From Alienation to Connection: A Wake-Up Call

Imagine this twenty-something woman: a passionate and hardworking STEM researcher, juggling the demands of a difficult research project and a turbulent personal life. Her frustrations bubble over during work hours, spilling into frequent venting to colleagues. What she thinks is connecting actually drives coworkers away—even to the point of switching offices to avoid her. Her personal struggles seep into the lab, draining morale and productivity. At home, personal relationships teeter on disaster—fueling even more complaining at work. The cracks in her relationships, both at work and at home, become impossible to ignore. She wonders: Why does everyone seem to be the problem?

Well, that woman was me.

Yes, I was that coworker—the one who couldn’t leave her problems at the door, unintentionally turning the lab into a complaint zone. I unconsciously thought that venting was a normal aspect of building rapport, but instead, I was alienating the very people I needed most. My lack of self-awareness and my misguided attempts at communication were sabotaging my relationships and my work.

The turning point came when I received some painful yet honest feedback from a colleague. Their words hit like a ton of bricks, but deep down, I knew they were right. It wasn’t them; it was me; I was the common denominator in every strained relationship. Instead of wallowing in embarrassment (okay, there was a little wallowing), I decided to use this as an opportunity to grow.

Communication challenges come in many forms—unclear expectations, unresolved conflicts, over- or under-talking, or not listening. For me, it was oversharing irrelevant topics and ignoring boundaries, but every communication barrier chips away at morale, collaboration, and productivity.

Through self-reflection, active listening, and a commitment to change, I began to transform my relationships. I ensured that my personal struggles didn’t invade my professional life and I focused on listening more than speaking. My colleagues no longer saw me as the office storm cloud, and I started fostering genuine collaboration. Productivity rebounded, and so did my personal relationships. Twenty years later, I’m honored to be the colleague people look forward to collaborating with.

The moment I realized I was the common denominator in my communication struggles was as humbling as it was eye-opening, a wake-up call that taught me the transformative power of self-awareness and effective communication—tools that not only saved my career but also my relationships. That experience didn’t just change my life—it ignited my passion for helping others avoid similar communication pitfalls.

My Mission

I believe that effective communication is more than dazzling eloquence, perfect words, or even being a native speaker. It’s about creating genuine understanding, being understood in return, and fostering mutual respect. The true power of communication lies in a foundation of awareness, deep listening, and speaking assertively and respectfully. Quality conversations create clarity, alignment, and connection, enabling better decision-making, smoother collaboration, and enhanced workplace productivity.

This belief shapes everything I do as a coach and trainer. Misunderstandings, unclear expectations, and breakdowns in collaboration are productivity killers. I know this firsthand from my own journey. Today, I help STEM professionals and their teams transform communication challenges, friction, and conflict into alignment and collaboration, so that their productivity soars.

How I Work

My approach combines my neuroscience background with the methodology of Integral Coaching, blending mindfulness practices, practical communication models, and the transformative wisdom of the Enneagram. This unique mix helps clients not only enhance their communication skills but also uncover deeper self-awareness—the foundation for real and lasting change.

Here’s how I help individuals and teams thrive:

• Build leadership presence and confidence so you can inspire and influence effectively.

• Enhance interpersonal communication and collaboration to foster alignment and trust.

• Navigate difficult conversations and resolve conflicts without losing your cool—or your relationships.

I understand the pressures STEM professionals face—where communication challenges often clash with the demands of precision and productivity. Whether it’s a workshop, a team training, or 1-on-1 coaching, I create a supportive and engaging environment where you and your team members can explore, practice, and grow. Think of it as your communication laboratory—focused on tangible breakthroughs, not jargon. My clients walk away with actionable strategies they can implement immediately to level up their communication.

My Expertise

I bring a unique blend of professional accomplishments and personal growth to my services:

• Academic Foundation: Master’s in Biochemistry with 20 years of experience in Molecular Biology and Neuroscience research.

• Coaching Certification: Certified Integral Coach through New Ventures West with 10 years of experience coaching clients from all walks of life.

• Active Listening Pro: A decade of experience as a peer counselor, specializing in the kind of listening that makes people feel truly heard.

• Enneagram Expertise: Certified Enneagram Teacher in the Narrative Tradition with six years facilitating self-awareness programs in jails and prisons with the Enneagram Prison Project.

These credentials provide the framework for my work, but what really sets me apart is my personal journey from communication struggles to meaningful collaborations. This transformative process equipped me exceptionally well to guide others on their own path, with a combination of expertise, intuition, empathy, and fun.

A Little About Me

Born and raised in French-speaking Belgium, I packed two suitcases and crossed the Atlantic in 2005 for a research position at UC Berkeley in the San Francisco Bay Area. Fast forward to 2020, and I relocated to the beautiful Pacific Northwest with my husband, Andrew, and our dog, Avery, who provides just the right amount of parenting for us.

When I’m not coaching, you’ll likely find me hiking the breathtaking landscapes of Washington, practicing yoga to stay grounded, or planning my next adventure to explore new corners of the world. As a lifelong learner, I’m constantly diving into personal and professional development topics.

And a fun fact: I’ve been known to dance when no one’s watching—like in an empty elevator.

Let’s Connect

Ready to unlock your team’s potential through better communication? Schedule a free discovery call today, and let's explore how my services can help you achieve your goals.

“Communication is the bridge between intention and impact.”