Throughout the Dare to Dream website I have introduced you to various products and services. Below you will find information about my education, experience and personal interests that support the coaching, counseling, teaching and training services I provide.
Education
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Certified Professional Coach in the state of Washington.
My formal education includes a Masters degree in Business Administration from Simmons College (Boston, MA), a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwest University (Kirkland, WA), and a Professional Coaching Certification from the Academy for Coach Training (Bellevue, WA) – now doing business as INVITEChange in Edmonds, WA.
As I noted on the Services/Counseling page, I am in the process of transitioning my business to focus on coaching, teaching and training and will no longer be accepting counseling clients as of the end of 2024.
Experience
I spent the first 25 years of my career in various aspects of business and began developing a coaching practice in 2001 after completing my coach certification program. My coaching career was cut short by an automobile accident that same year when I sustained a traumatic brain injury that changed the trajectory of my life forever.
What seemed like a tragedy ultimately turned into a blessing. While being evaluated for cognitive difficulties during my rehabilitation, I was temporarily placed as a volunteer in a crisis pregnancy and discovered a love of counseling. I had the privilege of providing counseling and intervention for teens and young women who were facing the challenges of unplanned pregnancies.
As a result of this experience, I returned to school to pursue a career in counseling and graduated from Northwest University in 2006 with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. Following graduate school, I worked in a behavioral health hospital providing support to inpatient psychiatric patients of all ages, then worked in a community mental health agency counseling children, adolescents, and adults.
I joined Northwest Family Life in 2006 as the Managing Director and counselor. In September of 2008 I went into private practice and have been self-employed as a counselor and a coach since that time.
God hasn’t wasted a moment of my life. He weaved all of my business and educational pursuits into the ways I interact with clients today. I enjoy coaching clients based on the Dare to Dream curriculum and often incorporate these principles into counseling as well, as they are so fundamental to a faith-based approach to living.
Personal Interests
My favorite activities are spending time with God and with my husband, walking, playing pickleball, watching movies, reading, having dinner with friends, dancing, and exploring the inner landscape of life.
I am passionate about personal growth and development. Throughout my life I have explored the heights and depths of my own human condition and bring that experience to my work with clients.
My own personal exploration allows me to accompany clients wherever they need to go as they move through the myriad complexities of the change process. Being involved in the learning and growth of others is one of the most gratifying experiences I know.