Kat Garrard, CPC, MA.Ed
Certified Professional Coach, Licensed Elementary School Teacher
What is Your Nest Step?
Nature is my greatest teacher. I have been fortunate in my life to have learned from many, many brilliant mentors, inspiring instructors, and wise 'coaches'. I am so, so grateful for these amazing people. Still, nature can reach the deepest parts of my soul quickly, strikingly, and kindly in a way unrivaled by even my favorite people.
One group of creatures that have touched my life repeatedly, and have intrigued me since childhood, are birds. I love the wide variety in this group; some can fly, some cannot, some thrive near water, some in the desert. To me, birds are much like our human souls; so diverse, thriving in divergent ways of life, and almost universally born with the desire for a nest.
Birds need a nest to return to, to rest in, to shelter them, and to the hold the new lives they grow. We, too, need this kind of home, a nest to return to. In our nests we can quietly rest and listen for our souls' direction. Our nest is a place where we can hatch plans and nourish them.
One of our common human challenges is the gathering and creating of this nest, and the faith to secure it lovingly within our own soul. When we do this, we can be home everywhere we go in daily life. We can pause in chaos and return to peaceful reflection. We can quietly listen to our soul and make the best choices for ourselves. This is "the nest step" and it is one of many I will walk through with you, as your life coach.
About Kat
I have been coaching as a way of life for as long as I can remember. I am the oldest of six children, and some of my earliest memories are of encouraging and supporting my sisters and brothers through new experiences or challenges. I have always been drawn to assisting others toward their best selves, and as I have developed wisdom though the years, I know that the best answers are found within oneself. The human spirit is a self sustaining miracle, and I believe we are here to remind each other of this truth.
My college degrees and professional life have also reflected my love of coaching. I received an English B.A. from UNLV, during which I reveled in, and discovered more about, our common human experience through timeless literature. I became a mom (possibly the most challenging and rewarding coaching I will ever do). I have also earned a Masters in Elementary Education, and have taught school for four years. This has also sharpened my coaching abilities through interacting not only with my students, but also with their families. Together, we find the best personal solution in each situation.
I completed a three-year Gestalt therapy training, during which I grew to love the group process. During this training, I seriously and humbly faced the darkest and lightest corners of my soul through the support and insistence on truth which was given to me by my trainers and my fellow trainees.
I have also very successfully completed dozens of Marriage and Family Therapy credits and client hours. Though I loved therapy work and gained priceless knowledge and experience, I am not a therapist. My best life has lead me to coaching.
I am a certified professional coach. I trained at the amazing Fowler Wainwright International. I am currently beginning a group coaching certificate course with FWI, as well. Coaching is my passion, and I fully believe the theme of my life path has lead me to be a coach.
My Coaching Philosophy
As your life coach, I will guide you through a process to find yourself and your own best life; and I have complete faith that the answers are already in your soul. Sometimes, you need a fresh, kind and non-judgmental presence in your life to gain focus and momentum. This is who I will be for you. I have the skills and an amazingly effective program to support you in a new and loving way, and together we will find your vision, create your nest, and start you living toward your best life each day.