My journey into coaching
Hi, I’m Anna. Growing up, I naturally gravitated toward those in need—whether it was a classmate who had just arrived from another country or someone needing friendship because home wasn’t a safe place. Caring for others has always been a part of who I am.
Over the years, this care has expressed itself in many ways: leading youth groups, looking after the elderly, facilitating small groups, and engaging in many one-on-one helping conversations.
During a season of transition, I completed the CliftonStrengths assessment and was deeply impacted by the experience of uncovering what was good and right about myself. That moment marked the official beginning of my coaching journey and in 2015, I became a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach. Since then, I have trained with and been mentored by Justin and Abi Stumvoll, completed courses by and worked with Sarah Baldwin, and continued my own personal healing journey with a trauma therapist.
A good coach is someone who has done their own inner work. Competence and trust are vital, but more important is a coach’s ability to understand what they’re asking of you—and to know where they are leading you. I have walked the path of healing. I’ve uncovered parts of myself that were hidden beneath life’s pain and disappointments. For over a decade, I’ve been piecing together who I was originally created to be. Where I once was hard on myself, there is now compassion. Perfectionism is no longer a close companion, and shame and I don’t spend anywhere near as much time together as we used to.
I coach because I believe the transformation I’ve experienced is possible for everyone. My desire is for every person to know they are a unique gift to the world—and that they are equipped to bring their full, authentic selves to it.
Get to know the person behind the coach
Born in Singapore, raised in New Zealand, and having also lived in Argentina, I now reside in Texas, USA. This rich blend of cultural experiences has played a defining role in shaping who I am. As a result, I love to travel and I have a genuine appreciation for the unique qualities that make people who they are. The beach—especially the Pacific Ocean—is one of my favorite places, and I try to visit whenever I get the chance.
I’ve been married for over 20 years, and that journey has included both beautiful highs and some very challenging lows; there were times when I questioned whether love would be enough to keep us together. Despite the struggles, we chose to grow together. It hasn’t always been easy but it has been absolutely worth it! Today, I genuinely enjoy my husband’s company—he’s not only my husband but also my best friend and favorite travel companion.
Together, we’re raising four children. Two have already graduated from high school and the other two are following in their footsteps. I’m incredibly proud of each of them. Moving across the globe and adjusting to life in a new country was no small feat, but they’ve done it—and they’re thriving! I know I’m biased, but I truly feel like we’ve been given four of the best kids ever.
Our home is rounded out with two dogs, and in my spare time—when I’m not serving at our local church or cheering on our kids at their sports events—I love paddle boarding, getting lost in a good novel or memoir, or planning our next adventure.
What it’s like to work with me
Allowing someone into the vulnerable parts of your life takes courage—and it also takes trust.
Creating emotional safety so you can do brave, meaningful work is one of my core values. This means I will never push you beyond what your nervous system can tolerate. That doesn’t mean you won’t ever feel uncomfortable—growth lives at the edge of comfort. A certain level of discomfort is often necessary for transformation.
You can expect me to ask a lot of questions. A big part of this work involves uncovering the root of the emotions you’re experiencing. Very rarely is the surface issue the one that truly needs attention. More often than not, something deeper is asking to be seen and expressed.
I encourage you to speak up if something doesn’t feel right, isn’t working for you, or if you have questions. Each session is designed to support your growth. While I have a vision for where we’re headed, that vision is always shaped by your experiences and what’s unfolding for you in the moment.
The pace at which we work is guided by your nervous system. Your brain has a natural threshold for tolerable growth, and we will honor that. Sometimes, a behavior can be completed on the surface—but if you're not grounded and connected within your window of tolerance, lasting growth won't occur. Instead, coping mechanisms may take over to help you complete the task. My role is not to push for tasks, but to support and guide you as we explore emotions, past wounds, and the messages your body is trying to communicate.
Research consistently shows that the relationship between practitioner and client is the most important factor in successful outcomes. It’s vital to find someone you trust—someone who creates emotional safety and uses approaches that resonate with you.
That’s why I offer a free meet-and-greet Zoom call. It’s a chance for you to ask questions, get a feel for who I am, and see if we’re a good fit. I won’t be the right coach for everyone—but I might be the right coach for you.
Get in contact
anna@madebydesignlife.com
Based in San Marcos, TX
Serving clients across the U.S., Australia & New Zealand with sessions via Zoom