I am a trained facilitator and coach with over 18 years of experience in management, business development, brand development and change work. I love creating space for ideas to emerge.  Over the course of my career, I've worn many different hats, including entrepreneur, head honcho, HR manager, marketing guru, design director, toy scout, stroller matchmaker and gift wrap ninja.

I started my career as a branding copywriter, working with clients like Nokia and IBM/Lotus. In 2004, I founded Magic Beans with my husband and helped grow it from a small startup to an award-winning toy and baby gear retailer with multiple store locations and over $10 million in annual revenue. I have worked on many projects, from print publications to large-scale consumer events to mobile app development, and I've consulted with manufacturers on product development and marketing strategy. At Magic Beans, I loved thinking about how to create strong, cohesive and high-performing teams, and how to make meetings more efficient, engaging and impactful. When I stepped back from Magic Beans, I was looking to do more of that kind of work, and so I went back to school to study facilitation and coaching. I also completed a fellowship in nonprofit board leadership through OnBoard in 2015.

I live in Brookline, MA with my husband, three children, three cats, a dog and six chickens. I enjoy cooking, singing, photography, juggling and aerial arts. I spend most of my spare time at circus school doing things that are way outside my comfort zone — but that’s exactly why I go.

My Approach

I believe that self-awareness and reflection are essential for strong organizational leadership. I'm also fascinated by the stories we tell ourselves, and how those stories impact our choices. I am curious, creative and collaborative, and I believe that a solid process is just as important as a good outcome.  I am experienced at creating space for all kinds of conversations, and whenever appropriate, I like to inject fun into my work. After spending many years in the toy business, I've learned that play is a vital learning tool for people of all ages.

Education

I graduated Magna cum Laude with Honors from Brandeis University, where I studied music, theatre arts, journalism, education and Yiddish. I earned a certificate in Gathering Design and Facilitation from Georgetown University and a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching program from William James College. I am also certified in the LEGO® Serious Play® Method and Type Coach.