Coaching

Your Coach

Meet Your Life Coach—Jennifer Wilson, MA

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been putting on a backpack and escaping to the outdoors. I sat on a blanket in a nearby meadow and identified bugs and wildflowers, or I went to my special hideaway in the brambles where I kept a buried box of childhood treasures: a blue jay feather, a sparkly rock, a dried violet. Now, as an adult, whether I take a quick walk in the parks near my house or backpack in the mountains out west, just being in the fresh air and wind with my feet on the earth is what rejuvenates my soul.

My Background

I grew up in a small town in rural Wisconsin. I left home shortly after graduation to live and work on a lumber ship in Norway before going on to earn a BS in Psychology and an MA in Counseling and Educational Psychology. I spent several years as a community counselor working with adjudicated and substance-abusing youth before becoming a licensed School Counselor, continuing my work with middle and high school students and their families.  I expanded my repertoire of skills by working at the District level as a Learning Technologies Coordinator which gave me the chance to learn about adult education and using technology effectively as an educational tool.  Nationally recognized as an online professional development and learning expert, I reached one of the high points in my career.

Mid-Life Questions

In my late 30’s, I realized that I had done everything I was “supposed” to do and had most things I was supposed to have. By our culture’s standards, I was successful: nice house, steady employment with benefits, trips to Italy in the spring, two cars, and a 401(K).

And then I asked, “Now what?”

Walking the Talk

With the help of a talented Life Coach, I began struggling with the Big Questions, such as “When do I feel most alive?”, “What do I want in my relationships?” and “What would a life of greater meaning and passion look like?” In time, I began to envision a new life for myself and set out to achieve it step by step.

As the saying goes, sometimes you have to walk through the valley if you want to reach the mountaintop. I faced many challenges, including the stress and loss that often accompany divorce, moving, leaving paid employment to start a business, and weathering changes in friendships. I often felt confused and discouraged. At times, I doubted myself and lost my usual sense of hope and optimism. But, I did not lose faith, thanks in part to the support of my Life Coach who helped me evolve, transform, and find my way again.

My life today is aligned with my deepest values and filled with passion which gives me the confidence to pursue my ever-evolving dreams.  I have created a successful coaching and consulting practice that strongly advocates for youth and adults, based on principles of restorative justice and social equity.  I have a wonderful relationship, and a supportive and diverse community of friends. I take opportunities to travel to amazing places, often as solo adventures. I practice meditation and yoga, and regularly engage in my favorite sports: rock climbing, backpacking, cross-country skiing, canoeing and kayaking.  I am grateful that I have strong relationships and lots of love in my life.

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Cochise Stronghold, AZ         Puy Marie,  France             El Yunque, Puerto Rico