Frequently Asked Questions

Coaching is an intentional, non-hierarchical partnership designed to foster personal and professional growth. It’s grounded in the belief that you are whole, capable, and resourceful. Through coaching, you are invited to step into your potential, exploring your inner landscape and uncovering the insights that lead to meaningful change.

This process is often described as working from the “INSIGHT-OUT,” meaning that as you gain clarity and self-awareness, your actions naturally begin to align with your goals and values. Whether you’re seeking clarity in your career, working through a life transition, or simply striving to be your best most resilient self, coaching helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.

"The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the leading global organization for coaches and coaching. ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals."

ICF defines coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership."

Learn more about The International Coaching Federation

Each level reflects increasing experience and mastery in coaching!

1. ACC (Associate Certified Coach):

• Entry-level certification.

• Requires 60 hours of coach training and 100 hours of coaching experience.

2. PCC (Professional Certified Coach):

• Mid-level certification.

• Requires 125 hours of coach training and 500 hours of coaching experience.

3. MCC (Master Certified Coach):

• Highest-level certification.

• Requires 200 hours of coach training and 2,500 hours of coaching experience.

• 10 hours of mentor coaching.

• Pass a rigorous skills review showing mastery.

The short answer is: no. You are fully capable of getting where you want to go on your own. But, having intentional, focused support from an intuitive, trained, experienced and compassionate partner—someone who will challenge and encourage you—can help you reach your destination faster and in a way that feels more empowering and sustainable.

Coaching isn’t about giving you answers or telling you what to do. It’s about walking alongside you, helping you see new perspectives, and supporting you in attaining own goals and vision. With a coach, you don’t just reach your goals; you grow exponentially through the process and gain insights that you can apply to all areas of your life.

If you're ready to go deep, discover or uncover what’s been hiding, and make real changes in your life, a coach who’s unconditionally on your side and isn’t afraid to challenge you can help you get there faster, while also being present with where you are.

Consider coaching if this sounds like you:

- You feel stuck or at a crossroads: Unsure of your next step in life, work, or relationships.

- You have a vision but need direction: You know what you want but need help creating actionable steps.

- You crave accountability: A coach helps you stay focused and on track.

- You’re navigating a transition: Career, life stage, or personal shifts feel overwhelming.

- You want emotional resilience: Managing stress, building confidence, and self-awareness are your focus.

- You’re ready to challenge limiting beliefs: Coaching helps you identify and break through the thoughts that hold you back.What Does a Coach Offer?

Coaching doesn’t provide answers—it helps you find them.

Together, we’ll:

- Gain clarity on what truly matters to you.

- Feel supported through life’s challenges with a trusted partner.

- Take action that leads to meaningful, lasting change.

How Coaching Works

Coaching is client-led and coach-supported. As your coach, my role is to ask powerful questions, offer reflections, and help you create a plan of action that aligns with your values. Together, we co-create a safe space for exploration, where you can:

• Gain new perspectives on old patterns.

• Identify and challenge limiting beliefs.

• Tap into your innate creativity and resourcefulness.

• Take actionable steps toward your desired outcomes.

In each session, you set the agenda based on what is most important to you at that moment. Whether you’re seeking short-term support or embarking on a longer journey, coaching is a dynamic and flexible process that evolves with your needs.

Learn more about how I work.

That’s such a relatable question, and it’s true—coaching has become quite popular!

Why is Everyone and Their Mother a Coach?

It might feel like every time you turn around, someone new is calling themselves a coach, and you’re not wrong! Coaching has exploded in popularity in recent years, partly because people recognize the power of having a supportive partner to help them grow.

There is a “wild wild west” of coaching out thre. It’s still an unregulated industry, which means anyone can hang out a "coach" sign. However, that doesn’t mean every coach is the right fit for you—or even qualified to guide you through significant personal or professional growth. It’s important to choose wisely.

- People Want Change: Coaching taps into the growing desire for personal development, self-awareness, and a deeper sense of fulfillment in life and work.

What Should I Look for in a Coach?

With so many coaches out there, finding the right one for you can feel overwhelming. Here are some key things to consider:

1. Training and Credentials: Look for a coach who has gone through a reputable certification program, ideally one accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Credentials like ACC, PCC, or MCC signal that the coach has met certain training and experience standards.

2. Experience: While certification is important, real-world coaching experience is key. Ask how long they’ve been coaching, who they typically work with, and what kind of results they’ve helped clients achieve. A coach who has worked through life transitions, career changes, or personal challenges themselves can often bring deeper empathy and insight to their practice.

3. Chemistry and Connection: Coaching is a partnership. Finding someone you feel comfortable with, someone you can trust is crucial. Do they really listen? Do they challenge you in a way that feels supportive?

4. Coaching Philosophy: Different coaches have different approaches. Some are more action-oriented, while others focus on reflection and insight. Find out if the coach’s methods resonate with your needs. For example, do they believe in empowering you to find your own answers (as good coaches do), or are they giving advice and acting like a consultant?

5. Specialization: Some coaches focus on specific areas like executive coaching, life transitions, or emotional resilience. If you have a specific goal, it can be helpful to find a coach who specializes in that area. On the other hand, if you’re seeking broader personal growth, you might prefer a coach with a holistic approach.

6. Testimonials and Referrals: Look for reviews or testimonials from previous clients. Hearing about others’ experiences can give you a sense of how the coach works and what outcomes you might expect. Referrals from friends, colleagues, or other professionals can also be a great way to find a trustworthy coach.

7. Your Readiness: A coach isn’t a magic fix. You need to be ready to engage, do the inner work, and take action. A good coach will hold you accountable, but the results are a partnership. So, also consider where you are on your journey—are you ready to take ownership of your growth?

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Bottom Line: Coaching is a powerful tool when you find the right fit. Don’t be swayed by fancy titles or Instagram followers. Instead, look for a coach who combines solid credentials, real-world experience, and a genuine connection to help you reach your goals in a way that feels authentic and empowering.

In a Nutshell:

What sets me apart as a coach is the deep well of experience I bring to every session. With over 4,500 hours of professional coaching since 2008, I walked and continue to walk the path of professional and personal transformation.  I hold the Master Certified Coach (MCC) designation with the ICF and am committed to the ongoing development of the profession and the importance of ethics in the field.

Drawing on my extensive experience and personal journey, I bring compassion, intuition, deep listening, and a commitment to best coaching practices to our work. I’ve lived through life’s messy transitions—navigating career shifts, overcoming depression and anxiety, finding joy in unexpected paths,—and I use those experiences to meet you exactly where you are.

Coaching with me means having a partner who understands life's complexity and is committed to helping you access your most resilient self, even when the road feels uncertain. We’ll work together to create a plan that feels authentic to who you are and where you want to go.

The Longer Story:

My interest in the coaching field began when I learned about it in 2004. Had I heard of it sooner, I would have chosen this right out of college! My transition from a successful career as an educator and yoga teacher to becoming a coach was not a sudden leap but a journey years in the making. This rich tapestry of experience has given me a profound understanding of the human condition, allowing me to connect deeply with clients from all walks of life.

I’ve faced and overcome significant obstacles— battling and conquering debilitating depression and anxiety, managing a career transition, moving countries and communties, navigating the complexities of marrying later in life, step-parenthood and coming to terms with infertility.

Accepting that raising biological children wasn’t meant to be was a challenging journey. Still, it led me to the incredible blessing of celebrating 10 years of marriage to my love,” who almost got away,” and helping to raise his two wonderful children. These experiences have not only enriched my life but have also deeply informed my coaching practice. I understand what it means to struggle, to persevere, and to ultimately thrive, and I bring that hard-earned compassion and wisdom to every client relationship.

Clients often tell me they feel truly seen and understood because of my ability to be totally non-judgmental and the diversity of challenging life experiences I have faced. My lived experience enables me to offer a level of compassion, insight, and presence that goes beyond textbook coaching. I am committed to walking alongside my clients and practicing the strategies and principles I offer to them. I’m walking shoulder-to-shoulder" supporting them to navigate life’s complexities authentically and humbly.

I am committed to lifelong learning and continually invest in my growth to better serve my clients. I believe in being transparent about my own journey (always when and where appropriate and with permission), always acknowledging that I, too, am "a work in progress." This honesty fosters a deep, genuine connection with my clients, who appreciate that I am not just a guide but a fellow traveler on the path to growth and transformation.

In addition to my coaching practice, I’m always expanding my knowledge base, ensuring that I bring the most relevant, evidence-based and effective strategies to our work together. My goal is to support you in your growth and transformation, leveraging all of my experience, insights, and continued learning to help you create the life you envision, at work and at home.

ICF coaches need mentoring because it’s an essential part of their professional growth and development. Here are a few key reasons:

1. Certification Requirements: ICF requires coaches seeking their ACC, PCC, or MCC credentials to complete mentor coaching as part of their certification process. It ensures coaches meet ICF's high standards of professionalism and competency.

2. Skill Refinement: Mentoring helps coaches sharpen their skills by receiving feedback from experienced, credentialed coaches. This is crucial for coaches who want to elevate their practice and move toward ICF certifications like ACC, PCC, or MCC.

3. Ongoing Growth: Coaching is a lifelong learning journey like any profession. Mentor coaches help newer coaches grow in their understanding of core competencies, ethics, and best practices, allowing them to continue improving.

4. Objective Feedback: A mentor coach provides an outside perspective, helping coaches identify blind spots and areas where they can refine their techniques or approach. This feedback leads to greater self-awareness and effectiveness as a coach.

Learn more about ICF Mentor Coaching requirements here.

If you opt-in to “Journal-Based Coaching,” you will join a weekly call and receive a new journal prompt each week. Daily journalling on a secure and private platform will deepen your coaching experience, and you will likely make more significant strides quickly! I will interact with you daily, encouraging you to reflect and explore even more.