My Coaching Journey
It Started With My Daughter
Several years ago, as my daughter was applying to colleges and working on her application essays, one resource suggested that identifying your core values could help clarify what to write about. Curious, I decided to try the exercise myself. What surprised me wasn’t just the result—but the realization that, in midlife, I had never clearly articulated my own values.
As I worked through the list, I discovered that fulfillment for me didn’t come from a single value, but from five. And rather than jotting them on a sticky note and forgetting about them, I wanted something I could truly see, enjoy, and return to—a visual reminder of how and why I want to live my life. I created a star, filling it in with what each value meant to me and why it mattered. That’s how the Star of Purpose was born.
Every time I look at it, I’m reminded of what grounds and energizes me:
- Personal Development
- Community
- Financial Stability
- Laughter/Humor
- Adventure
It Led To Helping Friends
Once I created my own Star of Purpose, something unexpected happened—people started asking about it. Friends, family members, and acquaintances shared that they, too, felt unsure about their direction or sense of purpose. I began facilitating workshops and creating personalized stars for others, and the response was remarkably consistent. Whether young or old, people told me the same thing: their Star of Purpose gave them clarity, focus, and direction.
Building on decades of experience in learning, development and coaching through professional roles, I deepened my practice by enrolling in the NLP Life Coaching Program. Coaching felt less like a career shift and more like a natural extension of who I already was.
It Was Supported By My Career
A deep curiosity about human behavior has been a consistent theme throughout my life. I studied psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and began my career as a Program Coordinator at the Volunteer Center, supporting re-entry programs for incarcerated individuals and their families in Santa Cruz County. After moving to San Francisco, I focused on helping low-income youth gain skills and independence through workforce development programs. This eventually led me into roles spanning training, learning and organizational development in both the public and private sectors—including 18 years within the University of California system.
Through all of this, one thread remained constant: helping people grow, connect, and find their footing.
Yet I’ve Always Been A Community Builder
At my core, I am a growth-oriented learner and community builder. I’m passionate about creating collaborative, supportive environments where diverse perspectives are welcomed and shared goals can emerge. I’m especially drawn to bridging differences—between individuals, teams, and communities—and fostering spaces where people feel heard, respected, and understood. I encourage healthy, open dialogue that helps us reconnect with ourselves and with one another. If this resonates with you, let’s connect!