I am a professionally trained Coach, Employment Specialist and Workplace Trainer. In the past 20 years, I have helped hundreds of individuals achieve greater success, happiness and fulfillment in their lives. I have a strong background working with immigrants and international students in private companies, non-profit organizations and educational institutions. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to live, work and travel abroad, which helped me understand the challenges and barriers that newcomers face when transitioning from one culture to another. My own professional and personal journey has not only helped me understand myself better, but has given me a greater appreciation of the challenges that immigrants encounter on a daily basis.
Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I traveled extensively with my family, mainly in North America, Asia and Europe. During this time, we lived briefly in Hawaii, Thailand, England and Italy. These international adventures opened my eyes to a new world, which set the stage for the rest of my life. While I was a student at the University of Victoria, I took part in an educational/cultural summer immersion program at the Universitat de Kassel in Germany. This was the first time I lived and studied abroad alone, which enabled me to completely immerse into German culture, by speaking the language, learning the customs and understanding the mentality of the people. Since then, a spark had been ignited and a strong desire to work internationally. I taught English as a Second Language (ESL) in South Korea for one year and in Austria for half a year. Living overseas taught me not only about the cultural differences, but also about the human spirit and how similar we really are; despite our different ethnicity, religion, values and belief systems. In recent years, I have traveled to Mexico and Cuba multiple times and have familiarized myself with the language, history, and the customs. I strongly believe that all cultures have something special and unique to offer, and that cultural richness and beauty can be easily captivated.
As a professional coach, I am passionate about helping and guiding individuals in their everyday life. Like you, I have had and still have my challenges. Throughout my life, I have had my share of ups and downs, some positive memories and great experiences, but also many disappointments; specifically some minor health issues, relationship struggles, career and cultural transitions and the loss of my parents. With the support of my partner, friends and family, the loyal companionship of my dog, a spiritual nature, a strong determination and the support of a life coach, I have been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and outlook on life. In fact, it is with the help from my coach that helped me get clear on what I wanted, on how to get there and to hold myself accountable as I went after my dreams. This is when I fully realized that I could make a big difference and have a huge impact in people’s lives.
As a professional trainer and instructor, I am equally passionate about working with a diverse range of individuals, specializing in a variety of sectors. Specifically, I have trained employees and volunteers on Workplace Based Essential Skills, Customer Service and Intercultural Communication, in order to aid in the development and enhancement of their current workplace skills. I have facilitated groups on English as an Additional Language (EAL), Life Skills and Employability Skills, in order to increase their chances on finding career success, and attaining fulfillment in their day to day life. Leading groups enables me to motivate and inspire others, focusing on the interaction and dynamic within the group, and also supporting individuals in their own learning and development.
Living a balanced life filled with purpose, joy and leisure is something that I have worked hard to achieve and one that I would like everyone to live by. As a deeply intuitive person with a compassionate nature, a very practical and results oriented side, I am deeply committed to helping individuals create a professional and personal life they love which is fun, purposeful and rewarding.
