I started my career back in the early 2000s as a cancer research scientist. Over the course of 17 years, I worked in research roles across academia and pharmaceutical drug discovery, including getting my PhD in Molecular Cancer Biology. For many years, I truly loved the work. I didn’t mind the late nights, weekends in the lab, timepoint-driven lifestyle, because the mission of the work was important to me. But I reached a point, particularly after my kids were born, where I no longer loved the scientist lifestyle. And I was restless with my work, which I eventually realized was in part caused by a drive to continue learning in a different way. So, in 2018, I left bench science to start my own freelance medical writing business, where I have helped clients in the oncology space publish manuscripts in high-impact journals, acquire funding for their research, and disseminate the latest advances to health care professionals through continuing medical education (CME) programs. 

After being a scientist for so long, I was surprised by how quickly I found opportunities and meaning in this new role. Before moving away from bench research, I had feared that I would lose my identity as a scientist, and I was delighted to learn that this element of myself persisted and was able to continue to contribute in meaningful ways, despite leaving the traditional environments for a scientific career.

After going through this process of moving from scientist to a non-traditional career path, I started wanting to support others who feel restless or pulled away from their current roles. From my experience, I know how difficult it is to consider leaving what you’re good at, the path the others expect you to follow, the role that used to bring you joy (but perhaps no longer does). I know the questioning and confusion involved in figuring out “what do I really want?” and “what are they going to think of me?” To this end, I started offering coaching and consulting for those thinking about changing paths but looking for some support. I love helping others in this way, because I deeply believe that we contribute our most impactful work by releasing the expectations and following what feels right to us now. Regardless of the time/effort/costs that went into what we’ve done in the past, we don’t have to persist on a path that no longer feels right. And, I believe that we carry ALL of our past experiences into strengthening our present and future endeavors.

Over the past few years, I expanded my coaching skills to become a certified coach and discovered that I love working with clients experiencing a broader range of challenges in their lives and careers. My favorite clients are motivated, curious, caring individuals with a deep desire to find meaning and make impactful contributions in the world. Now, as a life coach, I support clients in uncovering their own answers to the questions around “what do I want?” and “what should I do next?”, not just in relation to their careers but also in the context of their broader personal lives, relationships, parenting, communication, etc (because really, it’s all connected). I absolutely LOVE this work, I love my clients, and I deeply believe that strengthening self-trust and following what feels right to us as individuals is the way to create bigger changes in the world.

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If you’re interested in working with me, please reach out - I’d love to connect and learn more about you!