The Coaching Tree
A Bit About Me
I live on a small plot of land surrounded by orange orchards in the Central Valley of California. You'll might find me in my home office or in our mini-barn with my laptop meeting with folks on Zoom. I have three grown children, four grandchildren, two horses, three chickens, two dogs, and one husband.
My horses are retired from their original jobs, just like me.
(That's old Levi in the background.)
Me dressed up in some business attire hanging out in the orange orchard across from our house. Photo cred - my daughter and her iphone. :)
Why you should choose me as your coach.
It seems I have been coaching my entire career. During my 30 years as an educator, I spent the first half teaching high school students, coaching them on to college, career, and beyond through my AVID, English, and public speaking classes. I moved into leadership and coached teachers and leaders as an AVID Regional Consultant. For the last 13 years of my career, I served as director of a mentoring program for teachers and administrators within a large school district, training mentors and coaches in how to support their mentees through listening intentionally and asking good questions.
As someone who has lived the life of a professional, an educator, and leader, I know how it feels to be responsible for the success of a team, a program, or a service. It is an honorable weight to carry and also one that can, at times, cause stress, life imbalance, indecision, and overwhelm. I am absolutely passionate about supporting others no matter what their profession so they can stay grounded in their purpose and find joy in each day.
As someone who has lived a life of 50+ years, I have experienced joy and struggle...
I have lost family members, suffered from panic attacks, been diagnosed with a chronic illness, lost a close friend to suicide, lost a job, lost a home, and almost lost my marriage. I have worked with amazing people and had amazing friends. I have also worked with toxic people and had toxic friends. I have done all the things...therapy, marriage groups, self-help books, leaned on friends and family, and hired myself a life coach. I can look back on my life and see how much I've grown.
My mission is to use my gifts, credentials, and experience to give folks a jump-start on living their best lives.
My specialty is partnering with people who are working to discover what is most important to them as they strive to create the life they desire. As your coach I will be your honest and reflective partner who will listen without judgement, ask questions that make you think, and provide you a safe space to figure out your own answers.
Working with my own coach had a profound effect on my life. When I retired unexpectedly to take care of family, I found myself a little out of sorts. So, I hired a coach. Throughout our sessions, I learned more about myself than I ever knew, re-aligned my life to my values, and, though it's not ever going to be perfect, created a life of joy and purpose. I can honestly say that I am currently living my very best life.
I am absolutely passionate about helping others do the same.
Specific Experience, Training, and Credentials
I have a bachelors in communication and a master's in education. I have been trained in Costa and Garmston's Cognitive Coaching, Laura Lipton's Mentoring Matters, and The Association of Californa School Administrator's Leadership Coaching using the Tschannen-Morans' Evoking Greatness. I received my coaching certificate through the Certified Life Coach Institute, am a member of the International Coaching Federation, and am currently working on my advanced credential through Optimus Coaching Academy, London.
I am also certified in the DISC profile system. With regard to California Teacher Induction and CASC programs, I served as an induction director for 13 years, have been BIR trained, and have served as team lead on many accreditation site visits.