I’ve worked primarily in a community health setting, especially with people coping with major life changes and transitions, and living with chronic illness. As a social worker, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients from different walks of life, and to support individuals, families, and children/youth through individual and group sessions. I have additional training in community and health system navigation, and I recently completed a one-year Nutrition certificate program with an in-depth look at cancer, heart disease, fatigue and weight management.

My experience working with those who are facing cancer, as well as my holistic approach to helping people achieve balance and improve both their physical and emotional health, have been especially helpful for me in this role. The most important thing that has helped me is my passion for helping others and my own values – I believe that what is most important is to be present, to listen and to go above and beyond to ensure that each of my clients has the information they need and the practical tools to help them take charge of their health and address the challenges they are facing.

I am inspired every day by my clients – people living with cancer and their families. I believe that each person has unique strengths and inner wisdom based on their life experience. Cancer coaching allows me to be present to someone’s experience and to meet them where they’re at, provide them with the information they need, help them problem-solve, and explore strategies to help them make important decisions and meet their personal needs. I love how coaching is person-centered and allows me to work in partnership with my clients to help them focus on what is most important to them. People are incredibly resilient. Nothing inspires me more than seeing the changes in my clients, when their quality of life improves, their stress diminishes and when they feel empowered and feel that they have the tools to manage their health and well-being.

“The real journey of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes”

– Marcel Proulx