I love to live life. Pedal-to-the-metal as they say. I know a lot of people say this without really understanding it’s meaning, but I say this with the full understanding that this includes the good, the bad and the ugly. My dictum:

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in
broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming,
"WOW! What a ride!"

In addition to the joys and wondrous parts of life, I also understand the challenges and conflicts we can have throughout our lives and embrace them as they are a necessary part of the journey. And each experience, whether it be joyful, adventurous, or difficult adds another thread to the fabric of who we are until we become a rich tapestry. I have reached that rich tapestry age I believe and now I honor and appreciate every thread that is in it.

So, here are a few things to know about me.
I am a Master Certified Coach (MCC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).
I have been a full time, professional coach since 1996. I have coached hundreds of individuals in both private and group settings. My practice, while eclectic, is comprised mostly of professionals, executives, business owners and many life explorers .

I have been passionate and very active in developing coaching as a worldwide profession. For over five years I was on the executive team of Coach U, the world's leading coach training organization where coaching was pioneered. During my time with Coach U I helped it grow from under 500 students in the U.S. and Canada to over 7000 students in 36 countries. In 2001 I ended my tenure there as President of Coach Live which developed and produced as many as 65 live coach training events each year for personal, business and corporate coaches around the world.

I was also involved in the development of certification standards and criteria for the International Coach Federation (ICF), the most recognized coach certification throughout the world. I sat on the Exam Committee where competencies, exam content and exam procedures were initially developed for the profession.

In May of 2005 I was asked to become a charter faculty member at The University of Texas School of Management in the Executive and Professional Coaching Program. This is the first academically accredited coach training program in the United States.

I was also co-chair for the 11th annual International Coach Federation conference in November 2006. This is the largest worldwide conference in the coaching profession with coaches attending from over 30 different countries.

In my personal life I share my life with my true love, my husband Brian. We have been together for 25 years and have worked hard to develop a life and lifestyle that once was a dream and is now a reality. We live in a beautiful, natural sanctuary along the wooded banks of the Fox River in a sleepy little town about 30 miles outside Chicago. I often describe it as Mayberry with an attitude. Together we have built a life that is rich with loving family and good friends.

Some points of interest in my personal life:
•In 2004 Brian and I tore down the home we lived in for 19 years to build our dream home. We built our vision with our own hands, hearts, blood, sweat and tears. And yes, I have my own tool belt and power tools and I know how to use them!
•I have my teaching degree in the Chinese martial art of Tai Chi Chuan and a black belt in the Japanese art of Aikido. I also hold rank in Shao Lin Kung Fu and have trained police officers in street self defense. I can often be found out in my woods playing with my swords and spears.
•Weight has been one of my life long challenges (dieting, yes I said the “D” word, since the age of 9). I consider myself a vast resource for lifestyle modifications focusing on wellness, nutrition and fitness as well as someone who really “gets” the notion of body acceptance and being a plus sized sensual Goddess!
•I am a horse enthusiast and have owned and trained horses for most of my life. I have competed in multiple equestrian events and have trained race horses.
•I love the water and especially the ocean. I have sailed across the Atlantic Gulf Stream three times in a 44 foot yacht and have done quite a bit of deep ocean sailing. Talk about a religious experience!
•This may come as no surprise, but I love to cook and entertain. When we rebuilt our home we made sure the kitchen and the dining room were two of the biggest rooms in the home. We had a dining room table custom built that seats 20! They call me the kitchen maestro.
•Brian and I are avid kayakers and bicyclers. We spend lots of time on the river we live on and the 27 miles of natural trails that run adjacent to our property.
•Half of my immediate family lives in Ireland. (County Clare for those of you wondering). And no, I do not have the lovely accent but I am considered quite the seanachie (which means storyteller in Irish). I come from a family that competes for the wittiest, funniest, most touching and clever story. We convey our history and our way of being through story in my family and this is a strong part of who I am.
•I have been traveling since I was a child and travel and adventure is in my blood. Brian and I love to travel and the more exotic, the better!
•I am an animal lover who is especially fond of dogs. Well, OK, I’m crazy about them. The delight of our lives is our Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Swissy for short) named Shiloh. She is still a puppy but one day will weigh in at about 130 pounds!

Now, enough about me, what about you?