Hello! I’m Kelsey

I don’t know about you, but I feel like I’ve always been haunted by the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

I was the first college graduate in my family and remember attending the large graduation party that my parents threw in my honor. Everyone at the party kept asking me “So, what are you going to do now?'“ Every time they asked, I cringed. I had no clue and had done nothing to prepare! I was paralyzed in fear and believed, like many do, that my dreams were unobtainable. In fact, I believed this so strongly that I stopped dreaming and got to a place where I couldn’t even articulate what I might want to do.

Thankfully, by some grace, happenstance, or small honor to my inner authenticity I stumbled upon career coaching. Those who can’t do teach? Perhaps! My first job as a social worker after graduate school exposed me to career coaching and workforce development. I was hooked.

The next 10 years were spent coaching individuals from all different backgrounds in a wide variety of sectors. I have individually coached 100s of clients and have reached 1000s through workshops & trainings.

Through this experience, I have learned that a career is much more than a job history. A career is about the articulation of your skills and the ways in which you show up with those skills and talents in the world.

I believe you can and should design your work & life to integrate together and meet your needs, and I understand the difficulties of navigating these processes intimately.

I’ve helped 1000s of people gain career clarity, develop sound industry-driven strategies to reach their goals, and build careers they love. Come along for the ride and love your Mondays too!

Credentials & Work History

Master of Social Work (MSW), California State University, Sacramento
Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC), Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches
10 years of industry experience:
- Business Career Coaching, W. P. Carey School of Business @ Arizona State University
- Program Manager & Student Support Specialist, Talent pipeline development for US veterans and underrepresented populations in the California Community Colleges
- Workforce Development for the Sacramento homeless population through collaboration with local non-profits and employers
Adjunct Faculty, Las Positas College, Work Experience & Internship
Twin Mom (The hardest of all my jobs!)

My Coaching Approach

Be seen.

With a background in social work, I have learned the art of making connections and creating a space where people feel safe. When you work with me you don’t have to dress up, say the right thing, or know what you’re doing. I make a promise to everyone that I work with that they will have a space to be seen.
Clear is kind.

I am a straight shooter type of coach. I will always give you the truth and foster a space of learning and creativity in our work together by giving clear directions and pointing out barriers. I want everyone to succeed and I believe in the inherent ability of each of my clients. With me, you will get clear, actionable feedback that works. No fluff.
Less is more.

We all know the phrase “Finding a full time job is a full time job”. The truth is, it doesn’t have to be. Yes, it takes some time and effort to find the right match, but I promise that the work we do together will be strategic, meaningful, and designed to get you the right job. No one likes spinning their wheels.
Stories matter.

Personal narrative is the most important part of career development that no one talks about. You have interesting experience. You have unique ideas. You have talents, skills, and passions. When working with me we will rely heavily on developing your personal narrative to talk about your strengths and weaknesses in a meaningful way.
Match the market.

The labor market changes rapidly. This means that career “advice” needs to change rapidly with it. I know that one size does not fit all. A person desiring to work in investment banking has a much different set of challenges than a person desiring to work in the trades. Our work will always match the market and take into account the unique hiring trends of your chosen industry.
Let's have fun.

The job search process can feel grueling. I aim to have fun along the way and promise to not make too many corny jokes. But really, outside of all the work we will put in, we will also have fun and enjoy the process together.

“Kelsey went above and beyond to ensure I was prepared through every step of my job searching journey. She provided me with hands-on guidance and the professional development needed to launch a career in corporate finance at a Fortune 100 company. Kelsey is also very strategic and thoughtful when identifying opportunities that align with my career goals. I would highly recommend her!” -Yasmin R.
“It became apparent from the very beginning that Kelsey was personally invested in my success. As we talked through my story and accomplishments, she saw the best version of my story and guided me in presenting it. What I appreciate most about Kelsey is that she blends realism about the job market with a determination that I could nevertheless find the right match for my goals. After working with Kelsey, I’ve come away not only with a better way to present myself on a resume & in interviews, but a renewed self-confidence that I’ll be an excellent candidate in the job world.” -Seth M.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Kelsey during my time in undergrad. As I reflect on my journey as a first-year student to a senior with a signed job offer, there is no doubt that Kelsey has played a pivotal role in my professional development. Kelsey has always cared about me as an individual and taken into account my own interests and skills versus just pushing the typical career guidance given to any college student. During times of confusion, conflict, and self-doubt, I could always rely on Kelsey for guidance and encouragement. She truly cares about those that she works with and her passion for what she does is clear in every interaction that is had with her.” -Olivia H.