Anne's Life Discovery
A Personal Note 
My roots are Canadian. I grew up on the northern shores of Lake Erie in Southwestern Ontario. Maple syrup still runs in my blood.
I know the challenges of change. In 1993 we left close family ties and moved to the heartland of Oklahoma. What a culture shock! We traded white winters for tornados, country roads for interstates, and hockey games for OU football. (Go Sooners!)
In 2006, a family career change brought us to the Napa Valley region of Northern California. Hello sunshine, wildfires and earthquakes!
I am a high achieving first born. In my early 40’s, I tried to be super everything by working both day and night. I robbed my body of rest and experienced burnout. Now I have a heart to encourage others to balance their lives and focus on self care.
I survived a ski accident, the tragic loss of both of my parents within three days of each other and a serious car accident. Loss and limitations are teaching me the value of fresh perspectives and precious moments. Every day is a gift from God.
Professional Life
I am a certified life coach (CLC) with credentials from the Institute of Life Coach Training. I am affiliated with the Christian Coaches Network and am a member of the International Coach Federation.
To "walk my talk", I continue to participate in advanced coach training and work with my own life coach for personal growth accountability. This keeps me focused and gives me a great perspective as both a coach and a client.
My field of study is human development. I have an applied sciences bachelor's degree in child development and a master's degree in education with an adult education emphasis. Just for fun I have studied floral design and attended clown school.
I am a trainer with Speak Up with Confidence, a three-day seminar for men and women with potential as speakers, teachers and leaders interested in developing the skill of speaking with clarity and confidence. I offer workshops in creativity and learning styles for advanced speakers.
I also deliver leadership training for churches in our area and travel across Canada and the United States for key note speaking events.
Ministry Life
A dear friend led me to the Lord as a college student and my personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the foundation of all that I do. My life is my ministry.
Over my lifetime I have owned a Christian bookstore; travelled with a missions team to Nigeria; held several church staff positions including Director of Christian Education and Family Life Coordinator; and served as a children's worship leader and women's ministry teacher.
Love Life
My husband Don is my best friend! It was “love at first sight” but we began our marriage 36 years ago with overly ambitious career goals and poor communications skills. In just two years our marriage fell apart. Through God's grace and the miracle of forgiveness it was restored.
Now we use our very different yet complimentary learning styles to team teach in our speaking ministry. We share humorous stories and sound biblical principles to help others strengthen their relationships. Right now we are having a blast teaching a marriage series at our church.
Don is a board certified family physician and the Vice President of Medical Affairs for a hospital system in Northern California. He also makes delicious waffles, builds beautiful shelves and takes amazing pictures!
Family Life
Don and I relish the pleasures of parenthood and face the challenges with heartfelt prayer. Although all three of our children are out of the nest, we remain very involved and connected parents.
Our daughter Allison is a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Sacramento with her husband Michael, a lobbyist for the National Federation of Independent Business.
Our son Matthew is a professional volleyball player who divides his time between Europe and Nashville and gives us a great excuse to travel!
Our son Jonathan has a creative soul and lives in Los Angeles pursuing his passion and talent for acoustic rap music. He has attracted quite a following with the hipster crowd.
Each week I spend "Grandma Monday" in Sacramento with my grandchildren Liam and Emily. They spark my creativity and keep me young at heart!