Kara Danner
Life Design Coach
Philosophy on Coaching
When it comes to careers, I appreciate the “right person, in the right seat, on the right bus” metaphor Jim Collins shares in his book Good to Great. How do each of us figure out which seat and bus are right for us?
That’s where coaching comes in.
Getting the right seat on the right bus takes discernment. Having support, structure, accountability and encouragement make this process more efficient and so much less stressful. Find Your Way helps my clients learn how to evaluate for themselves what criteria matter most to them and how to line that up to move toward the life and profession that they want. My decades in higher education helped me see that I can make the biggest difference in young people's lives, the work I’ve always loved most, by helping students to discern their path before they finish high school or early after graduation. Starting early gives them a huge edge as they begin to make decisions that will either open or close doors for them as they move forward.
Three Favorite Words
Congruent | Authentic | Fun
You might bump into me…
Roaming the woods or a garden with my kids. Eating ice cream at a local spot. Browsing the isles at an independent bookstore. Carpooling (all the driving!)
BACKGROUND
Forever a midwestern girl at heart, I grew up and went to college in Wisconsin. My early career was mostly in Housing and Residence life, including a brief stint in violence prevention education for a nonprofit. From there I spent many years working with college freshmen in various aspects of program development in student affairs. I earned my master’s degree and coaching certification along the way. I joined the Career Wellness team as a pro bono coach for our program at the Career Center. I LOVE this work. This pro bono opportunity evolved into a partnership with Jen and Freddi and coaching career explorers full time. I love working with people who want to sort out how to make their own informed, intentional choices about the direction that they want to take. Choices that honor who they are, what they need, and what they want so that they can move forward in their career with confidence.
Outside of work I love to travel with my wife and our two children. We raise backyard chickens in addition to a menagerie of wonderful pets.
MORE ABOUT KARA
Education
Bachelor of Arts; English; University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse
MS; Organizational Development and Knowledge Management; George Mason University
Certifications
Highlands Ability Battery, The Highlands Company, Larchmont, NY, 2021
Advanced Generative Well-Being Coaching, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2011
Executive and Leadership Coaching, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 2006
Professional Development
Life Design Institute
Motivational Interviewing
Strozzi Institute
Leadership and Volunteer Work
Co-Chair of Workforce Development for Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS) 2022-present
FCCPTA representative for the Trauma Informed Community Network (TICN), 2022- present
Fairfax County Council PTA (FCCPTA) representative for Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) 2020-2023
Member, FCCPTA Executive Board 2020-present
Pro bono Coach for the Arlington Career Center, 2021 to 2023
Executive Board member; Title 1 Parent Advisory Committee 2016-2021
PTA President; Pine Spring Elementary School, 2017 to 2018
Pine Spring Elementary School representative for Title 1 Parent Advisory Committee, 2016-2021
Membership Chair, Pine Spring Elementary School PTA, 2015-2017
“What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
— Mary Oliver