WHAT PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A COACH?
Are you seeking someone with…
Pertinent education?
Specific licensing and certification?
Targeted work experience?
Search no further!
For nearly 30 years, I have worked with individuals, families, and communities seeking greater success and/or happiness. My history of helping others, however, begins long before that.
When I was five, my next-door neighbors adopted a girl from Korea who I loved to teach English and who quickly became my best friend. Around the same time, I played with neighbors with physical disabilities and helped them with their daily activities. At ten, I told a friend at school that I wanted to be a teacher when I grow up. While in middle and high school, I tutored peers who were struggling academically and received training and practice as a peer support counselor.
From a combination of personal and professional experiences, I grew passionate about diverse needs, learning styles, and individuality. Although I waffled a couple times between psychology and education, ultimately, I pursued a (first) career in teaching.
WHY I AM THE COACH FOR YOU
I have extensive education and licensing and pertinent training and work experience.
Education and Teaching:
Bachelor of Art, 1993
Spanish Major, English Minor
Specialization in Spanish Language and Culture
Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential, 1994
Credential number: 0455468
General and Bilingual Education, PreK-8
English Language Learners/ESOL, K-12
Spanish, K-12
Additional areas of educational certification include:
Reading Recovery Ambassador, 2000
Special Reading Certificate, 2008
Mild to Moderate Disabilities, 2012
During my 20 years in education, I gained much insight into working with youth and adolescents with a variety of learning needs. My teaching experience includes preschool, bilingual and traditional kindergarten, first grade, remedial reading K-6, ELL/ESL K-6, and Spanish 7-8. In addition to the areas mentioned above, my classrooms included students with giftedness, learning disabilities, speech and/or language concerns, ADHD, and twice exceptionalism. These assignments were in a combination of rural, urban, and suburban settings. My years teaching afforded me the incredible opportunity to learn to adapt and differentiate my work with young people. Additionally, I always felt parent engagement and community outreach to be essential components to student success, so my collaborations included guiding parents and other family members as well.
Sadly, I chose to leave teaching after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Before starting graduate school, I volunteered in my children’s middle school where they had adopted the Franklin Covey Leader in Me leadership development initiative. There I led the school’s Parent Lighthouse Team, facilitating the parent education program, book groups, and student after school leadership activities. This proved a tremendous opportunity for me to further my leadership and mentoring experience with adolescents and adults alike. These years were among my favorites when it came to personal and professional growth.
I would love to continue working with diverse populations while coaching!
Social Work:
Master of Social Work, 2019
Family Practice and Leadership/Social Change Concentration
Licensed Master Social Worker, 2019
License number: 2019023126
For 3 years following my graduation/licensure in Social Work, I worked for a St. Louis-based nonprofit writing life, college, and career development curriculum for low-income middle and high school students, supporting first generation college students, and supervising bachelor and master level social work students interning with the agency.
I was likewise tasked with co-writing the curricular material for a social justice-themed community engagement activity for program youth, as well as training and coaching college interns and adult team members in its use. Access, equity, inclusion, and belonging for individuals with varied social identities were some of the program’s primary themes, encouraging community participants from all walks of life to join. This position gave me continued experience working with the middle school through adult age ranges.
Coaching:
Certified Positive Psychology Coach, 2023
www.wholebeinginstitute.com
Throughout my years teaching and practicing social work (and even as a child), I approached life with an optimistic mindset, sought out new learning, and had a desire to help others do the same. I tried to get to know every student and client and empower them based on the strengths I observed in them. I had high expectations for all regardless of need, and I did everything possible to individualize services based on their background knowledge, lived experiences, and interests.
Until I got my MSW and started my social work career, however, I didn’t realize that this was all part of positive youth development and more broadly positive psychology. While searching for coaching certification programs, I learned that my life outlook has been a science for 20 years and that people are receiving training to become coaches using this very perspective. I was delighted to come upon the Wholebeing Institute and am truly blessed to have had this incredible growth experience.
I’m eager to integrate all these experiences into a truly unique coaching environment for clients.
My Passions
In addition to coaching individuals, families, and groups, I’m passionate about working with schools, community agencies, and professional groups to help bridge understandings, expectations, and other gaps/needs in the educational arena. I empathize with school and local staff who are working to transform education and support systems within our communities. This could take many forms, as my 30 years have included work with people of all ages, preschool through adults.
Whether it’s an informative presentation, professional development workshop, or ongoing coaching engagements that you’re looking for, give me a call, schedule a consultation, or send me a proposal.
I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers, both USA and Missouri chapters.
I am also registered in two therapist/coaching directories: Psychology Today and Noomii.
Click on the links below to go to my profile pages.