MY STORY

I’m a Positive Psychology Practitioner and Certified Coach but I’m also a woman, just like you. I understand how disorienting change can feel, especially in midlife. I know what it’s like to reach a point where everything looks fine on the outside, yet something inside is quietly asking for more. My own experience in midlife revealed the quiet power of reconnecting with purpose and with the parts of myself I’d set aside along the way.

Grounded in the science of well-being and human flourishing, my work helps women apply evidence-based tools from positive psychology to reconnect with their strengths, values, and sense of purpose. I believe every woman carries a quiet strength within her, sometimes she just needs the space and support to find it again. My role is to help you access that inner strength and move from simply getting through change to growing through it. To not just bounce back, but to “Bounce Forward Happier”.

My Credentials

    • B.A. in Psychology - Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (1997)

    • M.S. in Education - Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY (2003)

    • M.S. in Applied Positive Psychology - Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (2026)

    • Institute for Life Coach Training - Resilience & Life Coach Training

    • Wholebeing Institute - Positive Psychology Coaching

    • Happiness Studies Academy - Positive Psychology/Happiness Studies

    • Coursera/UPenn - Foundations of Positive Psychology

    • Coursera/ASU - Managing Stress and Time

    • Treeming - Forest Bathing

    • Certified Positive Psychology Coach

    • ICF ACC Certified Coach

    • CCE Board Certified Coach

    • Certified Resilience Coach

    • Certificate in Happiness Studies

    • Executive & Business Coaching Specialist

    • New York State Permanent Teaching Certificate (PreK-6th)

    • Psi Chi - International Honor Society in Psychology

    • American Psychological Association (APA)

    • International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA)

    • International Coaching Federation (ICF)

    • Happiness Studies Academy (HSA) Alumni and Business Club

    • New Jersey State Women’s Chamber (NJSWC)

    • Bounce Forward Happier, LLC - Owner and Positive Psychology Practitioner

    • Institute for Life Coach Training - Co-taught '“Resilience for Stress & Burnout”

    • New York City Department of Education - Lead classroom teacher for grades K, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th

“Attaining lasting happiness requires that we enjoy the journey on our way toward a destination we deem valuable.”

— Tal Ben-Shahar

MY GROWTH APPROACH

  • POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

    🌿SPIRE framework for well-being

    🌿 Cultivate positive emotions that elevate daily experience

    🌿 Strengthen an optimistic and growth-oriented mindset

    🌿 Explore meaning and purpose as foundations for fulfillment

    🌿 Deepen appreciation through intentional gratitude

  • STRENGTHS & VALUES

    🌿 Increase self-awareness and emotional insight

    🌿 Clarify and live by your core values

    🌿 Leverage personal strengths to enhance confidence and direction

    🌿 Identify positive internal resources that fuel growth and change

  • RESILIENCE & SELF LEADERSHIP

    🌿Navigate stress and overwhelm with greater ease

    🌿 Replenish mental and emotional energy

    🌿 Build sustainable habits through small, intentional actions

    🌿 Strengthen self-leadership and adaptability

  • LIFE DESIGN PRINCIPLES

    🌿 Define meaningful priorities and authentic goals

    🌿 Strengthen self-efficacy and belief in your ability to create change

    🌿 Align daily life with what matters most

    🌿 Expand your perspective to see new possibilities and pathways forward

∘ WHAT WOMEN ARE SAYING ∘

  • Genuine Support

    “Kristen is a wonderful coach who keeps it real with you in a kind manner. I've seen several professionals in the past but never felt like I got the help and genuine support that I have received from Kristen. I always feel energized and empowered after each session, ready to tackle my action plan in order to reach the goals that I've set for myself. I highly recommend Kristen as a coach. Your life will be transformed with her guidance”

    Venessa A., Childhood Educator

  • Clarity and Momentum

    “Kristen is incredibly supportive and truly empowers female leaders. After each session with Kristen, I feel motivated to pursue my professional dreams and leave with a plan of action that is realistic, doable, and keeps my overall well-being at the forefront of it all. I highly recommend Kristen for 1:1 or group resilience coaching.”

    Paula A., Educator and Small Business Owner

  • Encouragement and Support

    “Kristen is a fantastic coach. Her guidance and encouragement have been invaluable in helping me to grow my business. I can’t thank her enough.”

    Melissa H., Solopreneur

  • Professional and Caring

    “I met Kristen years ago when we studied together at ILCT. Her empathetic professionalism caught my attention immediately. I am now proud to refer to Kristen as a close friend and colleague. She is a devoted and caring coach and instructor who has her clients best interest at heart. Whether you need stress and burnout relief, a resilience boost, or a mindset shift Kristen won't let you down.”

    Kelly M., Business Owner

  • Challenge to Change

    “Kristen is an excellent coach who supports her clients to take advantage of the opportunities and meet the challenges they face in their lives. Her caring and professional style creates a comfortable space where I feel empowered to identify where I want to go and establish a plan to get there. Working with Kristen has encouraged me to believe in myself and know that my dreams can become reality.”

    Sandra L., International Relations & Trade Policy Specialist