Coaching

What I’m Offering Right Now:

I’m feeling really pulled to coach white women and nonbinary people who were assigned female at birth who want to learn how to identify and interrupt everyday white supremacy. If you are a white woman who wants develop a deeper understanding and analysis of whiteness and oppression, and what you can do about it, learn more here and please get in touch!

Why Coaching?

Coaching posits that the person closest to a given problem is closest to its solution. The idea that people intrinsically know what’s best for themselves resonates deeply with my previous training in asset-based community development and culturally responsive education. I’ve received ongoing coaching training, and had the chance to coach all kinds of people one-on-one and in group settings. I’ve also developed coaching curriculum and trainings for others, and regularly seek out coaching for myself.

The opportunity to coach people facing significant challenges has pushed and stretched me into being a better version of myself, and the act of coaching itself has felt like coming home. I’ve discovered that coaching combines my skills and talents into a singular practice that I simply love. Coaching others, challenging and intense as it can be, doesn’t feel like work. In the words of the poet Mayda del Valle, “It’s not occupation or a vocation; it’s a calling – and I’m replying.”

Coaching FAQs:

What is coaching?

Coaching is a powerful, ongoing relationship that helps you focus and realize your visions and goals. A coach will give you the tools and support to overcome obstacles and make concrete changes in your life.

What are some reasons people hire a coach?

  • to plan a career move

  • to make your current job more fulfilling

  • to plan your life around what matters most to you

  • to get more organized or create more balance

  • to get motivated to start something important to you

  • to focus your energy on planning or completing a project

  • to make your life ultimately more fulfilling

How is coaching done?

Typically, individual coaching is done by telephone or in person, in hour-long sessions. I like to schedule at least 8 of these sessions (usually held every other week, meaning a four month commitment), so that a client can begin to make progress on what matters to them, given that change doesn’t happen overnight!

Is coaching therapy?

Nope, coaching is not therapy. Coaching focuses on strategic planning and personal growth and does not attempt to heal emotional trauma. My perspective is that therapy tends to start with discussing past events (particularly those that caused trauma or grief), in service of understanding one’s current situation, while coaching starts with what’s happening right now, in service of achieving future goals. Coaches regularly refer clients to other professionals for issues that are better suited to a therapeutic relationship.

What is a typical session like?

Coaching is conversational, client-led, and action-oriented. The hallmark of coaching is self-responsibility: the client sets the agenda for the session and the coach follows that agenda. You can expect me to offer powerful, clarifying questions and focused, fine-tuned planning tools and strategies for change. I’ll help you develop your next steps, and I’ll offer to hold you accountable for them. I enjoy coaching because it’s so dynamic, fluid, and often, surprising! Also, 100% of my coaching sessions have included laughter, so, be prepared for that.

Okay, but what does it cost?

I’m moving away from having a static, set rate and towards compassion and enoughness (George Kao’s words, not mine). My current sliding scale is $75 – $150 per hourlong coaching session. I will always offer a free 30-minute consultation, so we can explore the overlap between what I’m offering and what you’re seeking.

What’s the impact of coaching?

Being coached by others has been a profound experience for me. Through coaching, I’ve noticed patterns in my behavior, uncovered implicit beliefs, and connected with my core values. Skilled coaches have helped me identify meaningful goals and they’ve held me accountable for taking action towards reaching those goals, while encouraging and challenging me along the way. Were it not for coaching, I would never have taken the leap to go into business for myself as Alight; I’m deeply grateful for the ways coaching has transformed, and continues to transform, my life.