As a coach, workplace culture consultant, teacher and facilitator, I have worked with thousands of progressive leaders, activists, elected representatives and funders. My clients have included national and local non-profits like the Ocean Conservancy and Climate Solutions; publicly elected bodies and agencies like the King County Council and the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget; activist and political bodies like NARAL Pro-Choice Washington and the Washington State Democratic Caucus; and foundations like the Aspen Institute, the Rockefeller Foundation and the Progress Alliance of Washington. I’ve worked in progressive politics at every level for more than 25 years.

In 2010, I led creation of “The Heroes’ Narrative,” a collaborative communications strategy that was adopted by thousands of advocates and electeds in Washington state and that has become a national model. I used the power of storytelling to make change- not just by winning campaigns but by helping progressive advocates work together as inspired authors of a common vision. I began to understand how working with story creates healthy authority.

In 2016, I began using the power of storytelling to transform workplace cultures. I continued the leadership coaching I had begun in The Heroes’ Narrative. I found that I have a gift for it and that healthy leadership is the magic sauce that transforms workplaces and teams. I took a leap, doubled down on coaching and got certified by the Deep Coaching Institute (an I.C.F. certified program.) I remain dedicated to the progressive values that drew me into activism back in 1998 when I got my first job as field director for then Congressional candidate, Jay Inslee. My understanding of progressive politics through my decades of work in that world is an asset to my clients. In addition to my work as a coach, I occasionally teach personal retreats and workshops that use the power of myth and the magic of the earth to dive deeply into the work of transforming ourselves and our world now.

I identify as a cis-gender, white woman. I am a single parent and a property owner. I have been able to take risks to pursue my passion and my purpose because my family built wealth and security through the G.I. bill, which benefitted white people while excluding people of color. I push my own edges to use my privilege and my voice for justice. When I fall short, I have community that calls me in and I learn and I do better. I understand that shame is the enemy of justice, not a tool for progress.

I live on the land of the Duwamish people, which is also called Seattle. The Duwamish people still await the honoring of the 1855 treaty signed by the United States. I pay Real Rent to the Duwamish tribe every month – if you live in Seattle, I encourage you to take a moment now and sign up. If you do not live in Seattle, this link can help you begin to learn more about the native people whose land you occupy. As I do this work, I am striving to be a good ancestor to all of our descendants– human and beyond human. I am supported and inspired by the intelligence of the natural world and I believe that healthy leadership is in relationship with the land.