About
I am a listener at heart. Listening is a necessary skill in hearing what is between the lines when I begin working with a new client as a career coach or as an officiant.
As an extrovert, I get my energy by being with people… and guiding them. My two passions intersect — career coaching and interfaith ministry. Building relationships in a positive and open-hearted way is a process I always enjoy. People tell me that I am approachable – and to quote my beloved Siena students, “You are ‘not scary’”.
Being perceptive is a skill I have developed through the years. I can sense when a person is disengaged or down. Likewise, I am sensitive to someone who is bursting with energy and ready for the next step.
As a two on the Enneagram*, I am helpful and supportive, empathetic, generous and relationship-oriented. Those qualities enhance my ability to successfully interact with people. (*The Enneagram is a personality typing system whose roots can be traced back to several ancient traditions.)
As a career coach, I help individuals move beyond their fears and misconceptions of the world of work.
As an interfaith minister, I guide people towards whatever spirituality looks like for them. This is a very important part of my life.
So let’s talk.
A Dog Lover…
I am a dog lover or even a dog nut. My connection to dogs did not begin until adulthood. My husband and I raised 3 labs and I grew to love each one. Dogs have taught me to live in the moment; they are clearly not thinking about their next appointment or what they are going to make for dinner while they are staring at you. Staying present to my students/clients/couples is a critical part of my practice. A wandering mind does not demonstrate active listening. Of course, a dog’s lack of judgment builds a strong case to accept people as they are and not attempt to change them. Dogs don’t judge us.
“Dogs have taught me to live in the moment.”
Further when staring into the face of a dog, there is something in their eyes that reminds me that these wonderful creatures were made with love for us to love. I am reassured that whatever our faith tradition, there is something beyond us to create such love. The relationship we have with our dogs is a reminder that we too are created with unconditional love.
In the photo slideshow you can see each of my dogs: Jake (chocolate lab), Danny (black lab), Bear (yellowish lab), Sir Hadley (gray & white Shih Tzu), along with a Burmese mountain dog I met at a Therapy Dog Day at Siena. See? I even hug dogs I don’t know. Dog lover or dog nut — you decide.
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“My love of working with young adults, experiencing the sacred with others and maintaining relationships with family, friends and dogs has blessed me with a full life for which I am most grateful.”
Suzanne O’Connor