ABOUT TREK COACHING

Growing up I’ve always loved nature and being outside – swimming at the beach, picnics, hiking in the mountains, walking my golden retriever, “Robert” on trails along the Ohio River in Cincinnati, OH. I’m grateful to my parents for modeling this love and respect for nature.

I’ve lived in a home overlooking the Ohio River for the past 15 years, and start most of my early mornings with a cup of coffee, taking in a sunrise, watching a barge go by, or looking at stars in the sky.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, my balcony and the outdoors were my refuge. While my home office, laptop and Zoom subscription helped me sustain my 13-year coaching practice, after several months I could feel myself slipping into burnout mode and “digital-fatigue.” I needed to find a way to deliver coaching that protected my well-being, as well as that of my clients.

In the spring of 2021, I recalled an outdoor program I had participated in at the Cincinnati Nature Center called Shinrin-Yoku (English translation is Forest Bathing). The 3-hour, guided meditative walk on trails in the forest was incredibly invigorating and relaxing. I loved it, and went back 3 weeks later to do the program again. I was hooked.

The following month I designed an outdoor coaching experience for small groups and individuals, and started taking friends and family outside on the trails. It was a hit from the first group I took outdoors. Since then I’ve enhanced the curriculum with resources learned during my formal training in the area of outdoor coaching and guiding. I’ve completed two corporate outdoor coaching programs taught by Lesley Roberts in London, UK, and will be completing the ANFT’s (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) outdoor guide certification in spring of 2022.

I’ve had a wonderful 25+ years working as a corporate communications professional for two Fortune 500 companies, The White House, and an international trade association in Chicago. I feel so fortunate to have found a second career in executive coaching, and now this next phase of working among the majesty of the forest and nature.

When I’m not coaching, you’ll find me cooking dinner for family and friends with my husband, traveling, taking photos, doing container gardening, water coloring, swimming or walking. I’m blessed to be married to David Cho, have a wonderful stepson, Patrick Cho, and our rescue golden retriever “Robert,” and rescue Maine Coon cat “Max.”