Learn a little more about me
your virtual life coach for teens, young adults, parents and more
My Professional Background
I’ve always had a deep passion for working with children. From my earliest experiences as a babysitter to coaching kindergarten and first-grade soccer teams in high school, and later becoming a children’s ski coach during college, I’ve always been drawn to understanding and guiding young people. They’re my "jam," and I feel a natural connection with them.
My Professional Experience
Professionally, I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) since 2014, but my work with children and families extends over two decades. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working in various settings:
Residential Behavioral Treatment Programs
Juvenile Probation Officer for the State of Alaska
Adoption and Parent Education
Hospice Children’s Bereavement Counselor
One of my proudest achievements was creating and directing a successful summer camp specifically designed for grieving children, providing them with a space to process their loss and build resilience.
My Professional Standards and Ethics
As a mental health professional, I adhere to the highest standards of ethics and practice. I believe that these standards are crucial in guiding how I support individuals in their personal growth and healing. This is one of the key reasons I have been hesitant to enter the coaching field until recently.
Unlike the mental health field, the coaching industry lacks regulatory standards. Anyone can call themselves a coach, regardless of experience or training. For years, I was skeptical of the coaching industry, thinking it was all about "positivity" and “believing” your way to success. While motivation and mindset are important, I’ve always felt that real, sustainable growth requires deeper, more nuanced work.
Why I’m Transitioning from Mental Health to Life Coaching
There are two main reasons for my decision to transition from a traditional mental health practice to life coaching:
Frustration with the Status Quo in Counseling
Over the past few years, I’ve observed a stagnation in the mental health field. Despite the best efforts of many, there has been a lack of innovation in how services are delivered, how insurance compensates care, and how counseling typically focuses on resolving negative symptoms rather than fostering long-term flourishing. While I truly believe in the power of therapy, I’ve grown frustrated with the traditional approach, which often centers around fixing what is "broken" rather than enabling people to thrive and reach their full potential.
2. The Limitations of Mental Health Services for Personal Growth
I believe that counseling should be accessible to everyone, just like regular dental check-ups. If you’re doing well, great, we check in every six months. If life gets tough, you come in for support. However, mental health services are often designed to address a baseline, focusing on healing from a place of distress. But many individuals are functioning well and are looking to go beyond that baseline—seeking personal growth, greater fulfillment, and an elevated quality of life. Unfortunately, this kind of "coaching" is not typically covered by insurance and is often not available through traditional mental health services.
This is where life coaching can play a crucial role. Coaching provides an opportunity for individuals who are already managing their challenges but feel "stuck" or stagnant, to break through barriers, overcome limiting beliefs, and reach new heights of personal development. This is a space where I can use my experience, training, and skill set to help others move beyond merely coping and into thriving.
Professional Focus & Ethical Practice in Life Coaching
I now see the value of combining my expertise as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the principles of life coaching. For me, this is not about abandoning my professional foundation but rather expanding it to help people who are ready for more than just healing—they’re ready to grow, flourish, and achieve their potential. I’ve become more confident in the value of professional coaching when done by trained, experienced professionals who can provide guidance based on deep expertise and ethical standards.
Looking for something different?
From relationship dynamics, to tackling goals, to feeling more empowered, and living up to your potential? Let’s talk life coaching and see how we can work together towards a brighter life for you!