Get to Know Me!

Educational Background

MBA
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

BA English
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Professional Background

For the majority of my career I have worked in the field of Human Resources. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I joined the non-profit sector and then eventually moved into the private sector, where I worked as a consultant for a number of years. As a consultant I worked with clients ranging from start-ups to large global organizations.My recent HR experience has been focused on staffing and recruiting in the high tech industry.

Personal Background

The idea to start my own coaching business came about in an interesting way. At the age of 28 I went through what I now realize was a spiritual crisis. A life that used to make sense, have meaning, and make me happy, no longer did. I found myself feeling unsettled, restless, and disconnected. As a result I turned inward and embarked on a spiritual journey that involved figuring out how to discover a freely flowing raw joy and sense of peace within, that was completely independent of anything related to the external world. This was not an easy endeavor because it involved looking at myself and life in a whole new way.

As an intensely driven, achievement-oriented individual it seemed I was on this non-stop treadmill, always striving, reaching, and ultimately trying to force life instead of living in the flow of life. It felt as though I was constantly paddling upstream against a powerful current. I didn't want to look back on my life wondering why I spent so much time in my head worrying, instead of completely immersing myself in the joy-filled state of the present moment.

A year after I first embarked on my spiritual journey, I went through a major questioning period about which direction I wanted to take my career. During a meditation session, I received a strong message that I was meant to be a teacher. Initially I was unsure of what type of teacher I was meant to be or where I was meant to teach. I then asked myself, "How can I serve others, make a positive impact on the world, while at the same time, follow my soul's calling?" The idea for my own career, life, and wellness coaching business soon materialized because it incorporated my background and interest in business, passion for health and nutrition, ability to express my entrepreneurial spirit, and opportunity to help others using my natural gifts.

For the wellness component of my coaching business, I bring 15 years experience as an avid long-distance runner. The moments when I feel most free and alive occur during runs when my mind is completely empty and the weight of the world is left behind with each stride I take.

During my spiritual journey I also realized the need for more balance in my life, especially after years of constantly being in overdrive mode.  I now engage in daily yoga and meditation sessions which have done wonders in helping me stay relaxed, focused, and more connected with my authentic self.

Why Coaching?

From a young age I always knew I was meant to help people but it took both life and work experience to guide me towards coaching. I first learned of the coaching profession at the age of 25 when I sought out my own Career and Life Coach. At the time I felt "stuck." I wasn't passionate about my job and wanted to quit in order to pursue my MBA full-time. I worried this wasn't a smart decision because I had just received a promotion. Working with a Career and Life Coach helped me realize the importance of being honest with yourself and trusting your intuition.

I ended up quitting my job which turned out to be the best decision I could have made. By closing this door, I opened the door to pursuing graduate school full-time and securing an internship in the high tech field. I found I loved the high tech field but would never have found this out if I hadn't quit a job I wasn't passionate about.

A few years later I started receiving more hints that coaching was the direction I was meant to take my career. People told me how comfortable they felt around me, what great insight I provided, and how much better they felt after talking to me. When a number of people said I was a natural coach, I realized I should seriously consider coaching as a profession. Luckily I decided to do so and took a leap of faith to start my own coaching business.

As an empathetic, highly intuitive individual who finds people fascinating, coaching is a natural fit for me. I absolutely love what I do and feel grateful to have found my calling in life. I look forward to helping others find their calling in life as well!