As an accredited coach with the International Coaches Federation, my "WHY" for supporting players, coaches, and leaders is deeply rooted in personal experience.
Growing up I had two brothers who played, one moving onto the NHL and the other becoming a coach. And then there was the next generation; nine nieces and nephews and two of my own, with all but one playing competitive hockey. Let’s just say, our family meets at the rink.
Over the years I witnessed the media circus and the omnipresent "hockey experts" offering their unsolicited opinions. I volunteered in organizations, and I have many great friends in hockey. My lifelong exposure has allowed me to view many perspectives of the game, the people, and the culture.
This served as the catalyst for me to combine my personal knowledge, training in applied neuroscience, and extensive hours as a certified ICF Coach to provide support to competitive-level athletes, coaches, and hockey organizations.
Specifically, my mission is to offer support and tools to individuals as humans, assisting them in building a fulfilling life centred around their unique values and aspirations. I see every individual in the sport, whether a player, coach or anyone else involved, as a human being.
My motivation stems from a place of deep compassion and a commitment to meaningful work with people, guiding them toward a healthy life driven by their individual values and goals. My family all love the game, the community, and the camaraderie with colleagues, from behind-the-scenes staff to teammates and opponents.
The hockey community, like any other, has room for growth. We're moving past the "suck it up" mentality, focusing on creating a supportive environment, both in and out of the rink, where everyone can flourish. I am incredibly fortunate to do the work I do and to stand beside others as they grow, explore, and care for their overall well-being, not just in the gym.
As a professional coach, I've witnessed corporate professionals achieve improved performance and undergo positive leadership transformations through hard work, dedication, and embracing discomfort in the coaching process. I believe that the hockey community can also benefit from these successes by fostering a safe and supportive environment.
My "why" is rooted in the belief that everyone should have the chance to prioritize their humanity and experience empowerment, confidence, safety, and well-being while pursuing their dreams and goals throughout all aspects of life.