Most people seeking a coaching relationship are looking for purpose, clarity, fulfillment and a deeper connection to their authentic self and other people in their lives.

Nobody said that life was going to be easy or fair. If so, they weren’t being entirely honest with you or themselves.

Over the years, I faced adversity and my own life “trials and tribulations” – death of my biological father at age 6; growing up in a blended family as the eldest child; issues with alcohol; divorce, death of a brother by suicide; and more recently the death of my mother.

Following years of learning from my mistakes, self-reflection, and increased personal awareness, I gained insight into the value of my “life lessons” and came to view my struggles and setbacks as opportunities for change and growth.

“Great men rejoice in adversity, just as brave soldiers’ triumph in war.” – Seneca

Once, I started to become more honest and real regarding my life situation I was able to connect and create more meaningful relationships with people in my life including myself. I am a father, son, brother, and uncle and proud of my resilience and commitment to staying mindful, present focused and embracing a healthy mindset and lifestyle.

“You have power over mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius

My interconnected impermanent worldview and empathic nonjudgmental attitude allowed me to connect and create meaningful genuine relationships with people in times of need and distress.

Now, I view myself to be resilient, non-judgmental, supportive, and optimistic in nature. Today, my goal is to lead a mindful, compassionate, insightful, and grateful lifestyle.

“Live the actual moment. Only the actual moment is life.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

My hobbies and self-care practices include yoga, weight training, cardio work, being mindful, gardening, dance, drumming and chanting, biking, circuit training, hiking, reading, meditation, creative writing, and composing Haiku poems.

Academically, I have degrees in Social Work, Human Justice, and Sociology, a diploma in Recreation Technology, and certificates in Life Coaching and Conflict Resolution. I have a curious mind and I am someone who believes in the importance of continued growth and development, viewing myself as a “work in progress”. Along with my educational credentials, I view myself to be an intuitive, open minded, and commonsense individual who looks for collaborative practical solutions to difficulties and problems.

Professionally, I have navigated the bureaucracy and politics in two large provincial government agencies – the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Education. I was a social worker who coached, mentored, and supervised young people in conflict with the law. Also, I was an educator at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Institute teaching courses in the Youth Care Worker program, both on campus and through distance education as well as facilitating numerous yearly workshops in Interpersonal Communication and Crisis Prevention. Additionally, I ran my own counselling and mediation business, Alternatives Solutions Mediation and Counselling, for six years.

Personally, my core values of integrity, empathy, authenticity, compassion, expertise, spirituality, accountability, and community form the foundation of “Who I Am” and guide my daily interactions and life decisions. I believe we are responsible for our physical, emotional, spiritual, and social health and wellbeing. I believe people have the inherent right to thrive and change thus improving their personal circumstances and/or life situations. I believe empathy, integrity, and compassion are strengths and not weaknesses and that all people need support and guidance at different and recurring points in their lives.

“Leading with integrity and empathy requires vision and a connection to your deepest self.” – Karla McLaren

I look forward to the opportunity to create a safe supportive environment for you to make some important life changing decisions and choices. So, if my story resonates and you are looking for a holistic model of health and wellness to address your needs, then contact me for a 30 minute consultation phone call.