About

About

about-headshotWhen I was 11 years old, I discovered the section in the library with everything about reincarnation, ghosts, magic, and spirituality. I read book after book in the small library in Lexington, Virginia. The psychology books were right next to that section, so I started reading Freud and Jung. I was hooked, fascinated by the world of emotions and the mind. After studying psychology as an undergrad, I chose social work for my graduate studies and for my first career.

I was drawn to the way social work integrated the whole person, taking into account not just psychology and family dynamics, but race, culture, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and other important aspects of identity and life experience.

Unfortunately, I quickly found that direct service as a clinical social worker wasn’t a good fit for me; I didn’t know how to manage the stress and the emotional toll.
I sought management positions and enjoyed some aspects, but disliked the administrative responsibilities of budgets and grant writing. I was in my early 30s, and for the first time, completely lost and unsure about my future.

I was introduced to life coaching by a former colleague and within one year of working with her, I had entered a coach training program, moved to a bigger apartment so I could have an office at home, and left my full-time, well-paying job with benefits.

The transformation I initiated was quickly met with other changes (of course!), such as the loss of a long-term relationship. I then met my husband in the summer of 2003 and in the midst of falling in love and launching my coaching business, my family suffered a life-altering trauma; my father was killed by a teenage employee… for $457 stolen from the restaurant’s cash box.

The traumatic grief over the senseless loss was unbearable at times, but I consciously chose to be broken open instead of broken down. I spent several years healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually. That journey shaped who I am today and how I serve others.

As I look back, I see that each experience in my life has uniquely prepared me for all aspects of my work, from life coaching to facilitation to Storytelling for Change.

I’m a wife, mother, dog owner, and co-owner of a small winery in Woodinville, Wash. (The winery is my husband’s dream and I couldn’t be prouder of him.)

 
I am available to speak and give presentations for organizations, conferences, and events.
 

Education/Credentials

Certified Master Coach, Coaching From Spirit, LLC
Master of Social Work, University of Maryland
BA in Psychology, Wellesley College
Certified Ethnic Minority Mental Health Specialist

 

Publications

  • Co-Author: “Intergroup Relations on Campus—UMBC: The Second Study,” 1997, Howard Ehrlich, Fred Pincus, and Debbie Lacy. Baltimore: The Prejudice Institute.