Coach Suzanne

Suzanne's clients perceive her as unpretentious, down-to-earth, and unconditionally accepting. In the words of one whom she has worked with for several months, "I have always come away feeling like I have an ally, a partner in the things which interest and concern me." A spontaneous, high-energy person, Suzanne focuses her attention on drawing out and empowering her clients, helping them discover new options and new ways of seeing things.

Originally trained as an educator, Suzanne moved from classroom work as a certificated teacher to working with families in a Title One government funded experimental program to better prepare them for the educational system. She later provided coaching, consulting and testing services for families involved in home schooling. Prior to legalization of home schooling, Suzanne was chosen to participate in a limited pilot program authorized by the Washington State legislature where she offered coaching and oversight to a select group of home schooling parents. The success of this program contributed to the legalization of home schooling in Washington. She went on to run her own business as an educational consultant and coach.

In focusing her energies as a Professional Life Coach, Suzanne received her foundational training through the Institute for Life Coach Training, an accredited training program approved by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) in Washington D.C. She continued with more advanced training through Erickson College in Vancouver, B.C., also accredited by ICF, where she earned her certification as a Certified Professional Coach (CPC). In addition, she is a Level II Facilitator (the highest level) for "Leading From Your Strengths." Suzanne now maintains her coaching practice as a part of StreamTree Associates, working alongside her husband, John Bachelor, who is also a Life Coach as well as a Licensed Counselor and a Marriage and Family Therapist. Recently, Suzanne and John were pleased to again host Erickson College's coach training program in their StreamTree facility.

Suzanne says of her coaching, "I take the role of design very seriously. I coach you to become the interior designer of your own life." As an avid bicyclist, Suzanne also uses another metaphor: "Coaching is like traveling together on a tandem bicycle. As my client, you are in the front seat; you are in charge of where we are going. As your coach, I will not steer or brake. I will add balance, power, momentum, navigational information, and occasional suggestions. I will ask questions, give feedback and discuss options, assisting in this way in decisions you, the captain, will be making."

What does it cost; how does it work?

Click here for Suzanne's coaching agreement.

Suzanne and John raised (and home schooled) two boys, and are now enjoying the "empty nest" stage. They live in Kirkland, Washington, on a wooded acre bordering a little stream. They both play the clarinet, bicycle, and host discussion groups together in their home. Suzanne enjoys physical activity and has ventured into trying a few triathlons. Practicing what she preaches on "living a balanced life," Suzanne values her friends, is active in her church, and enjoys her work.

w For further information or a free introductory coaching session, call Suzanne at 425-821-3944. (There is no charge for the call.)

[What is a Professional Life Coach?] [Fees and Procedures]
[Leading From Your Strengths Assessment]