Growing up, I had diverse interests. I wandered, exploring various directions without landing on one fulfilling path. I wish I had, back then, information about who I was and what really mattered to me so I could have focused on the qualities in myself that I needed to express to find peace and joy. I was busy looking outside myself for direction, when the answer was inside me. 

My academic journey meandered. Starting with a B.S. in Mathematics, I considered degrees in physics and engineering before completing an M.S. in Computer Science. The professional world swept me into a software engineering role at IBM, which turned out not to match my intellectual values and strengths. That mismatch eventually led me back to academia. I earned a PhD in Research Psychology and Cognitive Science, followed by a postdoc in Health Informatics. Each step was a pivot, a search for a place that felt like home. Looking back, I wish I had someone to guide me, and a means of finding where I might find meaning and flow. 

Tip: For some of us, there is no single home - there are many. Focus on using your strengths, staying aligned with your values, engaging with your interests, and using skills that energize you, and you will feel the peace of home.

I added a certification in Health Coaching to my toolkit. Coaching brought me peace and clarity in my journey of self-discovery. I've learned that you don't have to confine yourself to a single path. What matters most is understanding who you are and using that knowledge as your compass to make choices that bring alignment in life. Then you can be true to who your are and enjoy what you are doing. My certification as a YouMap coach added an important practical starting point for helping others find their path. 

Tip: Staying true to oneself (one's core values, strengths and interests) is key to feeling satisfied and fulfilled. 

If you're struggling to find your way, I can guide you in identifying the core of who you are and help you find confidence in choosing a possible path forward.

If you are facing a difficult challenge, I am here to help you brainstorm solutions that resonate with what's truly important to you. I thrive on thinking outside the box. Let's work together to find your unique solution.