About Me
True happiness… is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.
– Helen Keller
Who I Am
I’m a Certified Co-active Professional Coach (CPCC), Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and Licensed Professional Counsellor (License #: LPC.0012168) based in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. My passion is helping people navigate meaningful transformation—whether it’s in their careers, relationships, or inner lives—with clarity, courage, and compassion.
I bring a globally minded, deeply empathetic lens to my work, shaped by my bicultural upbringing in the U.S. with Japanese-American roots. My path here has been anything but ordinary. I earned a BA in Economics from Colorado College, spent time teaching scuba diving in Thailand (yes, it was as amazing as it sounds!), and then returned to Colorado to complete my Master’s in Counselling Psychology at the University of Denver.
Since then, I’ve built a career that’s all about people—working as a psychotherapist, consultant, and human resources director. Along the way, I’ve come to believe that real growth happens when we feel truly seen, heard, and supported. That’s what I aim to offer every client I work with: a grounded space for reflection, discovery, and sustainable change.
Whether you're seeking a fresh perspective, facing a big decision, or feeling stuck and ready for something new—I'm here to walk alongside you.
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"Litter Fish" 2022, by my son
What’s with the name, “New Fish Coaching?”
I once heard about a study involving two groups of young children. The first group was asked to “draw a fish” and shown a picture as a reference. Unsurprisingly, most of their drawings looked pretty similar to the example they were given. The second group received the same instruction—“draw a fish”—but without any visual prompt. Their creations? Wildly different. Bright, colorful, imaginative, and uniquely their own.
I first learned about this study from Vu Le, who shared it during a keynote at a conference I attended—and it stuck with me. It was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we’re not confined by someone else’s blueprint.
That moment gave me permission to think more expansively, to trust my own voice, and to do things differently. It inspired me to “draw a new fish” in my own life. New Fish Coaching grew out of that mindset—and from the rich, diverse experiences I’ve gathered along the way, both professionally and personally.
For over a decade, I had the deep privilege of providing psychotherapy to children and their families in hospitals, schools, and my own private practice. To say I loved this work would be an understatement—it was truly an honour to support families on their journeys toward healing and connection.
Then, in July 2019, everything changed. I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and had to close my beloved practice within two weeks to begin treatment. After months of chemo, multiple surgeries, and radiation, I emerged into a world completely transformed by the pandemic.
So, I drew a new fish.
With no prior experience in business or consulting, I landed a fully remote role at a behavioral science consultancy. It was a thrilling and eye-opening shift—suddenly I was working in the corporate world, collaborating with insurance and pharmaceutical companies. It stretched me, challenged me, and sparked something new.
Then, in the spring of 2021, I was diagnosed with another rare cancer—completely unrelated to the first. Once again, I chose to pivot. I drew yet another new fish and returned to in-person work, this time stepping into a role leading human resources at an autism therapy start-up. I had no formal HR experience, but I embraced the challenge. Immersed in fast-paced start-up culture, I began to see—firsthand—what wellbeing looked like when it was truly supported… and when it wasn’t.
I took a deep breath. I reflected on my values, my worth, and my purpose. And I knew it was time to draw yet another fish.
Now, I’m here to help others do the same—to create space, imagine new possibilities, and draw a new fish for themselves.
