Finding joy, vibrancy, fulfillment—these are the driving forces in my life. I live with great intentionality and embrace opportunities for deepening my connection to that which brings the greatest sense of well-being.
This began long before I knew it was my intention. Having a sense of community drives happiness. And today, we are seeing articles and books about how our country is in a loneliness epidemic. We all need connection. I have sought it out. As the youngest in my family, as my brothers moved out, I was the only child in the house, so I came to “babysit” the neighbors, but really, I adopted them as another family to be a part of. There were several years that that family brought be a sense of belonging that I so needed.
This began long before I knew it was my intention. Having a sense of community drives happiness. And today, we are seeing articles and books about how our country is in a loneliness epidemic. We all need connection. I have sought it out. As the youngest in my family, as my brothers moved out, I was the only child in the house, so I came to “babysit” the neighbors, but really, I adopted them as another family to be a part of. There were several years that that family brought be a sense of belonging that I so needed.
You’ve likely heard that those who do acts of service feel better for having done so. I gave back since I was young. Sometimes formally, through volunteer opportunities, but also informally, by being the friend someone needed. I was told by high school friends that I was destined to become a counselor.
I did become a counselor, after graduating in psychology at UCSC, and I’ve been a teacher, and I worked with at-risk youth. I also tried to support positive changes to our education system when working on education reform in graduate school, and then a career in fundraising and development continued to bring me into spaces where the goal was to give back, have a positive impact on the future and better lives. I feel best when I am of service.
I have found that the best way to be of service is to listen. Truly listen. Not like the listening we have of a friend who is talking with us while doing the dishes or driving around, but the intentional, quiet, focused listening that comes from creating the space with each other. This is where transformation can happen.
MY MISSION & PHILOSOPHY
“Wellness encompases our whole being, a combination of mind, body and spirit.”
I believe wellness is an ongoing practice. It’s not a box we check, something we get to and can mark complete. In fact, I have always been wary of any quick fix solutions out there, from pills to diet plans. One can find someone hawking the latest way to feel good, but these are often marketing ploys to make us feel like we have something that is wrong with us that needs to be fixed. I don’t think there’s something wrong with you. When we have feelings telling us so, those are to be questioned. Learning to pay attention to our internal experience is how we learn what needs to change or where we need to charge ahead.
I studied wellness coaching through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition because I believe that health is holistic—the things off and on our plate, both play a part in our sense of nourishment. The program was organized around the concept of a wheel of life consisting of 12 key things that make up our sense of wellness: physical activity, health, education, career, finances, creativity, spirituality, joy, social life, relationships, home environment, and home cooking. In sessions with my clients, it generally comes down to a couple of these concepts we focus our sessions, depending on their unique situation.
I believe wellness is an ongoing practice. It’s not a box we check, something we get to and can mark complete. In fact, I have always been wary of any quick fix solutions out there, from pills to diet plans. One can find someone hawking the latest way to feel good, but these are often marketing ploys to make us feel like we have something that is wrong with us that needs to be fixed. I don’t think there’s something wrong with you. When we have feelings telling us so, those are to be questioned. Learning to pay attention to our internal experience is how we learn what needs to change or where we need to charge ahead.
I studied wellness coaching through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition because I believe that health is holistic—the things off and on our plate, both play a part in our sense of nourishment. The program was organized around the concept of a wheel of life consisting of 12 key things that make up our sense of wellness: physical activity, health, education, career, finances, creativity, spirituality, joy, social life, relationships, home environment, and home cooking. In sessions with my clients, it generally comes down to a couple of these concepts we focus our sessions, depending on their unique situation.
Health is powerful! What is keeping you from achieving your best? I can help you get there.
"Working with Susan on a recent project was wonderful. Susan was able to discuss my needs and readily clarify how we could work collaboratively to achieve my goals. As obstacles or fears arose, she was able to help me navigate the waters towards success in achieving my dream. I felt heard, supported and empowered throughout the process. Susan harmonizes a blend of support, compassion and motivation to help people optimize their lives. Susan is a gifted coach who applies her depth of experience and personal exploration to the unique situation of each client. I continue to enjoy the results of our work to this day.”
Erin
“Susan truly feels like my number one fan. I am delighted by how every time I talk to her how much more aligned and inspired I feel. Susan always knows the right thing to say to make me feel confident and excited. I look forward to every time I am going to speak with her! She comes from a place of deep empathy making one feel seen and empowered.”
Olivia