Meet Catherine

Reinvention has been a defining part of my journey.

I was born on Guam to Filipino parents, and my upbringing was shaped by a blend of cultures, perspectives, and languages from an early age. I left Guam as a young adult to attend university on the U.S. mainland, beginning as a biology major on a pre-dentistry track before changing course after a perspective-shifting study abroad experience in Spain. That early pivot set the tone for a life shaped by curiosity, courage, and a willingness to redesign when something no longer fit.

My professional path evolved just as dynamically. Moving away from my academic training in the life sciences, I found myself drawn to global perspectives and cross-cultural connection. That pull led to a 30-year career in international education management, where I held senior leadership roles across global organizations.

I oversaw multi-site global operations, launched new divisions, guided organizations through change, and developed talented leaders across various regions. Through these experiences alongside my own personal transitions, I came to understand what real growth asks of us: reflection, trust, adaptability, resilience, and thoughtful action.

Today, I bring that lived journey into my work as a Certified Designing Your Life facilitator and coach. My path has not been linear, and that is precisely what allows me to support others as they navigate pivotal transitions and design their next chapters with clarity, confidence, and agency.

Based in San Diego, I work with clients around the world who are ready to design what comes next.

  • “Working with Catherine planted seeds that shaped both my personal and professional life in ways I couldn’t fully see at the time. Her guidance especially around finding people and paths that truly resonate became a foundation I continue to live by. Years later, I’ve made bold, life-changing decisions with clarity and confidence, and I’m deeply grateful she was part of that journey.”

    — Mirna B., Senior Corporate Event Manager

  • “Working with Catherine has been beyond pleasurable but spirit affirming. I was at a crossroads and feeling stuck not knowing which path to take. Catherine provided, not the answers I was looking for, but all the right questions that helped me to discover the answers that were within me all along and in such a powerful way. Working with such a skilled mind coach is something I encourage wholeheartedly and without reservation.”

    — Deirdre B., Educator & Consultant

  • “I am so appreciative to have had Catherine as a coach! Her coaching skills and personality created a space that encouraged me to open up and more deeply express many of my thoughts and challenges in creating new opportunities for myself in designing my life for the future. She helped me to see more possibilities and shared her resources specific to my needs. There was never a “no this won’t work” but more of “how can we reframe our thinking about this” in better defining solutions going forward. Our sessions were also fun and I certainly looked forward to them!”

    — Lisa B., Business Consultant & Corporate Training Specialist

  • “Every day I reflect on how I’ve moved on from such a stuck place. Incorporating Catherine’s tools and moving forward step by step. I’ve gained confidence along the way and finally feel grounded in myself again. I’m no longer the helium-filled balloon being pushed by the wind. I feel weighted, directed, and deeply connected to myself. That sense of confidence and connection has made all the difference. This has been a priceless journey, and I continue to use the tools; they truly help.”

    — Becca P., Clinical Research Professional

  • " Catherine has been an invaluable support system and guide as I navigated a transition in my role. I was feeling overwhelmed by increased responsibilities and internal expectations, which led to a pattern of overworking and eventual burnout. Through her thoughtful guidance and practical frameworks, Catherine helped me reflect on what I truly wanted to change, why it mattered, and the consequences of not making those changes. She also supported me in defining “my ask”—a clear outline of the adjustments I wanted in my role, including what to remove, what to add, the benefits of those changes, and the support needed to move forward. Working with Catherine brought clarity, focus, and confidence to both my thinking and my approach."

    - Dyan C., VP of Customer Success

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