I was drawn to it. I’ve always been curious about people—their motivations, their inner landscapes. I was often the one others turned to in times of crisis, which naturally led me toward social work.
Looking back, I can see how intentional I’ve been—sometimes consciously, sometimes not—in shaping my strengths into meaningful work. Not long after graduate school, I found myself in higher education: teaching, leading programs, and practicing social work in real time. For two decades, I navigated the slow-yet-constant evolution of that world, growing alongside it.
Then came COVID. Like many, I was pushed to pause and reflect. I began to question where I was, and more importantly, where I wanted to go. I noticed a pattern: I was often asked to step into challenging spaces, to bring calm and clarity when things were uncertain. I’d also witnessed many people facing deep transitions, and I felt a strong pull to support them in moving forward—intentionally and with purpose.
I realized that while I had experience in leadership, navigating complexity, and social work there was a missing piece: a framework for co-partnering with others that was present and future focused. That insight led me to pursue coaching certification—a step that felt both intuitive and essential.
In 2021, I completed an International Coaching Federation (ICF)-certified coaching program and became a certified coach. That same year, I launched my life and leadership coaching and consulting practice, focusing on supporting women through significant life transitions—career changes, marriage and divorce, mid-life shifts, and leadership development. These are complex, deeply personal moments, and I felt called to create a space where women could explore them with intention and support.
In the spring of 2022, I transitioned into a new role within the university, leading faculty development efforts—work that now includes coaching as a central component. Coaching quickly became the missing link for me. As both a client and a coach, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be. The emphasis on being present, looking forward, asking powerful questions, and building accountability offers a framework that’s both practical and deeply human.
For those of you reading this who also work in helping professions, especially social work, I want to say this: social work gave me an incredible foundation. It taught me how to hold space, how to listen, and how to support people through hard things. Coaching has built on that foundation—and taken it further. It’s expanded my understanding of what’s possible for people when they are given the coaching structure.
Coaching is life-changing. I tell my clients often: there is another side. Another version of the story. An ending that hasn’t been written yet. And the beautiful thing is—you get to be the one to write it!
Learn more about me on our About Us page.
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