When I was four years old, I began saying to anyone who would listen, “I am going to make the world a better place, spend time in every country, make things beautiful, and write about everything I do.” Mind you, I couldn’t even write at the time! I am in awe of how well I knew myself and my mission at such a young age. I now have over 20 years of experience as a coach, trainer, writer, artist, and educator. I am delighted to report that I’ve been fulfilling that childhood dream all along. Much of my work has been in international education and child welfare. I’ve helped people navigate everything from language barriers to the effects of abuse by empowering them to recognize and build on their strengths, utilize their unique creativity, notice and create joy in their lives on a daily basis, and transform their perspectives and circumstances. My work is truly about helping people to thrive on their inner and outer journeys—we are all whole people and whether we begin making changes on the inside (mental, emotional, spiritual aspects of ourselves) or on the outside (such as our relationships, where we live, the work we do, our experiences as travelers, our daily actions), each change creates a ripple effect, and changes also begin to happen in other areas of our lives. My coach training is through Alan Cohen’s dynamic Foundation for Holistic Life Coaching. Alan’s program is grounded in love, solid coaching skills, and the idea that a coach’s job is to guide each client toward living from his or her own wisdom. I have an MA in Intercultural Service, Leadership, and Management from The School for International Training, now known as SIT Graduate Institute. My SIT professors and classmates truly walk their talk, and are creating global programs full of heart, profound collaboration, and on-the-ground results. I obtained my BA in English from Kalamazoo College, a tiny school with a huge reach. Kalamazoo College does a marvelous job of encouraging intercultural connection, positive social change, and personal excellence. |
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