About

I am an executive coach for higher education leaders seeking clarity to move forward during challenging times

Executives in higher education, often entangled in outdated and ineffective leadership practices, face difficulties in achieving their objectives. I assist these executives in understanding their true priorities, empowering them to break free and take action in an authentic way. Through the executive coaching I provide, they can excel personally and professionally, and their organization reaps the rewards of enhanced clarity and focus on what truly matters.

My Background

My background in positive psychology, higher education consulting, and as a campus executive plan an integral role in my approach to executive coaching. Prior to becoming an executive coach, I was a senior executive at multiple consulting firms where I worked primarily with college presidents and executive teams on strategy, leadership development, campus climate, feasability, accreditation, and succession planning. While serving as a campus executive at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, I suffered from a near-fatal pulmonary embolism that showed me the importance of sustainable leadership practices for executives, and I have been a passionate advocate for helping others since embarking on my consulting and coaching career ten years ago.


 

STRENGTHS-BASED EXECUTIVE COACHING

I hold a Masters degree in Counseling and over 120 hours of training as an Executive Coaching, including post-doctoral training in positive psychology, neuroscience of coaching, and emotional intelligence, all approved by the International Coaching Federation. I have coached hundreds of executives. In addition, I am able to offer the Strengths Finder, MBTI, LPI, CPI, and many other assessments through my many certifications.

Areas of Expertise

HIGHER EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

I have over 25 years experience, much of it as an executive, in higher education. I have worked in large public institutions and small private colleges, working in DEI, Enrollment, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Advancement, Marketing, Communications, Alumni, Human Resources, and IT. I have also worked with thousands of execs during my 10-year higher education consulting career, and written hundreds of strategic plans. I hold a PhD from Penn State in Education / Gender Studies.

PERFORMING ARTIST

Since graduating with a Bachelor of Music from The Hartt School, I have maintained an active performing career as a musician no matter how I made a living. I understand the need for joy and creativity, both from work and from outside of work. My company is called ACT to honor the theatre company that changed my life, to remember Steve Helsel, who worked there and who has passed but still inspires me, and to encourage all of you to be fearless.