Annie’s life adventure:
Coming home to delight
It’s my nature to grow and uncover delight for myself and others.
But like many people, I was insecure in groups. I became shy with people I didn’t know well. At a high school reunion, an acquaintance of mine said it was good to see me smiling and laughing so much--she remembered me as very reserved and serious.
I learned to uncover more and more of my essence.
Now I am known for my warmth and laughter! But it didn’t happen without help—many people supported the reclaiming of my natural joy and zest. All the wisdom I gained over my many years of finding my true self, I now share with others to help them do the same. Let me be your guide in this exciting journey to rekindle your delight for life.
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How I found my own path.
I am a mid-life bloomer. It was through my own determination and encouragement from key “coaches” in my life—counselors, therapists, friends—that I was able to take some big steps that moved me forward.
The journey that marked my turning point.
When I was on the cusp of middle age—I adventured solo across the country, driving 11,000 miles. I was plenty scared at times, but learned to face my fears. I discovered that I was good company for myself and how important it is to have other people close. When I returned, I was ready to build community, deepen relationships and try new things.
That journey opened up new and joyful life paths.
One was becoming a Storyteller. Writing poetry was part of my life from a young age but the discovery of storytelling gave me a new outlet for my creativity. Now instead of writing alone in my room, I was up in front of an audience, using my body and voice to communicate my stories. Dance, yoga and exploring improvisation also became integral activities in my life and have shaped my coaching style.
The happy beginning of my coaching career.
I discovered peer counseling and pursued classes to learn how to coach others to create change in their lives. Soon many of the people I was closest to began relying on me as an advisor and confidant. My storytelling students also began calling on me to coach them in their personal lives and careers. In order to be the best coach I could be for my clients I searched for a coaching school that had rigor and compatible values—I found that at New Ventures West Professional Coaching Program.
Using laughter to light your Lifefire.
I am known for my ability to laugh easily and heartily. A good friend once told me I should become a professional laugher. I thought that was a good joke, until I found Laughter Yoga, a combination of laughter exercises and yogic breathing that promotes health and well-being. I was fortunate to train with the founder of Laughter Yoga, Dr. Kataria. Now I train others to become laughter leaders, lead laughter workshops for businesses and organizations. I founded the Lifefire Laughter Club Laughter Club in Oakland in 2007, and it's still going strong..
Today I help people just like you unleash a new sense of joy in life.
Let me help you bring about the changes you are yearning for. My light-guiding encouragement will help you—whether you are trying to build community and deepen relationships, take the next big step forward in your career or tap into your creativity in new ways.
Contact me to schedule your Lifefire Assessment—your first half hour is free..
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Education:
- Certified Integral Coach, New Ventures West Professional Coaching Course, San Francisco, CA
- Certified Laughter Yoga Leader and Teacher, Dr, Kataria’s School of Laughter Yoga
- InterPlay Leadership Program
- B.A. & Master of Arts in Teaching, Binghamton University. Binghamton, NY
Experience:
- Career & Life Coach for Springboard Forward and Year Up 2008-2010
- Human services and education fields for over 20 years
- Service coordinator for elderly and disabled people, Boston, MA Assisted elders and their families through challenging transitions
- Life guide for teen girls at a group home
- English teacher— secondary education
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