Hello, and welcome!
I'm Allison.
An eco-conscious coach dedicated to helping people feel better doing work they love while tending to the planet, people and communities around them. I cherish the value of genuine relationships that grow from shared experiences. I believe that equity, inclusion and diverse views make for richer communities and a WAY MORE expansive life.
We all start somewhere, and my beginning was in rural southwestern Pennsylvania. I lived on a dirt road and was surrounded by the forest. My favorite spot was on the limb of a massive oak tree that I could only reach by climbing the smaller tree next to it. I wandered without fear on paths made by deer and found comfort with all the non-human beings that lived around me. As most rural kids know, my deep appreciation for the natural surroundings of my youth did not grow until I moved away.
After high school, I landed at the University of Pittsburgh, where I completed a dual major in Urban Studies and Political Science. Even then, I was fascinated by city planning that designed with nature in mind. The benefits of trees - shade, water management, mood boosters and health effects - could be found in any environment. Then I went on to Philadelphia for work and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. A brief stint in Washington, D.C. (9/11 ended the desire to stay there) and back to Philly - the City of Brotherly Love. In each of these cities, I sought out the parks and green spaces - Schenley Park, Fairmount Park, Rock Creek Park and the National Mall. Even when I was by myself, I never felt alone in these thriving green places. They were reliable spaces for regulating my thoughts and emotions.
And, in all of these places, I sought out ways to bring the wonders of the woods to others. Becoming a certified ropes course & adventure-based counselor, creating Women's Leadership Retreats at camps for urban-based girls and turning to trail running after a lengthy rugby "career".
Today I live in a suburb of Philadelphia, on a well-maintained, paved street. My yard is home to a new oak tree that I planted during the pandemic. Although I may never climb its branches, I believe in tending the future for some other child who will love it 100 years from now.
Regardless of the road in front of my home, I am dedicated to helping people become the BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES and love, love, love understanding habits related to living a fuller life with Earth's best interests in mind. I hope you'll join me for a part of this adventure.
Getting to the Core
My 13+ years as a rugby player taught me the importance of individual commitment to the team's overall goal is crucial for success. These elements were reinforced over and over again in my leadership roles for the last 20 years.
There may not be an "I" in team, but each person brings their distinct talents, abilities and personality to the group. Playing at an elite national level required every teammate to bring their best to the field each day, which meant putting in the hours at the gym/track, getting enough sleep, nourishing one's body and studying the playbook. Practice, practice, practice! We learned that we were only as fast as our slowest player, and it is the team's duty to maintain the line, stay linked and support each other through precise communication. To achieve our goal of scoring, the main objective was creating space. These are the foundation for my coaching approach.
