Elizabeth B Mader, MFA, CPC
Certified Professional Life Coach, Professional Freelance Writer and Visual Artist, Speaker, Trainer, Guide, Program Planner, Peer Supporter
How Does the Little Red Ant Relate to Life Coaching?
Suppose you are an ant. How do you spend your time? You might say you work like crazy, have a defined job,follow the leader,do what's expected,reflect absolute loyalty--and repeat.
But what if you are the ant who has unearthed the concept that being an ant is so much more? Ants carry heavy burdens with ease, find creative ways to get around obstacles, and bring abundance to their group. They achieve their goals with confidence, explore and find what they require. Ants know their true purpose and naturally transform their environment and pathways to suit their needs. Ants know harmony in themselves, with their cohorts and their work. Ants have tenacity, determination and perseverance.
Big metaphor, huh?
When I was a child, my dad made up symbolic characters in order to teach us kids some life lessons. "The little red ant" visited us on the back porch, and became my mentor as he shared his stories of grand adventure in our yard. He gloried in his accomplishments and challenges. He lept on the possibilities he found in the dirt and on the hill. And he celebrated the grace he learned from avoiding being stomped on... The little red ant has been with me forever.
As a life coach, I'd like to share with folks (you!) why the little red ant resonates with me: a life worth living to its fullest, challenges and blessings all, is achievable, especially with someone on your side. You CAN creatively transition into the life you hope for and dream of, like an ant moving blades of grass across the yard, one courageous trip at a time.
About Elizabeth (call me Beth!)
I have come to life coaching by casting a wide net over my experiences, education and passions, and pulling it in close, observing how all is connected, and how I can share what I have learned with others.
I have always been an artist and writer. I earned my B.A.(Fine Art '88) from Colorado College, and my M.F.A. (Printmaking'93) from the University of Denver.
In the '90s, I worked with the City and County of Denver as Public Art Consultant, managing the completion and installation of public artworks by 27 artists during the construction of Denver Int'l Airport ('94-'96); as Exhibitions Manager at famed Foothills Art Center in Golden, CO ('96-'99); and was named to Who's Who in American Women ('98).
In the last ten years,I have been a Dept. Supervisor for a popular and long-running river company, supervising about 50 river guides during summer season; Interpretation Manager for ARAMARK, concurrent to serving as a Certified Guide/Planner/Trainer in the Interpretation of Cultural and Natural Resources, working closely with the National Park Service; as a consultant/guide for specialized groups such as Elderhostel;and as a Peer Recovery Specialist for the severely mentally ill (a different form of life coaching) at a local Behavioral Health Center. I have been a regular columnist for bp Magazine since 2007, and do freelance writing for other online outlets. These days, most of my art is commissioned. Working in many mediums, I continue to make art just to make art. I became a Certified Professional Coach in July, 2010.
And then there's the other stuff: I now live in the high Arizona desert, among some of the most incredible landscapes in the world. I have 25 years experience in the outdoors. I have been a smooth water river guide and hiking guide. A unique highlight is that I have rafted the Grand Canyon six times. I did 30 days of Mountaineering with the National Outdoor Leadership School. Outward Bound came before that. Before sustaining permanent injuries, I was a runner (turtle group), and completed my first marathon 3 years ago. I love being inside, curled up with a dog, reading a book on a blustery day.
Somewhere in all of this I got married to a wonderful man ('96); packed up and RV'd around the USA for 6 months ('99); settled here; and built our family of 4-legged creatures.
Yes, I've done a lot. And I could go on. But that would be silly, because I know now that it has all had meaning and purpose, brought together in that net. Drawing from my experiences, skills, education and broad knowledge will help me offer clients a unique coaching experience with sustainable results.
What Folks Say About Elizabeth (Beth)
"I had the benefit of getting a chance to work in a coaching environment with Beth. I found her to be a unique coach because unlike many coaches, she didn't approach our conversation as if she was the Master and I was the Student. She approached it as a co-collaborative moment. There were many breakthroughs that occurred as a result. Thanks for being real Beth." -Jerry C.
"Beth is an inspiration. She effortlessly creates new and exciting possibilities for her clients. Her coaching ability is a testament to others who are looking to make a positive difference in the world. Her coaching guidance opens up an inspirational flow. She is
wonderfully gifted. I thank God that I met her. My coaching experience with her has greatly influenced my life in a positive way. Thank you."
-Frankie J.
"I had the pleasure of facilitating the course that Beth attended to become a Certified Coach. I found Beth to be intelligent, insightful, passionate about helping people and always willing to offer her views, which really enhanced the experience for all. Anyone would be in great hands with Beth as their coach." -Harry Shade, COO, Innovision Global LLC, MasterTrainer & Coach, Fowler Wainwright International