My journey into leadership and coaching has been anything but linear, but each step has shaped who I am today—a passionate advocate for purpose-driven leadership, wellbeing, and personal growth.

Growing up in a large blended family, I experienced firsthand the challenges that come with dysfunction and instability. With an ultra-conservative stepfather who often said, “children should be seen but not heard,” I learned early to avoid conflict and “keep the peace.” This attitude, combined with the fact that we never discussed sensitive topics like religion, politics, money, or other controversial issues, created an environment where expressing my voice felt uncomfortable, even unsafe. I learned to navigate difficult situations by staying quiet and out of the way - to play small and focus on maintaining harmony rather than challenging the status quo.

I chose a liberal arts path in college, never having a specific career ambition, but instead seeking a well-rounded education that offered learning, critical thinking skills and clarity in the midst of the uncertainty I felt. After graduation, I gravitated toward nonprofit work, an environment that felt safe and aligned with my desire to be of service. From higher education to workforce development, the arts and children’s services, I took on roles where I could contribute to meaningful missions, always stepping up and taking on more responsibility. Despite my quiet beginnings, I quickly became the person others could rely on—someone who could be counted on to get things done.

My path eventually led me to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Overseeing chapter relations across the U.S., I honed my skills in organizational leadership, project management, governance, and navigating conflicts. I became deeply involved in turnaround efforts, working with regional leaders to assess performance, identify challenges, and develop strategies for improvement. I also developed and rolled out national strategic initiatives to expand the organization’s reach and impact.

Over my 14 year tenure, I also dealt with a myriad of difficult leaders, which taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, managing diverse personalities, and navigating challenging relationships in the workplace. These experiences shaped my approach to leadership, reinforcing the importance of empathy, communication, and resilience in creating a positive, high-functioning team dynamic.

All of this forced me to step into a new version of myself—one that could use her voice, advocate for change, and address difficult issues head-on.

I also had the opportunity to travel coast-to-coast, visiting over 40 states and racking up plenty of frequent flyer points. But all that travel took a toll on my ability to have any kind of work life balance. It also took a toll on my body, as I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and fibromyalgia.

In 2019, after experiencing burnout, the grief of losing my mother, and a year of non-stop travel spending over 150 nights on the road, I realized I needed to realign my career with my values and personal wellbeing.

Starting out on my own was admittedly scary - I always valued the stability and support systems that came with traditional employment.

That’s when I found coaching—a career path that allowed me to merge my leadership experience with a passion for helping others grow.

Through DEVRA Leadership, I now help leaders and teams navigate challenges, build resilience, and lead with clarity and purpose.

Leadership, to me, is about more than just achieving results. It’s about aligning your actions with your values, taking care of yourself and your team, and having the courage to lead with authenticity and compassion. Through DEVRA Leadership, I’m committed to helping leaders and organizations create meaningful, lasting impact while prioritizing wellbeing and personal growth.

With over 30 years of experience in organizational leadership, coaching, and consulting, my career has been defined by a deep commitment to service, strategic vision, and helping others realize their potential. Growing up in a large family, I was taught that women weren’t meant to use their voices, which led me to play small early on. I gravitated toward a nonprofit career path—an environment where I felt I could make an impact while avoiding the competitive “suit-and-tie” world. Over the years, I worked in a variety of sectors, from higher education to the arts to children’s services, always taking on more responsibility and earning a reputation as someone others could rely on.

In 2019, after experiencing burnout and grappling with grief, I took a step back and realized I needed to find a path that aligned with my values and wellbeing. I enrolled in a coaching certification program, and for the first time in years, I felt relief and comfort in a role that allowed me to help others grow and lead with purpose. This journey led me to DEVRA Leadership, where I now combine my extensive leadership experience with a passion for coaching to empower individuals and organizations to thrive.

I believe that leadership is about more than just results—it’s about finding clarity, making decisions aligned with your values, and leading in a way that promotes the wellbeing of your teams and communities. Through DEVRA Leadership, I’m committed to helping leaders and teams build resilience, align with their purpose, and create meaningful, lasting impact.With over 30 years of experience in organizational leadership, coaching, and consulting, I’ve spent much of my career working in mission-driven environments, especially in the nonprofit sector. I held executive roles where I led teams through strategic planning, managed complex change initiatives, and worked closely with nonprofit boards to strengthen governance and impact. These years were rewarding, but they also came with intense pressures—endless travel, long hours, and the weight of high-stakes decision-making.

In 2019, I reached a breaking point. I was burned out, uncertain about my passion for mission-driven work, and overwhelmed by the demands of my job. At the same time, I was grieving the loss of my mother after several years of dementia-related cognitive decline. I decided to step away, unsure of what would come next, but with a clear desire to make a change.

I knew I wanted to pursue coaching, so I enrolled in a certification program focused on whole person coaching. From the moment I began my training, I felt a sense of relief and comfort, as the stress of my former career melted away. It was a safe, welcoming, and grounded environment that felt like home.

My goal for 2020 was to travel, start a consulting business, and figure out my next chapter. But with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I pivoted and focused on building a coaching practice from home. This allowed me to combine my years of leadership experience with my newfound passion for helping individuals and teams prioritize wellbeing, build resilience, and lead with clarity and purpose.

Now, through DEVRA Leadership, I use my background in nonprofit leadership and my coaching expertise to support leaders in navigating change, fostering stronger teams, and enhancing their personal and professional growth. I believe that leadership is not just about results—it’s about aligning actions with values, finding balance, and creating environments where people can truly thrive.