Vulnerability:
The Journey From Despair to Empowerment
Maggie’s Story of Transformation and Hope
In the blink of an eye, my life changed forever. It was February 2020, and I found myself lying in the wreckage of a catastrophic car accident. The relief of surviving quickly gave way to a grim realization: my body was broken, and the road to recovery would be long and arduous.
The career I had poured my heart and soul into as a Fascial Stretch Therapist (FST) was now an impossible dream. Dance, my joy and passion, slipped through my fingers as I grappled with pain, fatigue, and an overwhelming schedule of therapies and appointments. I felt lost, engulfed by the sheer magnitude of it all. How could I move forward when every step was fraught with pain and exhaustion? The thought of giving up loomed over me like a dark cloud.
As I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, a profound sense of hopelessness washed over me. The weight of depression and anxiety was crushing, and I questioned if I could ever reclaim my life. I was exhausted, in pain, and felt utterly alone in my struggle.
As someone who had always been high-functioning, thriving on work, hobbies, and social interactions, my capacity to engage with life had shrunk significantly. The mental health struggles I thought I had conquered resurfaced with a vengeance. PTSD, grief, and sadness weighed me down like an anchor dragging me into darkness.
Amidst the despair, a flicker of determination ignited within me. I realized that giving up wasn’t an option, but to find my way back to joy, I had to seek support. I assembled a support team, learned to navigate my injuries, manage pain flare-ups, and seek solace in my community. Crucially, I mastered asking for help and setting boundaries without self-reproach.
Then came a powerful “Aha” moment: although my body and spirit were crushed, I found a glimmer of hope. I realized I could still make a difference, not just in my life but for others facing similar challenges.
This revelation sparked a newfound determination, leading to a transformative career shift from FST to coaching. Leveraging my expertise and experience, I began guiding others through injury recovery and pain management, along with the mental health issues intertwined with pain and trauma.
Witnessing my clients’ transformations has reignited my spirit. Though my physical abilities remain restricted, I’ve embraced acceptance and discovered new passions and connections.
The journey back to doing what you love looks different for each individual, but it’s possible. Through this process, you’ll uncover profound truths about yourself and those around you. Growth and strength can emerge from pain and trauma, revealing beauty within the struggle, finding calm within the chaos.
As an FST, I found immense fulfillment far beyond the monetary rewards. When the harsh reality dawned that I could no longer continue in that role, I felt an indescribable loss. However, as a coach helping others navigate pain, injury, and recovery, I once again experience the joy of making a difference.
Witnessing my clients transform and reclaim their lives fills my heart and soul. This is my life’s purpose! – To have a positive impact in the world by holding a safe space for others to grow, heal, and find their own joy and passion. Through my coaching, I am living proof that even in the face of immense challenges, you can uncover a new path to fulfillment and joy.
If you’re ready to begin your own journey of healing and transformation, let’s take the first step together.
Credibility:
Maggie’s Education & Professional Credentials
Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc) – University of British Columbia (2011)
Grounded in health sciences, providing a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and patient care.
Active Isolated Stretching Certification (2013)
Completed the Foundations 1 workshop, consisting of 16 hours of in-depth training focused on increasing Range of Motion (ROM) and flexibility through 80% hands-on practice.
Soft Tissue Release Certification (2014)
A 16-hour intensive workshop that refined skills in addressing soft tissue dysfunction, building on advanced musculoskeletal anatomy concepts.
ISSA Personal Trainer Certification – International Sports Science Association (2014)
Gained expertise in safe and effective exercise programming, focusing on general fitness and mobility improvement.
Fascial Stretch Therapy Certification – Stretch To Win Institute (2013-2016)
A multi-level certification program with rigorous hands-on training in the groundbreaking field of Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST):
- Level 1 (2013): 40 hours of instruction focused on foundational FST techniques, combining pre-workshop coursework and practical application.
- Level 2 (2014): Advanced techniques recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association, requiring 40 additional hours of hands-on instruction and successful completion of written and practical exams.
- Level 3 Specialist (2016): Expanded expertise in neuromyofascial behavior, culminating in mastery-level skills through 40 additional hours of instruction and practical examinations.
LifeStretch Instructor Certification – Stretch To Win Institute (2016)
Certified to teach LifeStretch, a group mobility-stretch class that integrates flexibility training for the body, mind, and spirit in a non-competitive, supportive atmosphere.
Professional Mentorship with Paul Turner (2013-2020)
Spent over seven years under the guidance of a renowned stretch therapy expert, deepening skills in client support, advanced stretching techniques, and therapeutic approaches to healing.
Additional Skills & Expertise
- Over a decade of hands-on experience in movement, stretching, and mobility, helping clients recover from pain, injury, and trauma.
- Specialized in integrating mindset coaching with movement practices to support holistic recovery and resilience.
What is Coaching?
Coaching is having a dedicated ally who sees your strengths and potential, even when you may not. Professional coaches excel in active listening, asking insightful questions, helping you refine your goals, and developing effective strategies for moving forward. Through attentive collaboration, coaching empowers you to cultivate self-awareness, explore possibilities, clarify your objectives, and take meaningful action.
Sometimes, coaching gently pushes you beyond your comfort zone to achieve the life you envision. It’s about discovering your strengths, developing tools to grow without judgment, and empowering yourself to make progress on your unique journey.
What Coaching is Not
- Coaching isn’t about fixing you or forcing you into decisions you’re not comfortable with.
- Coaching is not psychotherapy. Rather than looking back, we look forward, creating a safe space for you to discover your own strengths, gain clarity, and explore new paths at your own pace, free from pressure or preconceived notions.
- It’s not about solving your problems for you, but rather empowering you to tap into your inner strength to find practical solutions and move forward.
- It’s not a place for judgment, nor is it about someone else’s agenda for your life.
