I’m so happy to meet you!
Teens amaze me. I’ve spent the last 26 years working with and living with teens.
Growing up, we always had a house full of energetic, and sometimes struggling, teens. My Dad was the school Principal and therefore had plenty of vacation time. He packed us all up and took us hiking, sailing, skiing and sledding. During the school year, Dad was the one we turned to for help studying for biology tests, writing reports on Jedediah Smith, and organizing our study time when we felt we couldn’t get it all done.
I followed in his footsteps, getting my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Oregon, (Go Ducks!), then continued my education in social work where I received my MSW from the University of Nevada, Reno. My entire career has been focused on working with teens: from middle schools to high schools, from runaways to elite private schools, from cancer survivors to Ivy League colleges. I believe in the power of the teen spirit to survive and be the best versions of themselves.
This passion of mine to help teens led me to continue my education throughout my career. I studied Mindfulness at UCLA, the Science of Happiness at Berkeley, as well as studying at Mindful Schools. With these tools, I have helped hundreds of teens manage their anxiety, find balance in their lives, and to create a clear vision for what they want for their lives.
I have seen teens transform by bringing more mindfulness into their lives. Being a part of this journey
truly does warm my heart and allows me to feel more sunshine in the world – its hopeful.
When a teen works with me, they can expect to live a positive life that they will enjoy and allows them to be better stewards to their community. I want them to live and grow in their community (family, friends, school, extracurriculars) which leads them to be well-rounded adults so they are set up for success in their future.
I want to help teens find a balance – having a fun childhood as well as being set up for success.
Changing my focus to teen coaching is an exciting experience. Teens want to succeed and feel confident. They want to have fun and be happy. I’ve been lucky to have helped hundreds of teens create positive relationships and achieve their goals. That’s fun.
When I’m not coaching, I love to spend time with my family. I have a loving husband, two adult children, a teenager and two very active dogs. I energize by hiking and skiing at Lake Tahoe, meeting friends for coffee, and knitting with colorful soft yarns. My special treats are dark chocolate and watching The Office on Netflix.
Yes, I’m older and yes, I’m wiser. I’ve seen teens succeed when they’re given tools with support to understand themselves and set their goals. Let’s work together to watch our teens succeed and be happy.
LISTEN
I will listen for many things such as what motivates, energizes, and excites your teen, their beliefs & conclusions, their self-talk, evidence of feelings that block action, self-doubt, strengths they may not notice, resources they have available but may not recognize, and much more.
QUESTION
I will ask your teen tough questions and may even ask you tough questions. Some questions may be difficult to answer or uncomfortable, but remember the more you allow yourselves to be honest, to be challenged & stretched, the more progress will be made.
ASSIST
I assist your teen in defining their personal goals in alignment with their needs and values, assists them in creating strategies, discovering resources, and taking action confidently. I offer suggestions, advice, and resources.
