About Me
Coaching sessions are focused on the client, so I don't usually spend time talking about myself. If I think a client might benefit from hearing about my experience, or if a client asks me about something in my life, I will mention it, but only after confirming that I have a client's permission to do so. I do think it is important to know a bit about your coach, as none of us is subjective: like everyone, I see the world through the lens of my life experience.
I have always been interested in people. This curiosity first drove me to pursue a graduate degree in anthropology. Later, I turned to coaching as a means of further deepening my understanding of human nature. I studied coaching and did my certification with CTI (The Coaches Training Institute). I chose CTI because I love the Co-Active coaching model they teach.
More important. Co-Active Coaching is the only evidence based proved coaching method. Current research at the university of Western Ontario, has shown that Co-Active Coaching is compatible with health behavior theory, and has been associated with positive health and behavioral changes in obesity, physical activity and smoking cessation.
(Newnham-Kanas, C., Irwin, J.D., and Morrow, D. (2008). Life coaching as an intervention for individuals with obesity. International Journal of Evidence-Based Coaching and Mentoring, 6(2), 1-12.
Newnham-Kanas, C., Morrow, D., and Irwin, J.D. (2010). A functional juxtaposition of three methods for health behaviour change: Motivational Interviewing, Coaching, and Skilled Helping. International Journal of Evidence-Based Coaching and Mentoring, 8(2), 27-48.
Mantler, T., Irwin, J.D., Morrow, D., et. al. (2014). Assessing motivational interviewing via co-active life coaching on selected smoking cessation outcomes. Addiction Research & Theory, early online pp.1-12.
Irwin, J.D., and Morrow, D. (2005). Health promotion theory in practice: an Analysis of Co-active Coaching. International Journal of Evidence-Based Coaching and Mentoring, 3(1), 29-38.)
A few years ago, something happened in my personal life that renewed my commitment to my chosen career. In 2010 I lost my husband in a sudden, tragic accident. His death clarified for me not only how I wanted to live but what kind of work I wanted to do.
In the wake of our family's tragedy, I wanted to develop the good things in my life and in my kids' lives. I wanted to maximize my own potential and help them find theirs. Developing my career as a coach was an opportunity for me to be a role model for my kids. I wanted to guide them to find their passions. I wanted to show them that you can earn a living while doing what you love. At the same time, I felt a sense of urgency to help others in the same way. I re-immersed myself in coaching.
I love helping clients align their yearnings and personal strengths with their actions. When I see clients experiencing resonance in their own lives, I feel happiness. I love seeing people grow, and am humbled and grateful to be part of the process. During the coaching process, I also grow, for I learn a great deal from my clients.
My values include: family, love, integrity, honesty, friendship, health, courage, beauty, leadership, humility, learning, self-development, generosity, fun, adventure, and many others. These values guide my choices and interactions: I strive to live my life in alignment with them.
Credentials
- certified professional Co-Active coach (The Coaches Training Institute)
- certified consultant with The Leadership Circle
- corporate experience as a human resources manager
- corporate experience as a recruiter
- international experience
- experience working with a diverse population
- experience working with people with disabilities and their families
- life-long learner
- personal experience obtained as a manager, employee, customer, and entrepreneur-not to mention as an immigrant, mother, spouse, and provider!
