As a Wisdom Coach, I facilitate self-discovery and meaningful breakthroughs in my clients, who then experience greater confidence, clarity, direction and purpose in work and life. I help you connect with your deep internal wisdom, and with abundant external wisdom — in people, science, the natural world, powerful metaphors and even spirituality, depending on what speaks to you.

Coaching is a brilliant pathway to both individual and systemic transformation, which is one reason I love it!  Watching my clients transform into more empowered, authentic versions of themselves – equipped to also change the systems and people around them for good – is my jam! It’s humbling and rewarding to be able to use my four superpowers of empathy, insight, humor and problem solving to serve in a way that transforms not only my clients, but my own life.

If you’re a unicorn, oddball or “only”, I get it! If you’re craving more confidence and clarity, struggling with a tough decision or anxious about an important conversation, you’re in the right place. If you lack direction or meaning, are experiencing transition in work or life, or stuck personally or professionally, I can help. And if you’re a member of a marginalized group (female, BIPOC, LGBTQI*, Gen Y or Gen Z, neurodivergent, or immigrant) struggling with barriers or internal thoughts other don’t…look no further!

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My ideal coaching clients want to…

  • Discover new direction, clarity and movement forward
  • Increase confidence, and shift out of fear, doubt, confusion and overwhelm
  • Experience greater purpose, meaning and success
  • Prepare to make an important decision or have a difficult conversation
  • Be more their authentic, best selves

I provide coaching to individuals, leaders, teams, and groups.

Life Coaching

Craving more confidence and clarity, struggling with a tough decision or anxious about an important conversation?

Leadership & Workplace Coaching

After coaching, my clients report improved team relationships and productivity, greater clarity and confidence, more effective decision making and “leading the way [they] always imagined.”

Mentor Coaching

Mentor coaching combines my love of coaching with my love of teaching, so my mentees benefit from two of my superpowers!

Trauma-Informed Coaching

Trauma informed coaching is better coaching, especially now. I teach, train, and develop coaches to be trauma informed, and more effective with all clients.

What makes me different from other coaches?

  • Trained, certified and credentialed by the International Coach Federation.
  • Whole-brained
  • Multi-identity person
  • Trauma-informed practitioner
  • I work on multiple channels – intellectual, emotional, intuitive and somatic (body).
  • I’ve literally been there! I have a diverse and unusual work history, as well as leadership experience (read more about me.)
  • 30 years of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, race and identity, as well as a commitment to social justice and comfort with spirituality and religion.
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Testimonials

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“I’m now leading the way I always envisioned, because of the tools I learned from working with you. My team has gelled and I’m confident in their ability to handle our high-stakes projects while I’m out on leave. I even look forward to our staff meetings! I now own more of the conversation with my boss and take the initiative with my peers in my areas of expertise – even though I’m the youngest leader. Your coaching me has benefitted them in ways they’ll never know!”

Cathryn O’Malley, MBAAdministrative Director, Organizational Effectiveness and Transformation - Akron Children’s Hospital
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“Coaching built my confidence that people do want to hear from me and value my opinion, and that doing so makes the company better. You brought insights that hit home in a way that became a permanent part of me, and I have already shared these perspectives with others. This allows me to coach others more effectively! You’re the perfect balance of guiding self-examination, providing direct insights and holding me accountable on actions. I’m proud not only that I achieved my initial goals for coaching, but that I was able to explore additional topics in detail which have made me a more effective leader.”

Matt TurnsManager; Planning, Programs & Analytics - Chevron, Global Diversity
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“Susana’s experience enables her to get to the root of the matter quickly without you feeling shoved or pushed. She demonstrates superb listening and empathy skills to support your work. And she is clear that it is the client’s work. I was so happy that she followed up in a timely manner — that helped me keep myself accountable as well.”

Jillian GonzalesManager, Workforce Education and Development TriCore - Reference Laboratories
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“The best part of working with Susana was she provided me with a focused and strategic approach to coaching, building leadership, restructuring business operations for an effective result, navigating conversations and work initiatives to make considerations for diversity, equity and inclusion. Susana was my "thought partner" and worked with me on SMARTIE Goals, and provided much needed direction/coaching in a hostile work environment. She deserves much more praise and thank than I can ever give her!! Susana is what the world needs and I was truly blessed that my employer found her and I was able to have time to learn from her. She is invaluable.”

Arleicka ConleySection Director, Finance and Accounting - Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)
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“The best part about working with Susana was being able to talk openly and honestly and work through my crazy brain! She was a great sounding board for things and helped me really work through them with work and personal subjects. I also really liked her style and when she would put on her mentor hat for me - it was helpful to hear from someone so experienced of how to handle situations and learn from that.”

Krista O'MalleyAssociate Director, Office Development & Management - Freshly
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“Susana’s coaching has hugely impacted me in my own experience of clarity and authenticity, and amplified my ability to make the impact and create the results I want. She is highly intuitive, graceful in her skills and has a depth of experience, perspective and context to bring to the coaching situation. I highly recommend her as your coach to be better positioned to get the results you care about and are committed to.”

Primitivo Rojas-Cheatham, MPHTraining Manager-Business Operations - BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.
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“Your keen and supportive conversation has shifted mountains for me! I moved from feeling alone and sorry for myself to ignited and inspired – you are incredible at doing this! Your ability to see what’s needed to be said in the moment not only provided deep insight but I am now in action and miles away from the struggles I felt. Instead of pity for myself and ‘being stuck’ I’m determined to fail quickly and not make it mean anything about who I am or my abilities.”

Chris MontoyaSelf-Discovery, Change & Adult Education Consultant - Catalyst Workshops
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“Recommended! Susana was really personable and professional. She validated my insights and concerns and was sure I left our conversation with some clear action items. She helped me articulate my concerns in a way that will help me communicate more effectively with my teammates and identify some next steps that make me feel like my project is more manageable. I no longer feel as isolated knowing she is there to support me, and I feel tremendous relief in the clarity I got from our conversation.”

Nancy LosoWellness Program Manager, Writer, Coach

Coaching articles by Susana

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The 9 Essential Qualities of a Trauma-Informed Coach

We Need a More Permeable, Yet Ethical Barrier Between Coaching and Therapy

She Could Have Been Me: From Beloved Mentor to Familiar Monster

Four Reasons Trauma-Informed Coaching is Better Coaching – for Everyone

Ready to explore working together?

Contact me now to schedule a complimentary “Chemistry Call.”

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