My Story: My work as a coach and educator is grounded in positive psychology, a research-based field that studies what helps people to thrive in their lives and work, and how we can apply those findings in practical ways.

In addition to my coaching practice, I have taught an online course at Champlain College called Foundations of Positive Organizational Development and Change. I have also taught a first year course at UMass Amherst called Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness, Creativity, and Accomplishment. I give talks and workshops to people interested in bringing positive psychology into their lives and workplaces.

My Background: I came to this work after being first and foremost a mom, and a mom who parented by using coaching techniques (even though I didn’t know it at the time!). I began my coach training the same month our youngest daughter graduated from high school. Helping others to reach their highest potential through a strength-based lens is my favorite part of what I do. Encouraging my clients to think about things from a different perspective is a big part of the process.

My Love of Learning (and how it impacts the work I do): I have a Master of Science in Positive Organization Development and Change (MPOD) from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Minnesota. I trained with an Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) through the International Coach Federation (ICF), and I am an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the ICF.

I have a Certificate in Positive Psychology from the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and the Wholebeing Institute, where I studied with Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, author and former professor of positive psychology at Harvard University. I continued to work and study extensively with the program for four years after receiving my certificate, the first year as a Teaching Assistant and the following three years as a Senior Teaching Assistant. This work allowed me to delve deeper into helping others to apply the tools of positive psychology toward becoming better versions of themselves, all the while continuing to apply what I was learning to myself.

… and my learning continues!

In the summer of 2018, I completed a coach certification developed by the late internationally renowned coach Judith E. Glaser called Conversational Intelligence, where I learned more about co-creating impactful relationships through building trust, listening, and understanding the neuroscience of what happens during conversations; the foundation of building every relationship.

I continue to learn and develop thoughts and ideas around mindfulness. I am a Level 2 teacher of the 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course, having completed much of my teacher training through the Center for Mindfulness at the UMass Medical Center, the same place Jon Kabat-Zinn first conceived of and created the program.  My certification training continues through the Mindfulness Center at Brown University. I  bring mindfulness into my work with corporate clients as well as those in higher education.

In the fall of 2020,  I completed an End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate Program at the University of Vermont Medical School, bringing together my interests in coaching, grief, mindfulness/present moment awareness, relationships, and positive psychology.

My loves: I have been married to my husband, Mark, since 1985, I’m a mom to four grown children, mother-in-law to three, and grandma to four. My family has always been my biggest priority, and that hasn’t changed… and now I also love the work I do. I love personal connections and seeing people’s faces light up when they experience the power of coaching and the tools of positive psychology.

I spend my free time connecting with others (which usually involves a lot of laughter), learning, traveling, doing jigsaw puzzles, writing, reading, and staying active outdoors, especially walking, running, biking, swimming, and cross-country skiing.