Background & Certifications
As an accomplished attorney, I’ve taken my drive and talents and built Parachute Coaching, a professional coaching practice focused on helping women find fulfillment, stimulation, boundaries, and happiness at work and at home. Prior to founding Parachute, I spent six years practicing law at Skadden, Arps, a Wall Street firm with a global presence, five years working for the federal government, and one year representing start-ups and local businesses. I received my BA from Columbia University, my JD summa cum laude from American University, and an MPA from GW. I have lived in DC since 2000 when I was footloose and fancy-free; I now live with my wonderful husband and two fabulous daughters, ages 6 and 4, and still find time for fancy-free moments, albeit less frequently!
- B.A. from Columbia University
- M.P.A. from George Washington University
- J.D. from American University, summa cum laude
- Certified training through the Coaches Training Institute, member of the International Coach Federation
- Five years at the National Security Agency in language analysis, two exclusively focused on organizational leadership
- Six years as an attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP practicing tax law
- One year in entrepreneurial endeavors in a small firm and then in a solo practice.
- Through my career, I have gained valuable perspective on how to navigate large bureaucracies, well-oiled hierarchical organizations, and small but growing operations. Each comes with different personalities, advantages, and disadvantages. I was successful in all of these places in different ways because I developed tools specific to the environment that allowed me to adapt, build relationships, and carve a path to success based on my goals.
Coaching Clientele
I work with attorneys and non-attorneys. I focus my practice on the advancement of women’s careers and confidence. About 80% of my practice is female; about 20% male.
Coaching Process
I do an initial consultation with each prospective client to assess whether we are a good pair. Coaching is about relationships and trust and not everyone can be a perfect match! I work with clients on a monthly subscription, which includes 2 1-hour coaching sessions a month and email support in between sessions. I require a 4 month commitment and many people work with me for longer than that.
Expectations & Benefits
I expect them to come with goals and topics for coaching; I expect them to do their homework, and I expect them to be honest.
Background Information on Clients
I only seek background information on clients in leadership settings or when the coaching is being sponsored by a company.
Case Studies
- A client who had been at the same company for 13 years and felt completely stuck and unsure of herself. She didn’t see a future for herself at the company and didn’t know how to go about pursuing other opportunities. After coaching her around her strengths and values, she came to understand that she not only has options for growth at her current company, but she also is able to see that she has extensive opportunities outside of her company.
- A client who is an attorney at a boutique law firm came to distraught over communication issues with the partners in her group. She came with goals of developing a more effective communication style and to repair her relationship with the partners. Through our work together, she was able to shift her perspective to better understand how her communications were being received, and to understand how she could adjust her communication style to more effectively communicate her goals. Our coaching has led to countless positive interactions with the partners, she is back on track in terms of promotion opportunities, and she experiences FAR less stress when it comes to interacting with the leaders of her firm.
The single most important factor that leads to a successful coaching relationship
Being open. Coaching is about being open to new ideas and possibilities. If someone is unwilling to explore, the process is very unlikely to produce results.
