“When I came to coaching, it was the middle of the pandemic and I was on the brink of a major career change. Working with Vanessa helped me show up with the leadership presence I wanted in my new job, and navigate more fluidly in relationships with people at work who think very differently than I do. I would say coaching with Vanessa is essential professional development on par with any formal training opportunities that I’ve had.”

- Claire McMurtry, Development Manager, LandPaths

“My first year as a manager at my nonprofit was filled with many challenges and opportunities for growth. Working with Vanessa provided me with a space to reflect on my work, values, and how I can incorporate my various interests into my projects. Sometimes the sessions helped me tackle specific challenges I was facing, while other times they offered me a reflective space that sparked ideas for growth and exploration. As a result, I now feel much more confident in my role and I'm speaking up a lot more. I recommend coaching with Vanessa to anyone who is looking to approach their growth with curiosity — focusing on their strengths, overcoming inner roadblocks, and discovering their resources.”

- P. Leal, Grantmaking and Program Manager, Justice Outside

“Vanessa helped coach me through some big decisions during a time of significant change in my life. I was feeling a bit lost. I understood some of my options and the pros and cons of each, but I was missing a clear sense of what was most important to me – a sense of purpose to guide my decisions. While I had worked with coaches before and trusted Vanessa, I was honestly skeptical that coaching could help me gain that level of clarity. So I was blown away by how effectively, and how quickly, Vanessa helped me articulate a coherent vision of the purpose I want to live and work for. Our work together helped me identify specific, tangible steps to navigate several transitions in my life. Not only that, I still refer back to the materials and decisions Vanessa helped me make, months later, to guide my choices now. Instead of wrestling with uncertainty, I feel confident and ready to take action, grounded in a deeper sense of myself.”

- David M. Wagner, Founder & Principal Strategist, Clear Mission Consulting

“During our time coaching together, I was promoted to serve as an Associate Director. Vanessa helped me elevate my leadership so that I'm focused on the more significant scope of work in this new role. I've never been the best at asking for help or delegating tasks, but since working with her, I've done just that and more. I've stepped up for public speaking opportunities I never would have dreamed of before and I've opened up lines of communication with vendors and colleagues where before I would have stayed silent. With warmth and positivity, Vanessa has challenged me to think outside the box and be my best self.”

- Andrea Akers, Associate Director of Operations, Foodwise

“A year ago, I sought coaching because I felt overwhelmed and not confident to be an effective leader in my role as a new Executive Director. What’s different now is I no longer feel deficient. I know I am the right person to lead. I am bringing more curiosity and spaciousness in my interactions with my team and asking for help when I need it. And instead of shying away from conflict/challenge today, I’m stepping up to create change from a place of calmness. I highly recommend coaching with Vanessa to anyone who is looking to develop their leadership and sustain their energy for this work.”

- Theresa Harlan, Executive Director, Alliance for Felix Cove here

“Coaching opened up another part of me that I didn’t know I had. A new level of confidence that I can approach something that scares me head on and not feel frightened. In the beginning, I was more of a ‘stand in the background’ type of person, not wanting as much to be a leader, and now I have the confidence to say what I need to say and have my words be valued and respected. This is a major shift for me and I really like where it’s going.”

- Ally Albright, Development and Marketing Manager, FACES SF