Elevate Career Consulting is all about finding your strengths.
We all have strengths, but those strengths can be blind spots- we don’t know what our abilities are because we think that everyone can do what we do or that it really isn’t all that special. But, each one of us of born with unique gifts that should form the cornerstone of our lives. My goal is to help you discover those gifts so that you can leverage your talents to LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE.
MY STORY
After graduating from college with my undergraduate degree, I felt lost. I had been led to believe (by very well-meaning parents and other adults that were important in my life) that a college degree was all it took to make it in life. Boy, was I wrong! Here I was, degree in hand, with absolutely no idea what to do with it or which direction to take. I was working at a job that I hated and that would lead absolutely nowhere, and I knew that I could no longer continue down my current path. The degree that I thought promised me a future and a direction, did little to help me know what I actually wanted to do with my life.
I know what it’s like to feel lost and confused about your direction.
This period was one of the most difficult times in my life. I was disillusioned and disappointed. I felt like I had worked hard to earn a college degree, but I had no idea what to do with it. Even though I had followed the advice to pursue my passions, I had absolutely no idea what to do next. I didn’t feel ready for the “real world” and I didn’t know myself well enough to know what kind of work I should be doing. So, I did what many people at that point do- I went to graduate school and got another degree. While this course of action did lead me to a job and a career that I loved, that is not always the case.
Have you ever felt like you don’t know what you want to do?
My situation, I believe, describes the state of many young people who feel lost and overwhelmed and, in truth, probably describes the feelings of many adults who have never really taken the time get to know themselves and explore the why behind what creates a fulfilling work life.
People spend more time planning their vacations than planning their careers, and it is time to change that dynamic!
For the past decade, I have been working as a teacher, and, as we know, teachers wear many hats. In addition to my teaching load, I also worked with middle and high school students in an advisory capacity. What I discovered is that I love helping young people explore their interests and learn more about themselves. In this role as an advisor, I have seen how desperately they want to help others, to change the world, and to be passionate about their paths. But, I have also seen a lot of anxiety and even depression in this up-and-coming generation. With so many choices, they often don’t know where to start. Not only that, but I believe that this feeling of overwhelm and of helplessness occurs more often in adults than we would care to admit.
An ability assessment is an excellent starting point to find elements of strength within ourselves.
I know what it’s like to discover what drives you and feel confident about your direction.
I was first exposed to the Highlands Ability Battery as a part of my job as a teacher. After taking this assessment, I was blown away at how much I learned about myself. The HAB revealed a lot about why I did the things that I did and why certain tasks were more satisfying (or more difficult) than others. Having an objective measure of my brain’s natural abilities also gave me a new way of looking at myself and at those around me. I felt more confident to be who I was and was much more thoughtful about how I could play to my strengths and bring those out in other people. I gained a new understanding of my students and colleagues and became more empathetic towards others and their way of doing things.
I WANT TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE FIND THEIR DIRECTION, TOO!
As much as this one assessment did for me, I knew that I wanted to share that same kind of information with others. I just knew that it could help people. I began working in my school to give the HAB to students and was reaffirmed time and again that this could be an immensely helpful tool for students and for anyone who wanted to take the time to explore what makes them tick.
I know what it’s like to make a big life change and feel good about it.
So, I made the (very difficult) decision to leave the classroom and a job that I loved because I wanted to help others discover more about themselves as they create their version of their best life. At heart, I am a still teacher. I love to convey information to people and to see them light up with those “ah ha!” moments. And, mostly, I love to know the why behind things. My sincere hope is that I can help other people find their why so that they can be confident in their abilities and the choices that they make.
Education
M.A. University of Arkansas, 2007
B.A. University of Arkansas, 2005
experience
Middle and High School Teacher at the Episcopal Collegiate School
2009-2019
Certified Highlands Ability Battery Consultant
2018-present
No matter where you are on your journey, I can help you with your next steps.
Students
Prepare for what's next
Parents
Put your children on the path to success
Adults
Find fulfillment in your career