About
Discover your life’s possibilities.
In our work together, you will feel seen and heard. I want to get to know you better as you learn more about your true self – what makes you happy, what motivates you, what experiences have shaped you.
It can be uncomfortable to sit with some thoughts and feelings – you won’t be alone. Inner work will challenge you sometimes, but it might surprise you at the fun we have along the way!
Talking with me is like talking with an old friend – you’ll feel comforted and encouraged. But it’s not just fluff… while I will remind you of your successes, I will also hold your feet to the fire about the critical inner work you’ve committed to doing.
You will leave our sessions feeling better, with clarity about what to do next. Together, we will determine at least one practical step you can take before we meet again.
Our work together is a two-way street.
My role is to help support and guide you, and I will remind you of your progress – together, we will discover the life that you’re thinking isn’t possible.
I am perceptive, highlighting meaningful connections about your past, present, and future. While asking thoughtful questions, I will listen when you respond. Duh, right?!
But in our current world, finding someone to listen with undivided attention can be challenging.
Certainly, my degrees and certifications qualify me to help others with their health and well-being. I’ve also had a truckload of difficult life experiences that inform my coaching approach.
I’ve walked the same path you’re on.
Please know that I have been where you are. The volume on the little voice inside, who knows the real me, had gotten turned down.
I’m all about self-disclosure. Don’t worry; our sessions will still be all about you.
But I’ve found that hearing about another trusted person’s struggles and triumphs can significantly help us progress in our journeys. I am an open book and happy to share my story when it can help you work through similar challenges.
About Me
Not all blue skies
I struggled with perfectionism, self-doubt, and feelings of inadequacy for most of my life. These things followed me everywhere and prevented me from feeling comfortable in my skin.
My goals were to get good grades, be a well-rounded person, achieve a meaningful career, and not let people down. I tried to control every aspect of my life, thinking that approach would eventually allow me to feel peace and happiness.
Then 2012 happened.
I thought that I would spend the year training for a triathlon. That was when I still thought I was entirely in control of every aspect of my life. I believed that if something didn’t happen the way I wanted it to, I hadn’t adequately prepared.
For the next year, I experienced great difficulty, suffering, and trauma. My mom had a serious health crisis and was in a medically induced coma. My dad died. My dog died. I let go of two long-term friendships, had a severe running injury, and was in a car accident where my car was totaled.
All of this happened while completing my dissertation for my Ph.D. and applying for jobs.
From the highs to the lows to the highs…
Then I got my “dream job” and moved 1,700 miles away from the people and place I love. What ensued was another year of pain and despair. I was genuinely miserable.
How had I gotten to such a low place when I had done everything I was “supposed” to do? I worked hard, planned, prioritized stability and security… why did it feel so terrible??
In the worst winter in 50 years, I lived in upstate New York (I’m from Texas, y’all!). I was expected to do work that I felt was unethical. I was alone. I was cold. My soul was dying a little more each day.
From this dark place of extreme discomfort came beautiful realization and liberation. Finally, I became clear on what made me happy – not what I thought other people thought I should do.
I resigned from my job (which was essentially committing career suicide) and started my health coaching business. I wanted to do something that made me truly happy, even if it meant the possibility of risking traditional security and stability. I leaped, and there was a net to catch me.
Over time, health coaching has expanded into life coaching, allowing me to help even more people. Coaching is a natural place for me to share my expertise and life experiences to help others find peace and happiness within themselves.
Education
The University of Texas at Austin (UT) – Ph.D. and Masters degrees in Health Education/Health Behavior
Cornell University – postdoctoral training in Behavioral Economics
Texas Tech University – B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science
Life Coaching Institute of America (an International Coaching Federation [ICF] approved program) – Certified Professional Life Coach
What I enjoy when I’m not working
I live in Austin, TX, and enjoy reading (about 1.5 pages in bed each night before I fall asleep), laughing (I am easily amused), listening (to music, podcasts, and people!), and connecting (with nature, myself, loved ones, my clients).
Outdoors is the place for me – I love running, walking, hiking, biking, and swimming. I also enjoy boxing, dancing, and yoga-ing. Meditation is an integral part of my life and is both an individual and community practice for me.
I also play the piano; hang with my little dog Lulu; express my creativity through art and photography (check out some of the photos on my blog); and volunteer with the Travis County Correctional Complex, Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center, and Divine Canines.