MY STORY

As you’re exploring options on your life’s journey, I’d like to share a bit about my own journey and how I came to be a coach and teacher of Positive Psychology and Resilience.76809082-small

Career
I began my career as a psychiatric nurse, helping individuals with mental health issues, as well as working with the aging population. My years of nursing formed the bedrock for all my future life experiences, both professionally and personally…once a nurse always a nurse.

Later I joined the business world, serving as Director of Product Marketing for a national wholesaler of medical products. This role allowed me to bring my communication expertise and social skills to a male dominated field. The highlight for me was leading the marketing team, helping us all rise to be our best and enjoy pursuing shared goals.

Since that time I’ve served in various volunteer roles: helping the homeless and raising funds for cancer research. I also took on a teaching role instructing first-time adult alpine skiers. My love of the outdoors made this a once-in-a-lifetime experience—teaching adults and trying to allay their fears/anxieties about skiing, while immersed in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

Recently, I completed the Certificate in Positive Psychology program through WholeBeing Institute, taught by leading author/speaker Tal Ben-Shahar. I’m also trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, having studied with founder and internationally known expert Jon Kabat-Zinn, and am certified as a Positive Psychology Coach. At the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, I served as a teaching assistant to Maria Sirois, Psy.D., for an empowering program called “Crafting the Resilient Life.”

Throughout my various pursuits, I believe it’s my ability to connect with people and build relationships that forms the basis of my success. I love people and believe we have much to share and learn from one another.

Personal
In my personal life I’ve been the family nurse, nurturing and caring for those I love who faced serious illnesses, including caring for my mother during her final years. Witnessing and sharing these challenging times showed me the depth of our inner resilience. It also led me to explore the field of Positive Psychology.

As an avid outdoor enthusiast, I love gardening, walking in the woods with my beloved dog Stitch, skiing, biking, hiking, and sailing.

Sailing has taught me some of the most practical lessons of life and resilience.

Sailing is a lot like life. No two sailing expeditions are ever alike—the wind, the tide, the surf, and the crew all play a part in the overall experience…just as no two days are alike. Some factors are in our control; many are not. We navigate and adjust course to meet our objectives. And sometimes when we least expect them, rough seas or storms challenge us.

I look forward to working with you to develop the resilience to maintain the wind in your sails, set your course and weather life’s inevitable storms.

gitsmall