My journey into leadership and coaching has been anything but linear. Each step—personal and professional—has shaped who I am today: a passionate advocate for human-centered, purpose-driven leadership and meaningful growth.

Growing up in a large blended family marked by dysfunction and instability, I learned early to play small and keep the peace. With a deeply traditional stepfather who believed that “children should be seen but not heard,” using my voice often felt uncomfortable—sometimes unsafe. I navigated difficult situations by staying quiet and out of the way, rather than speaking up and challenging the status quo.

Like most of us, the patterns we develop in childhood don’t simply disappear—they require deep awareness and intentional effort to understand and change. Those early patterns shaped how I showed up at work and in relationships.

I gravitated toward a career in nonprofit leadership, drawn by a desire for heart-centered work. Over the years I took on increasingly challenging roles across the sector - education, workforce development, the arts, children’s services - supporting causes that deeply resonated with me. I became known as a strategic thinker and hard worker who stepped up, took responsibility, and did whatever it took in service to mission.

My path eventually led me to Make-A-Wish America where I ultimately became a Vice President overseeing chapter relations and mission initiatives across the U.S. There, I sharpened my skills in organizational leadership, governance, large-scale change, and high-stakes decision-making. During my 14 year tenure I worked with a wide range of leadership styles and challenging personalities - experiences that deeply shaped my leadership approach, reinforcing the importance of empathy, collaboration, clear communication, and resilience in building healthy, high-functioning teams.

All of this allowed me to step into a new version of myself—

a strategic leader who unapologetically uses her voice, advocates for change, and addresses difficult issues head-on.

But as much as I loved my work, the pace was relentless. Years of constant travel and high-pressure responsibilities, coupled with caregiving for aging parents, took its toll. During this time I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and underwent several surgeries. Like many leaders, I kept going—putting my own needs last and doing my best to hold everything together. By 2019, burnout, exhaustion, physical pain, and grief made it clear I needed to change course and find a way to align my career with personal wellbeing.

Leaving traditional employment was both scary and freeing. I valued the stability and community I was walking away from, but I also felt an unexpected sense of freedom—to choose how I spent my time and define success on my own terms. That’s when I found Coaching. From the moment I began my training, I felt grounded and at home in a profession that honors growth and humanity.

Today, through DEVRA Leadership, I draw on my background in organizational leadership and coaching to support leaders and teams across all sectors. I help leaders navigate change, build resilience, and strengthen teamwork. I believe leadership is a deeply human endeavor—one that requires clarity, courage, and compassion, along with the willingness to care for yourself and those you lead. Through coaching, teaching, and facilitation, I’m committed to helping leaders and organizations create meaningful, lasting impact without sacrificing their humanity along the way.

Join me on this journey!