Gardenia group was founded in 2018 focused on how to help people identify their core values then match those values to their actions. Core values is something everyone has but not everyone is living by them. During a course at the Federal Executive Institute, we were asked to write down our core values. I remember writing down things like “…keep family first, honor my commitments, make time for myself…” and other things like that. Then we were asked, how our daily living matched our values? I didn’t have anything on my list that said work late every day, miss time with my kids, or focus on everyone but myself. When I examined my life up against my core values I realized I wasn’t living most of them. Through coaching I was able to find the balance I needed between work, family and my personal needs. This path has led to a happier and more peaceful existence full or great victories and quiet moments of reflection.
I chose to start a business helping people like myself to achieve the things I didn’t even know I needed. Having an outside perspective and a dedicated support to help me achieve those goals opened up many more possibilities for me which has been a gift that I want to give to others.
Coaching brings everything inside to the surface so you can filter through and use the gifts within you to move you forward for a successful and peaceful life. This is true in our careers working with difficult people, trying to meet a deadline or trying to introduce a new way of doing things. In health, coaching can help improve the quality of life of those who are suffering with preventable chronic illnesses. Learning to develop evidence based self-care practices changes peoples lives and gives them back many of the freedoms they have lost due to weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes and more. In life, everything else is there waiting like healthier relationships, more peace of mind, exploring new sides of ourselves and more. Coaching gives us a partner to support our journey with no judgement, just a focus on moving forward in whichever direction we want to go.
Who We Serve
Gardenia Group serves both the individual, business and family markets. You can benefit from very personal one on one coaching or come together as a group to overcome challenges and find new ways forward.
Gardenia Group is not just another hanging shingle. We have taken the time to educate, research and certify our talents to ensure that you are not only paying for a service but that you are paying for quality care, experience, and focus on what is most important to you at every session, every time. We keep our prices reasonable because it is more about impact than lining our pockets. We have base fees but we also offer negotiated and free services so that we can help as many as possible. We have an entrepreneurial heart with an altruistic spirit. A percentage of all services goes to providing free coaching to disadvantaged groups to help build stronger communities, secure jobs and help others live a happier and healthier life.
In our first year we have held over 100 sessions at discounted or free services. Our goal is to maintain at least one client a week that can benefit from this Pro Bono model during a 3 month agreement. That would allow us to serve at least four clients a year under this Community Service Program.
While Gardenia Group has grown since 2018, the first inspiration for coaching started with partnering with amazing people for over 30 years to see the successful outcomes of marriage counseling and business mentorship. Then, for the first time, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and immediately told to go on medication. I did some research and discovered that some simple lifestyle changes led to a normal blood pressure in less than three months with no medication. At this victory, I recognized that there must be so many people who suffer needlessly. This led me to seek to expand my education to the field of Health and Wellness.
Experience and Perspective
I have been providing federal leadership in advocacy, contracting, policy, budget, human capital and outreach since 1989.
To build my knowledge and expertise in working with others I earned degrees and certificates in many areas of focus. For example, in 2000-2003 I earned my Bachelors and MBA from Strayer University graduating a year early and at the top of my class. In 2020 I will achieve a Masters of Arts in Coaching from Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH).
From 2017 – 2020 I earned competitive executive certificates in 21st Century Leadership from the Federal Executive Institute, Public Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy Business School which comprises three residential courses that included diversity and inclusion, decision making and leadership as well as a Professional Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.
I am well known as an advocate for positive change and development for all people. This has always been my passion since I started working at age 18.
In 2021, Gardenia Group expects to serve clients generating a monthly income of $20,000, of which 30% will be used to fund clients who are unable to pay for coaching services in underprivileged communities.
Gardenia Love
The name Gardenia Group comes from how I see people. Gardenia are a beautiful flower that must be cultivated gently and with care in climates where they don’t grow naturally. Much like humans, a little kindness and attention goes a long way.
People are always working to overcome challenges tied to complex barriers in their lives. Coaching helps to remove the barriers, figure out the solution and bloom beyond what you thought was possible! Small victories one at a time lead to big victories in the end.
The other thing about coaching that is similar to gardenias is that although you have someone helping you, at the end of the day you did all the work. You produced the beauty that was waiting inside of you to bloom.
My client-centered style ensures that every person has a tailored experience specifically focused on their future goals with measurable outcomes that keep them moving forward.
If you are ready to discuss coaching, please schedule a consultation.