About Me
I completed Martha Beck’s Wayfinder Life Coach training in 2021, which was one of the most inspiring things I’ve done in my life so far.
Over the past 10 years, I practiced nursing in a variety of capacities at the Veterans’ Hospital in Madison, WI. I honed my skills of deep listening and navigating sometimes difficult conversations with patients and families as they coped with new and sometimes life-limiting diagnoses. Most recently, I've been privileged to work with a fabulous team as part of a hospital-wide culture change initiative (High Reliability Organization), where I help clinical teams work better together and strengthen a culture where staff feel comfortable speaking up when they or others make mistakes, trusting leadership will respond in a just manner, looking at the system level rather than individual blame level.
Before becoming a RN (in midlife as a single parent), I provided personal care for those who are differently abled and for those who were dying at home. My career began as an organic vegetable farmer, helping families with lower incomes grow their own food by establishing home gardens, and working as a food activist with local non-profits to support local farmers and expand the reach of local sustainable farms into homes and schools.
As you can see, I’m no stranger to navigating major life transitions and setting off in new directions myself. Along the way I've also learned to manage chronic back pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Although my career and life path has zigged and zagged, there is a common thread of working toward social, economic, racial and environmental justice which aligns with my personal core values.
Coaching Areas of Interest and Expertise: Navigating personal and professional transitions. Managing chronic pain and anxiety. Recovering from burnout from caregiving, working in healthcare, or working for social/environmental justice.
Where I Find Joy: Enjoying nature whether from my screen porch or in wilderness; making music; growing food; exploring new places; and doing any of the above with loved ones - particularly my amazing spouse and daughter.
