Qualifications & Experience

Certified Life Coach – October 2020

Certified Life Coach Institute

Certified Fitness Trainer

ISSA 2015-2017

  • Coached clients for obstacle races including taking a team of women to conquer Spartan World Championship in Lake Tahoe, 2016
  • Offered group training for women through a “Fit Club”, 2013-2017
  • A host of OCR Plus Fitness Women’s Retreat, Palm Springs, CA. June 2016
  • Trained my stepson, who has Autism, to compete in obstacle course races and run Disney races, 2012-2017

 

Behavior Consulting for young adults (16-21) and children challenged with developmental disabilities.

Owner and Director of Progressive Connections

Supported Living Service
Ventura, CA
1996-2007

A support service designed to help participants challenged by disabilities and live their best lives in the community. Special Olympics participant assistance and coach support with Behavioral Consulting.

Presenter and Speaker at Special Education and Ability/Advocacy Conferences Throughout California

1993-2006

  • Topics included: Sexuality and Relationships for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, Autism, and Behavioral Supports, as well as success stories from my program.
  • Supported Participants to advocate for themselves and become guest speakers.

    • Co-wrote and created a workshop curriculum for adults challenged by developmental disabilities. Workshops were free for Progressive Connections participants.

    Facilitated Weekly Workshops

    Topics included:

    • Men and Womens’ Group; Relationships and Sexuality

    • Social skills

    • Anger Management

    • Advocacy

    • Creative outlets for stress and enlightenment (displaying projects in Ventura, CA. art walk)

    • Travel and trip planning (including safety while traveling)

    • Safety for the home and other emergency skills training ( earthquake, fire, etc.)

    • STAGES: a drama group to incorporate the arts into participant’s lives.

    Certified Rape and Domestic Violence Crisis Counselor

    State of California Criminal Justice Department 1995-1996

  • Volunteer Crisis Counselor for The Coalition to End Domestic Violence

  • Provided counseling at a women’s shelter and hotline, supporting women who are victims as they dealt with rape kits and communications with authorities or ER social workers.

    • Senior Community Support Specialist for adults with developmental disabilities

    1992-1996

    Employment Specialist coaching participants as they applied for employment in the community and hands on job coaching.

    1991-1992

    The Institute for Applied Behavioral Analysis

    1991-1996

    Completed PART ( Physical Assault Response Training )

    Founder and Director of Wee Kare Pre-School Santa Barbara, CA

    1987-1991