Why I Chose to Rise

A personal story of resilience, recovery, and the calling to walk alongside people on their own healing journeys.

About Me

At 39, life threw me a curveball I never expected – Breast Cancer. I had always lived what I thought was a healthy, balanced life: I didn’t smoke, I was in the gym most days, and I worked hard to stay in tune with my mental well-being. But Cancer doesn’t discriminate. What followed was two years of relentless treatment – 20 rounds of chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, and 15 sessions of radiation. Midway through, I was also made redundant. I suddenly found myself sick, unemployed, and facing a completely uncertain future.

But I refused to let it define me.

During treatment, I enrolled in a Diploma in Personal and Business Coaching with the Irish Life Coach Institute. It was more than a course – it became a lifeline. Surrounded by purpose-driven classmates, coaching clients, and the empowering material itself, I discovered something powerful: coaching is my calling. I chose to rise – not just from illness or unemployment – but toward a future where I could help others find light in the darkest moments.

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My Passion

What drives me is human connection. My passion is in supporting people as they navigate life’s most difficult transitions – whether personal, professional, or health-related. I know first hand how quickly life can shift, and how isolating those moments can feel. That’s why I meet every client with empathy, authenticity, and an unwavering belief in their ability to move forward – no matter the circumstances.

As a qualified Executive and Personal Coach, I bring a powerful blend of corporate expertise, coaching methodology, and lived experience. My background in tech, policy, and leadership gives me insight into high-pressure environments, and my journey through illness taught me resilience, presence, and the value of compassionate support. Coaching isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about holding space, asking the right questions, and walking alongside someone as they uncover their own.

My Goals

My mission is simple, but powerful: to empower others to rise – not just after life’s setbacks, but because of them. I want to be the coach, mentor, and facilitator who helps people tap into their strength, reconnect with their purpose, and move forward with confidence and clarity. Whether I’m coaching individuals one-on-one, facilitating group workshops, mentoring professionals in transition, or speaking on stage – I show up fully, with intention and heart.

I believe in the ripple effect of growth. When one person rises, it creates space for others to do the same. Through Rise Stronger Coaching, I want to create a space where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to take action – whether they’re facing uncertainty, burnout, career changes, or personal loss. I know what it feels like to have everything fall apart. But I also know the magic that can happen when you choose to rebuild – boldly, bravely, and stronger than before.

“Still I Rise” – Words of Strength and Resilience

Inspired by Maya Angelou’s timeless poem, a celebration of unwavering courage and the power to overcome.

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like the moon and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

“I know what it feels like to have everything fall apart. But I also know the magic that can happen when you choose to rebuild.”
Kerrie Downey
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