My Journey to Coaching
What if you decided to throw off your self-imposed limits and live life full out? You know, really live. Do the things you always wanted to do but never found the time — or the courage — to do. Create a work life that is thoughtfully aligned with who you are as a human being. Create a life that is more fulfilling and happier.
Those are the questions I asked myself a few years ago. I had spent nearly forty years doing “big” things — the things I thought I “should do.” After graduating from Colby College and Cornell Law School, I became an antitrust lawyer in private practice in Washington, DC, a corporate lawyer in-house at a Fortune 500 company, a fundraising executive who has raised millions of dollars to see important projects come into being, and a philanthropy advisor who has helped direct millions of dollars in funding to worthwhile causes — but I was finding the work less and less satisfying. I was ready for a change.
I lost my Dad suddenly a few years ago. My Mom died a year later; after 67 years of marriage she was lost without him. Our beloved dogs – both 14 – passed a few months later. Their deaths devastated me and made me aware, in a deeply visceral way, of how short life really is. As I processed my grief, something shifted in me. It was no longer acceptable to live an “okay” life, a “fine” life. I wanted more. I wanted a great life, a life that reflects who I am.
I soon realized that building a more satisfying life meant honing in on what I valued most, and then focusing on taking actions that are aligned with these values. I found that - by taking time to reach out to a friend, to practice yoga, to walk my dogs in the woods to enjoy some time with nature, or to prepare a nice meal with my husband or for friends - I was no longer trying to get somewhere. I was enjoying the journey.
I decided that I wanted to shift my work focus to align with my new life focus. I wanted to help others create lives that are as joyful, productive and fulfilling to them as my new life was to me. I decided to become a coach.
When I began coaching in 2020, I felt as though I had finally come home. I had found the path I had been seeking. I had found a way to make a difference in the world and be true to my most deeply held personal values. Your life journey might not look the same as mine, but my experiences have taught me many lessons that I am prepared to pass on to you to make your journey transformational.
Let’s talk.
About Me.
I arrived at coaching after successful stints in law and philanthropy. After graduating from Colby College and Cornell Law School, I practiced corporate law in Washington, DC and Boston. I spent the last 25+ years helping to raise millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations ranging from City Year Boston, to MaineGeneral Health, to my alma mater, Colby College. I have advised foundations like BankBoston Foundation and the Bill and Joan Alfond Foundation to make powerful and impactful grants. I earned my coach certification from the Co-Active Training Institute, and I am certified by the International Coaching Federation. I have the privilege of coaching amazing leaders from all over the United States, helping them to bring their best selves forward into the world. I live in Cape Elizabeth, Maine with my husband, Eric, our English Springer Spaniel, Jenny, and our English Cocker Spaniel, Baxter.
