I was enjoying a successful career in the event planning industry when I met Marika. Although I excelled at my work and enjoyed the colleagues and industry friends I had made, I was secretly dissatisfied with my career. It didn't feel passionate and knew in my gut that I was not living my best life. A change needed to be made and I had longed for years to go back to school and pursue a degree in Psychology. However, I was nervous and just didn't know how or where to begin in rebuilding my life and future as a Psychologist and Women's Success Coach.

Marika posses an incredible capacity for empathy and zero'd in immediately on my anxiety and overwhelm. We weighted the pros and cons of staying "safe" and traveling the road of least resistance with the great fulfillment and pride I would feel by pursuing my heart's desires. We deeply analyzed what it would mean to me to set out and accomplish my new goals. She wisely suggested we "chunk down" the steps of narrowing down, interviewing and applying to graduate schools. I remember feeling a bit stuck while trying to decide between the 2 key schools I had gotten into. I didn't want make the wrong decision and Marika calmly took me through a process of examining first what were my priorities and expectations of a university and then matching that list up to the one university that most met my needs. By the end of our 45 minute discussion I had decided which university I would be earring my doctorate degree at! I went home feeling at peace and confident in my decision.

In addition, my new school responsibilities would mean a job change. I needed to find a very specific kind of work situation that would allow me to attend school full time at night and on occasional Sundays. Marika was key in keeping me focused and mindful of my core priorities and the basic needs that had to be met. Today, I am working full- time for boutique family owed company that allows me the time and flexibility to attend graduate school full time in the evenings. I am busier than I have ever been but feeling positive, fulfilled, encouraged but most of all grateful for my good fortune to meet and work with Marika. She was pivotal in supporting and inspiring me through my most significant life transition to date.

~Danielle Dowling