Independent. Funny. Compassionate and a Bit of a Rebel.

Sometimes the best qualities you have to share with the world come from your biggest pains. Mine came from my difficult childhood. I was only 6 when I learned to deal with my fears by hiding. Pretending to be asleep, heart beating wildly – I hoped that my father’s footsteps would pass by my bedroom so I wouldn’t have to smell the bourbon on his breath and deal with him calling me names.

Like so many others in my situation, I learned not to make waves.

I learned to be the good girl so I wouldn’t add to the chaos. Humor became my friend and independence my guide. I mastered the art of covering up my insecurities and looking like I blended in. But underneath the mask, I felt a little like I didn’t belong – like I was broken. At the time, no one else’s parents were divorced. Feeling abandoned or embarrassed by my alcoholic father, I believed men couldn’t be trusted. And my mom, weighed down by constant responsibility, taught me that it wasn’t safe to dream or trust your instincts. I felt afraid and suffered from low self-esteem. I never felt enough. I wasn’t smart enough, cute enough, talented enough – I lived in a world of self-comparison.

The things that scare you the most help you grow.

Because of my parents’ personal struggles, I spent much of my young life afraid to live my dreams. Even though the world kept validating my gifts, I stayed insecure and unable to trust my instincts. For example, I loved being around children, but was afraid to ever become a parent. At the same time, I worked as an early childhood instructor at Gymboree, helping kids explore and express themselves through art, music and play for over 15 years! It was my HEAVEN and I thrived. Yet, I still never believed I could ever be a parent without repeating my parents’ harmful patterns.

We all get stuck that way. Believing our limitations and creating what we’re most afraid of.

Even though I was afraid to be a parent, the Universe had a plan. When I married my husband, I became a step-mother to a special needs child. Like so many of you, I could no longer just stay on the outside. I had to dive in.

More than anything, becoming a “parent” I learned to re-parent myself and embrace my feelings of inadequacy and let go of all of all my “if only beliefs”. If only I had a normal family. If only my dad hadn’t been an alcoholic and my mom more emotionally connected. If only I went to college . . . I’d be great at this.

“The greatest act of courage is to be and own all of who you are – without apology, without excuses, without masks.” Debbie Ford

When I was introduced to the work of Debbie Ford and became a life coach, I let go of my “broken” story and I realized that all the things I was covering up might actually be my gift to the world. Whenever I’m afraid or stuck, there’s this voice inside me that rallies – as if to say, “You think I can’t do this? Really? Just watch me?” And although this used to be the voice that wanted to prove myself to the world, it’s now my greatest asset – it pushes me to try new things, help others accept themselves fully and live without apology.

Becoming a Ford Certified Coach was life changing because it gave me the courage to own my entire misfit, beautiful self. Like finding the Red Ruby Slippers, I discovered that what I was looking for - deep love and acceptance - was there all along.

It’s time you re-discover the you that was there all along!

Coaching is nothing short of a miracle, but isn't for everyone. If you're dedicated and ready to really transform your life, I want to work with you! 

As a certified integrative coach, each of my coaching models is designed to break through the patterns, limitations and heartache that have held you back from being the best version of yourself. To get started, click to discover which coaching model is best suited for you and complete an application for an introductory session.

All potential coaching clients must commit to at least one introductory session before getting started.

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Dare to be Authentic - Vol. 3 - Learning to Trust Yourself is the third in a series that invites you to experience what living an authentic life can bring. I'm honored to be one of the contributing authors. Each author tells their true story of how they learned to trust, follow their intuition and tune into the Divine to create the life they want.

Inside you'll discover more about my personal story about how listening to those quiet whispers helped me overcome difficulties and grow to find my purpose in helping people today!

Overcoming Fear and Transitions

One of the most popular episodes, check out Erica Duran's Podcast including my interview on overcoming fear and transitions. Click Below.