About Me
my Journey
Growing up, I developed roots:
Raised in rural North Dakota
Did all the school activities from music to theater, sports and even some cheerleading
Lutheran with a Scandinavian heritage
Loved summer camps to connect with kids beyond my hometown
Life-changing (and life-giving) semester abroad in Ecuador (thank goodness that Spain program was full!)
In my 20s, I explored:
Semester Abroad Field Study: Ecuador
BA International Relations, Tufts University with focus in Peace & Justice Studies
Peace Corps Volunteer in the Russian Far East (taught English but learned way more than I ever taught!)
Connected community members with kids for enrichment and mutual learning
Moved to Chile to create an English immersion program for kids
Enjoyed a non-traditional work life
Fell in love and it didn’t work out
Liked myself, felt confident yet not quite connected to my life’s purpose
Virtual business card: I am an educator.
In my 30s, I expanded:
MA in International Training and Education, American University (turns out working with adults is my zone of genius)
Fell in love, did 2 1/2 years long distance and got married
Peace Corps staff in Nicaragua and Washington, DC
Co-Active Professional Coach Certification (PCC via ICF if that is meaningful to you!)
Meyers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI) Certification
Got clear on my life’s purpose: I am the spark that creates change from within
Virtual business card: I am a facilitator.
In my 40s, everything exploded and re-formed
World travel and lots of facilitation, design and coaching as Peace Corps staff
Marriage ended (after much learning and with mutual respect)
Colleagues and mentors held space and a greater vision for me
Birthed two babies as a Choice Mom (thank you, sperm donors <3)
Self-employed (I never would have guessed!)
Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) certified
Intercultural Conflict Styles (ICS) certified
Accepted help from non-traditional sources who helped me heal in ways I didn’t know was needed or possible
Constant reflection on the journey of parenthood and the tremendous amount of self-study and in-the-moment responses it requires
Akashic Healing Certification
Trauma-informed coach certification
Developed a spiritual practice that supports my daily life
Virtual business card: I facilitate transformation and wellbeing.
About Sparks of Change
Sparks of Change offers a holistic and inclusive approach to wellness coaching, experiential learning and facilitation for individuals and groups interested in transformation and growth.
Working with Sparks of Change, you will find a way forward to live mindfully and in alignment with your most deeply held values.
For group work, I take a collaborative and co-creator approach. I often partner with colleagues for co-facilitation based on identity, skills and the needs and goals of the group.
Clients Include:
Federal senior executive service leaders, executive directors and mid-level managers of NGO and non-profits, top 300 leaders in the Minnesota Department of Revenue, ARCH Language Network, Washburn Center for Children, American Cancer Society, staff at top US universities, psychologists, scientists, parents, non-parents, i.e. folks from all walks of life– just like you!
