Getting to Know Me: My Journey and Coaching Philosophy

Sitting at a park near my home in southern Arizona.

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No one's journey in life is a straight line, and my life is no exception. As I approach the summer of 2026, I feel energized and inspired by my new business, Verbbed Coaching. It has taken a long time to get here, with many ups and downs along the way, but each experience has prepared me for where I am headed.

I grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and now live just miles away from where I called home years ago. There is something wonderful about stepping outdoors and hearing the world come alive as I prepare for the day. I typically water my plants and check on the state of my yard while the sun gently casts its light. I'm currently growing jalapeños and bell peppers—so far, so good. This year, our lime tree has produced fruit for the first time. I’ve finally figured out how to give it what it needs: sunlight, water, and fertilizer.

Years before my exciting days of watching jalapeños grow, I attended the University of Arizona, where I studied Political Science and Latin American Studies. I was deeply interested in the social sciences and planned to study law. My father, a practicing kidney specialist for many years, inspired me with his ability to break down complex problems into simple solutions. I learned from his example and developed a strong interest in medicine and understanding how things work, including human beings.

In April 2002, I moved to Chicago, Illinois, to start law school. That summer, I prepared for school and fell in love with the city. Coming from a place where the tallest skyscraper is 23 stories to one with the Sears Tower and the John Hancock Building was quite the culture shock—and I loved it. I enjoyed the food, the parks, and the people from all walks of life. Finally, August arrived, and I began law school.

I enjoyed studying cases like the famous "Hairy Hands" case and discovered a liking for tort law. I met many great, friendly, and intelligent people, many of whom were also navigating the challenges of being away from friends and family. However, despite the exciting setting and stimulating challenges, I wasn’t happy. I felt anxious, depressed, and out of place. By October, I decided not to return the next semester.

By February of the following year, I hopped on a plane and returned to Arizona—this time to Phoenix. Leaving Chicago was hard, but it felt good to be close to friends and family again. I’ve always been someone who takes steps forward, and I was determined to find the next step in my path.

My journey eventually led me to work at the Department of Economic Security's Division of Developmental Disabilities under the Assistant Director. This opportunity was a godsend. My boss was incredibly astute and knew exactly how to help me grow. I worked on various assignments with great autonomy and responsibility, and I thrived. These experiences taught me the stark difference between merely surviving and truly thriving.

Though law school didn’t pan out as I had expected, it became a stepping stone to something greater. My mother once reminded me, "You like helping people. What about psychology?" I thought about it and decided to explore the field. I didn’t want to conduct behavioral research on animals; I wanted to work with people. Years later, I graduated with a master’s degree in counseling and began working at Mountain Park Health Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Mountain Park pioneered an integrated behavioral health model, where doctors and licensed counselors like me collaborated to help patients improve their health and functioning. It was fun, innovative, and purposeful.

Mountain Park Health Center gave me the chance to continue learning, growing, and applying my skills to help others. Over the years, my career alternated between community health centers like Mountain Park and El Rio Health in Tucson and community behavioral health agencies. However, as we all know, change is constant, and I eventually sought something different.

Ever heard the phrase, "The more things change, the more they stay the same"? That applied to me, too. I spent six months preparing for a career in real estate, passed my exam, and gave it a try for a couple of years. While it didn’t lead to much, it gave me perspective and a renewed appreciation for my previous career. It also clarified what I truly enjoy and do best: working with people, being an advocate, a cheerleader, and a believer. I love contributing to something good in people’s lives, helping them see themselves in new ways, and guiding them toward their goals.

As a coach, I use my background and strengths to provide insight and guidance to clients who want to look forward and build something better. We all have an internal dialogue about what we want, where we want to go, and how we want to live. I’ve taken many strides in my life to do the same, and I would love to help you find your path—whether it’s advancing your career, improving your health, pursuing your passion, or achieving any goal you want to invest your time and energy in.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey, let’s work together to make it happen.