Valerie's wide-ranging background has allowed her to experience both the creative process and the dilemma of the creative soul. A graduate from the
University of Toronto in Music Performance in 1979, she worked for many
years as a professional performing violinist, adjudicator and teacher. A
skilled communicator, she is also trained as an ESL teacher and has
worked teaching both English and French immersion. Work at the Montreal
Neurological Institute as a Research Coordinator in adolescent brain
development sparked her interest in brain plasticity and transformation, while her
experience co-leading a Mindfulness Meditation group brings her another
understanding of training the mind to develop new behaviours and inner
calm. Valerie continues to integrate both art and science into her
coaching practice; she recently completed a course in Clinical Training
in Mind/Body Medecine at the Harvard Medical School (Sept.- Oct.
2009). In addition, she loves writing and has published a musical biography - One
Quarter of the Orford String Quartet which
is available through Amazon.com.
Valerie received her training in the Art and Science of Coaching from the Erickson College International in Vancouver and is certified as an ACC (Associate Certified Coach) with the International Coaching Federation. Currently she enjoys living in the multi-ethnic Mile End neighbourhood of Montreal; previously she has lived and worked on 3 continents (Canada,
Africa and Europe) and continues to be an avid traveler and world citizen. She
especially enjoys connecting with her two wonderful children as their adult lives
unfold; she is also interested in many genres of music, spirituality,
nature, yoga, painting and whole foods. Valerie's core values include connecting at the level of the heart and soul, insight and loving compassion. She is committed to and energized by supporting
others in their transformative journey towards an integrated life of their own
composing.
