My story.
In my younger years, my family moved quite a bit. As the “new kid”, I learned how to connect with people and navigate unknown situations. My parents made sure that we experienced and learned about our new communities, piquing my interest in travel and new experiences. We also opened our home to people from around the world and I learned to be welcoming, non-judgmental and accepting of those who were not like me.
These core values and experiences guided me in my studies and pushed me to further my understanding of the world around me, especially, in making meaningful connections with others. I felt a calling to use my intercultural skills to serve others. This led me to a 25+ year career in international higher education. I worked at several public universities in the U.S. assisting thousands of students from all over the world in pursuit of their educational goals; be it coming to the U.S. to study or to study abroad in another country. In addition to guiding students, I enjoyed my time working with faculty on their professional and personal development as it related to cross-cultural understanding.
Career Transition.
I thought I was going to work at a university in the field of international education until I retired. The pandemic, changes in demographics (and fiscal repercussions on higher education), and other world events has taken its toll on the educational landscape in the U.S. I was the benefactor of this trifecta and was let go from my job. This gave me pause and chance to reassess what I wanted to do for the next 15+ years. What kind of lifestyle did I want? Could I still work in education? Did I still want to? What else was there?
I am passionate about serving and helping others discover, grow, and have powerful, positive learning experiences. As a career ownership coach, I get to use this passion and these transferrable skills in a new and exciting way.
As your coach.
I bring active listening, empathy and cross-cultural skills to my coaching practice and always strive to do what is best for my clients.
I provide a safe place to learn, explore and dream. This is a guided self-discovery process where you will clarify your personal income and lifestyle goals and gain clarity on your driving forces. I will help you stay on track (at your own pace) while exploring options and opportunities that may be a new adventure for you!
So, if you are looking for the next opportunity, have thought about doing something else but don’t know what that could be, are tired of what you are currently doing but feel you don’t have options, let’s connect.
My services are always free to my clients, and I look forward to connecting with you. I want to hear your story.
On a personal note.
I live in the northwestern part of Minnesota with my family. I enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, and I love being on my kayak whenever there isn’t ice on the lake. Summer is a beautiful time to be at the lake with my family, enjoying the great outdoors, eating s’mores and listening to the call of the loons. Speaking of loons, you will find us at their home games (MN United Football Club). In other words, we are futbol (soccer) fans.