Hello, I’m Linda!
My mission is to help people get unstuck to get moving on the path to where they want to go.
Clients and organizations are most often referred by their friends and family or have heard me speak publicly.
For 30 years, I've taught courses at San Jose State University, in California and around the world.
Topics for speaking and individual coaching have included: Creating a Meaningful Life, Creativity & the Arts, Identity Development, Humor, Joy, Play and Loss.
For over 25 years as a grief coach, I've walked by the side of heartbroken clients, guiding them to find their footing in their "new normal." I’m inspired daily by all of my clients! No matter why they have come for coaching, it’s an honor to watch them take baby steps, then leaps and ultimately soar again.
FORMAL EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Therapeutic Recreation, Indiana University
Master of Education, University of Cincinnati
Honors and Awards
2024, 2025.Acclaimed Presenter, International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations
2021. 20-year service award. Centre for Living with Dying, Bill Wilson Center
2017. 30-year service award.
2014. Helen L. Stevens Outstanding International Educator Award
2014. Outstanding Faculty Award. SJSU Quarterback Club
2008. Jewish Community Excellence in Education and Service Award. Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley
2005. Earl R. Carmichael Professional Grant. California Parks and Recreation Society District IV
2002. Helen and Sanford Diller Award for excellence in Jewish Education in Northern California
2001. San Jose Branch Library Systems #1 Choice for Performances and Workshops
1999. Outstanding Faculty “Coach for the Day” Award. SJSU Athletics
1997. Teacher/Director Award from the California Council for Parent Participation Nursery Schools.
1992. Play Award from the California Parks and Recreation Society.
Radio, Writing & Podcasts
The Becoming SuperHuman Podcast, Creating a Meaningful Life & Excelling in Multiple Industries
The Becoming SuperHuman Podcast, Maintaining Meaningful Relationships
In Deep with Angie Coiro (radio show and podcast), Ya Might As Well Laugh
Human Kinetics:
Human Kinetics, Contributing Author and Editorial Board Member for text book, Dimensions of Leisure for Life
Editorial Board Member for text book: Diversity Explored Through Leisure and American Culture
My Approach
I’m the guide by your side as you envision and reach your goals.
My coaching practice is based in optimism. My job, and privilege, is to coach you to move into your best life step by step. My gift is to help you focus and take time for introspection.You have answers to your own questions within you. With creative tools, you will make decisions and take action to get you where you want to go. I’m the guide by your side as you envision and reach your goals.
Together we take baby steps of change. Do we do everything perfectly? No, of course not. But your life experience and my years of coaching allows us to anticipate obstacles and work around them. We don’t give up until you get to a better place.
My clients report feeling very safe and alive in my presence. In most sessions you leave with a to-do list. We co-create homework based on your goals and objectives. It’s a step by step process and before you know it, you’re there.
ALS/MND: Speaker, Caregiver & Coach
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/ Motor Neuron Disease
In my late 50s I became a caregiver to my dear husband, David. After some misdiagnosis, he was diagnosed with ALS/MND, a degenerative terminal disease. At first I was in shock. With time I was able to see that this strange new role of Caregiver is both challenging and beautiful. Once again I was reminded that gratitude and grief live side by side in our lives, and that creativity and communication make both better. My background as a life coach and speaker who specializes in creating a meaningful life and my many years as a grief counselor has prepared me with tools and perspective that it brings me great pleasure to share.
Testimonial
“I was really lost last year trying to determine what I wanted to do with my life. Through Linda’s insightful questions and exercises, she helped me design and articulate the job I wanted – one that combines community change, creativity, agriculture, and making a difference. And then I found it!”
Dana, Tucson Food Bank