"Cathy is wonderful to work with! She is gentle, respectful, understanding, insightful and encouraging. In short, she was everything I needed as I embarked on a new phase of work life.

I'd gone back to school at 35 and began a career transition after receiving my degree. It was a long process, and a challenging period of great uncertainty. During that time there were many occasions when I needed the benefit of a professional's broader perspective.

I worked with Cathy periodically over 2 years and then on a regular basis during a seven-month job search. She provided great support and encouragement, but when necessary, she also pushed me to look harder at an issue or to think about it from a different perspective.  She always listened carefully and provided feedback that was useful, thoughtful and specific to my situation. It would have been enough to leave our sessions feeling better prepared for my next steps, but I even felt inspired!

I would highly recommend Cathy to others. I would also strongly recommend working with her consistently over a period of time, as this approach truly helped to provide the support and guidance I needed throughout my transition."
-- Lucille Petringa

"I knew I needed to look for a new job but the task seemed daunting. This was particularly so as I was already employed, being a mother, etc.

Cathy was patient with me and encouraging. She asked me how I wanted to structure our working relationship. When I told her I needed specific tasks and deadlines to force myself to do what needed to done, she took that approach. Yet she always remained kind and upbeat and ensured that I was comfortable with our timeline and my "homework".

I worked with Cathy for about six months. During that time, she showed me how to focus on what I wanted. More importantly, she helped me become my own best advocate. Soon I had the confidence to network and come right out and tell people who I was, what my strengths were and what I was looking for.

And that is exactly how I found my new job. I went to a networking event, met someone who I stayed in touch with who called to say he heard of a great opportunity for me. Cathy then guided me through a long interview process, giving me talking points and plenty of confidence.

I started my new job about six weeks ago and I love it. It really was what I was hoping for."
-- J. A. Tucker

“I contacted Cathy because I was considering whether to go back into corporate sales or to follow my passion and run my own travel photography business full-time. Through our discussions, assignments to research on my own, and networking with others, Cathy helped me to determine that I would be happier and enjoy the freedom of being my own boss. I definitely had concerns, but Cathy helped me alleviate my fears and overcome the obstacles that were getting in my way. I am now pursuing my dreams!”
-- Claudia Schechter

“Cathy's caring and supportive nature made it an easy decision to work with her. Her unflagging support has been invaluable in helping me to keep focused on making a career change. During the early phone conversations she gave me topics to think about or exercises to do. Later in the process she helped identify action items to keep the process moving forward. Her advice and support is well balanced between pushing me to keep the process moving forward and coaching me on how to get there.

“With Cathy's help I have clearly identified my interests, skills, and values to get me to the point where I can identify concrete career alternatives and potential job opportunities. To launch my career search with confidence, Cathy also has helped me build a strong foundation consisting of my resume, "my story," what I want, and my strengths. Making a career change takes a lot of work, I couldn't have gotten this far without Cathy's support, insights, and in-depth knowledge.”
-- Jeff Archibald

"Having worked with Cathy in the past, I have a great deal of respect for her and did not hesitate to call on her for career advice. Her ability to voice different perspectives, her guidance and encouragement, and her patience in helping me discover a fulfilling career path have been priceless."
-- Lynn Remson

“Prior to meeting Cathy, my job search strategy consisted of posting my resume on as many job boards as possible and hoping that a prospective employer would notice it and instantly know that I was the ideal person for the position. In working with Cathy, we started by more clearly defining my "perfect job" and then fine-tuning my target companies and job responsibilities. We revamped my resume and developed a more effective cover letter (one which is now, with Cathy’s help, more energetic and tailored to each open position). Within one month I began receiving calls and requests for phone interviews.

Not only does Cathy provide great assistance with the job search process, but also with interview preparation. Together, we prepared thoughtful questions, and Cathy was always available to role play. Overall Cathy is truly a career coach -- a constant source of guidance, support, and encouragement. She made me feel as if I was not alone in my job search."
-- Lenore Meltzer

"With Cathy's coaching, I aced three sets of interviews with one company and got the job!

Before each interview, I met with Cathy; she asked many questions about the job and the people I would be meeting.  We discussed the important points that I should communicate to each person and how best to weave them into an interview conversation.

Here is the tough part about my work with Cathy - and Cathy shined.  She mock-interviewed me repeatedly until I felt completely comfortable and not nervous with the interview situation and my answers.  Cathy flawlessly played the part of the person who was interviewing me.  After each mock interview, we both analyzed my performance.

I practiced and practiced again until I felt completely comfortable in this mock situation and eloquently answered all random and relevant questions Cathy threw my way.  Cathy does not know my industry or specialty but she was able to interview me like an insider. The real interviews went great and were much easier than the mock interviews.

I highly recommend this technique to all and highly recommend Cathy!"
-- Alan Rackson

“I just wanted to give you feedback on how the tips you offered in last week's “Acing the Interview” class helped me at a job fair last Saturday.  I was invited to interview with three school districts that day. The first district administrator told me that I was clearly ready to move into administration and that he felt I would have much to offer his district if something should open up. He commented that he was impressed with my interview. In the next two districts both interviewers also gave me positive feedback about the interview. In fact, after sending them thank you emails they both wrote back that they also enjoyed our meetings and would keep me posted. Thank you for your help. I know that I was better prepared for this experience because of your class.”
-- P.B. (March 2006 seminar participant)

“ I was stuck in my position of seven years and, after two years of off and on job hunting, beginning to feel like I was spinning my wheels.

Cathy was able to help me focus my energy and break the process down into steps. I once again felt in control and hopeful. More specifically, we totally revamped my resume and made clearer weekly goals.

Shortly after working with her I did get a new job from a place I had contacted previously; and I think it was my newfound confidence and optimism in my career that sealed the deal.”
-- Denise Byrd