About Carolyn

As a life coach and journalist, I’m fascinated by stories. Women’s stories, in particular. I love hearing about all the courage and compassion women find within themselves every day. I listen not only to their words, but also to the yearnings beneath them, which are equally powerful.

I’ve been a journalist for years, including working as editor of several international magazines, as a newspaper columnist, travel guidebook author and travel/feature writer. This experience has given me skills to draw upon while coaching clients, from curious questioning that evokes insight to following my intuition and listening for people’s truths. To refine these skills, I’ve also become a professionally trained coach at Coach U, one of the oldest and most respected coaching schools in the world.

My book, Backyard Pearls: Cultivating Wisdom and Joy in Everyday Life, is the culmination of my years as a newspaper columnist. These stories are inspirational, often humorous looks at how to pluck some “ahas” from the middle of our busy lives. These tales have been my connection with women all over the world, and they’ve shared with me that as I capture my life, I reflect what’s meaningful in theirs as well. 

So, I coach and write from our common ground as women. My balancing act is yours, as I dig deep into life as a wife, mother of two teenage daughters, coach, creative, writer and friend. From that place, we’re creating stories of juicy, playful, passionate lives.

As poet Mary Oliver says, “Listen, are you breathing just a little, and calling it a life?”  Let’s look at where we’re breathing just a little, and instead choose the ripe, full-bodied lives we were meant to embrace.

Coaching and Book Testimonials

“I really enjoyed our talk last night. You have such a great way of putting things into a new, healthier perspective. I can’t even express how valuable that is. Our talks are the one thing that really gets me charged up and refocused on creating the business and life that I want, rather than feeling like I’m serving my business and my life.
            As I’ve asserted for years now, you are a magnificent coach. Thank you for being a part of my life!” — Shelby

“The thing about your messages that comes through so clearly for me is that whenever you spin a yarn about something seemingly ordinary in a day of your life, it speaks to 'everywoman' because we can, or have, felt and thought the same way. Thank you for sharing with us.” — Marji

“Today you uplifted my soul.” — Allie

“With joy and insight, Carolyn helped me to focus on (and reach) my goals, providing both practical and emotional support. Her many years of journalism, along with her own upbeat personality and education as a coach, have endowed her with great listening and questioning skills. She helped me to identify thought patterns that were roadblocks to my progress. And just like a great sports coach, she has that “you can do it” attitude that is infectious.” — Barb

"I so look forward to your stories, but I steel myself because you ALWAYS strike a nerve and usually tears. Each and every story has touched me." — Chris