Where did you grow up? What was life like for you then and what do you miss most about your childhood?
I grew up in the heart of San Francisco right across the street from Golden Gate Park. My favorite memories were dancing around the Maypole in the park, climbing the drum bridge in the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden, and performing at age 8 during halftime for the San Francisco 49ers football team.
Do you remember the first book you ever wrote?
The first essay I can recall writing was in 8th grade English class when I wrote about the World of Colors as inspired by Walt Disney. I always loved the magic of colors and it inspired me to paint my future with the magic of Disney, books, and learning. I'm still a huge Disney fan and live in Southern California not far from Disneyland.
When did you realize your true potential?
Actually, I realized possibilities for myself when I learned at a young age that some adults were referred to as "Doctor." Most were in the medical profession, which was not a calling for me, however, I learned that others earned that title in college and in the back of my mind, I think, I wanted that title for myself someday...and then one day later in life I was offered the opportunity to make it happen.
In what ways has holding Masters degrees in education helped you in your career?
I have two master's degrees, one in elementary education which helped me further my knowledge and training as an elementary classroom teacher and in leadership roles in my school district. My second master's degree I earned after my doctorate. Initially, I wanted to become a school counselor helping students find their best course of study/career, but then I decided to complete the entire program in order to open my own counseling practice. I would later change from counseling to Adler-based coaching as coaching wheich tended to help clients become self-empowered similar to the training I had received in Gestalt Therapy Theory from the Gestalt Institute of Phoenix.
What is the biggest challenge in guiding young adults and teens to realize their greatest potential?
The biggest challenge is in having my clients see themselves beyond the "shoulds" in life. They struggle with knowing what they want and often feel pulled in various directions. I help them choose a few options to research and investigate. Usually, after they try out a few possibilities, they can more easily narrow their scope.
How long did it take you to put together the workbook for teens and young adult women titled Design Your Daring Life Workbook?
I had the idea for this workbook for several years beginning with the ebook I wrote about the 5 Essential C's. This workbook was the next step from that idea which I had loosely written about two years before I got serious about finishing it. I used the opportunity of being stuck at home during the COVID lockdown to finally finish and publish the book.
What is the best writing tip you ever received and who gave it to you?
The two best writing tips I've gotten both came from Stephen King's book: "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft) which I highly recommend, where he echoes the tip from The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr., to "omit needless words." In addition, King shared his rule of the road that "the editor is always right." That tip led me to hire a professional editor to make sure my book could be the best it could be. I highly recommend hiring a professional editor to do a full editorial review of your book.
What inspired you to write your book, Charge Up Your Life?
The Charge Up Your Life book series sprang from a collaboration with a co-worker/school psychologist. She had been a member on my coctoral dissertation committee and liked my research regarding three female middle school students and how they were victimized by society. That work was finally published as "Adolescent Girls at Risk, which is available on Amazon and Barnes & Nobles. We shared a mutual interest in "at risk" students, and decided to co-author several self-help books about overcoming emotional barriers that often keep people stuck.
Where do you see yourself as a writer in five years? What are some goals you hope to accomplish by then?
I see myself writing more self-help books. I'd like to write one for empty nesters or retirees, perhaps: Design Your Daring Life at Any Age.
What are the benefits of writing in a journal or diary?
I began a more serious and consistent practice of journal writing after reading about Julia Cameron's morning pages where I now handwrite three pages every morning. The benefits of this type of journaling help people be present with their own thoughts and feelings which allows them to gain new insights and perspectives. When journaling over time, patterns can emerge providing further awareness and "Aha" moments.
What developed your passion of challenging others to achieve their best life?
As a young child I had dreams of becoming a classroom teacher. I imagined myself inspiring a room full of young students eager to learn new ideas. In my junior year of high school, my counselor urged me instead to become a secretary. He said that I needed to go to college to become a teacher and that I would fail in my first semester because my current grades were not good enough. It was because of that dream-crushing experience, that I've been committed to helping others figure out what they want and then help them create a plan to make it happen. Fortunately, I did not listen to that counselor, however my journey ahead was filled with many roadblocks and challenges. Although, I did perservere and achieve my goal, I wish I had someone or some resource available that could have helped me along the way...hence why I ultimately wrote the Design Your Daring Life Workbook, for those that could use a little guidance.
How can one know his true potential?
To me, knowing your true potential is about knowing what you love to do and then taking the necessary risks to go after it. Unless, you're willing to pursue those interests and gifts, you won't know what you can ultimately do. For example, if you love playing the piano and love performing, you won't know your truest potential in this field unless you explore possibilities and challenge yourself. Having a coach can help provide clarity, support, and guidance.
Was your doctorate in Educational Leadership worth it?
Gettng my doctorate in Educational Leadership was definitely worth it on many levels. For one, it increased my pay and stature in my school district where I became an educational leader and administrator at both elementary and middle school levels. Within the program, we traveled abroad, wrote extensively about our beliefs and biases, and in the end prepared for our doctoral research. Also, achieving that status of being called "Doctor," met a life-long dream.
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?
Although I love great mysteries and grew up devouring Nancy Drew books, I don't have any interest at this time to write fiction.
What do you like the most about AllAuthor? Do you have any suggestions for the website?
I love that All Author always keeps us engaged. I love receiving the notifications, Tweets for Twitter, the book cover contests, and mockups. I can barely keep up with all of the ideas that you provide. Also, it is a privilege to see and follow other authors. I don't have any suggestions for your site, however I think your logo is perfect.
