I am a Life coach and consultant. I work with individuals, groups, and companies, helping them grow through change. In a time where change is imminent, personally and professionally, I provide the tools, the methodologies, and the love to help people get to where they want to be so they don't just get bumped along down the path.

EDUCATION | Undergraduate degree in advertising and speech communication

HOW TO GET STARTED | Anyone with a background in change management would be well-suited for a career as a life coach, but so far that's just a small (but growing) group. Having a communication degree can be very helpful and many coaches benefit from a therapy background or degree. People who don't have any of that, but know they are good communicators, might consider one of many available certification programs. (Coach-U, Coachville, Coaches Training Institute are three of the biggest.), as well as classes at universities. In New York, both Columbia and NYU offer great programs and classes geared towards this topic. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) Website (http://www.coachfederation.org) lists ICF accredited programs. There are a multitude of books out there geared to both coaches and coachees. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field I would recommend getting a coach of your own to get a feel for how it works, and to make sure that this is the type of process that works for you!

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Loving, caring, open, communicative (both in expression of thought and listening), resourceful, insightful. You must be the kind of person that others naturally call when they need advice about their life.

how I got started | I joined the Accenture Change Management Group right out of college. I worked to help companies implement successful change -- new technology, reorganizations, or new processes. Later I worked with a start-up in San Francisco where I was in charge of all things "people," from office furniture to HR and culture. Around that time I started working with my own coach. I wanted help figuring out what made me happy and where I wanted to take my career. All I knew was that the aspect of "change" was something that interested me. After I left the startup, I actually started an acting career and consulted "on the side" to support my creative endeavors!

why this job?| When I moved to New York and had my first baby, the equation changed. I could no longer act (for the time being) because auditions, rehearsals and performance schedules did not mesh with my husband's or my newborn's schedules. I didn't want to consult just for money anymore, because I knew if I was going take a job that took me from my son, it would have to be something I LOVED. So, when I put together all the things I enjoyed about change management, my need for flexibility, and my core strengths (communicating, connecting, inspiring), I literally had a "couch epiphany" as I call it, and realized that THIS was what I needed to do!

why I love this job!| I love seeing the light go on in a client's eyes when I help them break through barriers and discover the possibilities in their futures. I love working with people who inspire me with their energy, stories and pure drive to be the best person they can be. And I love having the ability to take my son to music class one hour and be helping someone achieve a life change the next.

my typical day| The beauty of my job is that there is no "typical" day. Most days are a balancing act between my, my son's, and my clients' needs. On a "work" day (meaning I have childcare), it might go like this: 7:00 - 9:00am: Wake up with my son, get him ready for the day (play, feed, dress). Shower if husband is able to help out. 9:00 - 11:00am: Son goes with nanny. I shower (if I didn't already), check emails, follow-up with any immediate requests 11:00am - 3:00pm: Mix of client meetings, potential client meetings, or networking efforts. Either on phone or in person. 3:00 - 5:00pm: Emails and any other marketing / pr follow-up that's needed. Run necessary errands. 5:00 - 8:00pm: Son is home. We play, he eats, and I get him ready for bed. He's asleep between 7:30-8:00pm. 8:00-9:00pm: I eat, catch up on Tivo, and check personal emails. 9:00-11:00pm: Mix of personal to-dos, work follow-up, and/or client meetings (by phone) OR a networking event. 11:00pm: SLEEP!

what they are | People find it hard to do something good for themselves. So the "sales cycle", if you will, can be a bit frustrating because I am able to see very clearly what they can do to help move themselves forward, and they won't do it because it feels "self-centered" or "selfish." One of my biggest challenges is getting my clients to see how it is not only nice but ESSENTIAL to put yourself first.

all about growth | A wonderful part of this job is that it can be anything you want it to be. You can be an author, speaker, motivator, group coach, or just stick with working one-on-one. It all depends on what YOU want! The coaching profession is growing by leaps and bounds every year. It's a great time to jump in!

my website| http://www.nycmomsblog.com