I grew up in beautiful Amsterdam, in a family where commitment and growth were very important. I learned then that it is not only about the final result, but also about the effort you put into it, and things had to be done well, never just 'halfway'. Music always played an important role and brought us together. Yet as a family, we also had considerable 'challenges'. It was sometimes difficult and because of this, I had to learn to be independent at a young age. I tried harder so that my parents didn't have any extra worries about me. This later made me develop an automatism to solve things myself and not ask for help from others, which cost me a lot of energy and 'toil'.

In adolescence, I learned how important thoughts are to how we feel, that you can choose your thoughts and that thoughts are not facts. This insight helped me stay positive, and inspired me to help others deal with stress. Even in primary school, I enjoyed 'coaching' by helping others. This coaching passion has only grown over the years. People often give me back that I radiate calm, that I am a good listener, but also dare to confront. In my coaching, I am clarifying, reflective and committed, and I am genuinely interested in the person sitting across from me.

After completing my secondary school, there was high unemployment and recession. Because of the high probability of unemployment, I was advised against studying psychology, and I then opted to study economics, with which the chances of employment were much higher, and then a profession in financial administration. After working for a long time in the business world in small and large organisations, also as an executive and part of the management team, I followed my heart and successfully studied psychology at the University of Amsterdam in 2008. My dream of coaching became reality when I made the career switch to coach/psychologist. Since then, I have enjoyed coaching more than a hundred people in career, talent and development processes, with reintegration into the labour process, stress and burn-out and with increasing personal effectiveness.

For the first 10 years of my life, I studied the world mostly closely. I was often labelled as shy, with today's knowledge I would call it sensitive. Only then did I decide to participate in it with full conviction. And I think few would have thought then that I would later stand in front of groups for fun. That didn't happen automatically by the way, I had to get out my comfort zone a great deal for that.
Because I naturally had 'good' conversations with friends, and because I suddenly found myself mediating between a friend and her mother who were quarrelling, for example, I discovered that counselling people suited me well and decided to study psychology.
Then, in my first real full-time job after graduating as an A&O psychologist, I quickly experienced chronic stress. After a little more then six months, I was sitting at home, unable to work any more. That was tough, I was mainly disappointed in myself. Now I look back on it as a blessing in disquise. Since then, I have been forced to see my health and enjoyment of work as goals (besides being there for others and performing), and that works.
And I also couldn't escape having to really deal with myself for a change, including mourning the abrupt loss of my father when I was 18.
This is how I discovered that daring to feel makes me a nicer person and a better psychologist, that coaching gives me great satisfaction and suits me well, provided I take good care of myself. I can use my analytical view, empathy, creativity, life experience and eagerness to learn (I never stop learning about this profession). And that I love my freedom immensely, which makes entrepreneurship suit me.
I have been living in Amsterdam IJburg by the water since 8 years with my boyfriend, daughter, son and dog.

In 2010, I started working as an independent coach. Before that, I worked for more than 10 years for various companies (including Hogere Hotelschool, Belastingdienst and NOA (psychological consultancy firm) in various roles (Change Advisor, Training Coordinator, Trainer, Coach, Developer, Account Manager and Sector Manager). This has taught me a lot about the processes at play within organisations, and the match between individual and company. From these experiences, I can easily empathise with your experience.
As a coach and trainer, I have worked extensively for government (Gemeente Amsterdam, stadsdeel Noord, Havenbedrijf, GVB), education (HU, Hogeschool Kunsten, HvA, HBR, De Haagse Hogeschool), media (VPRO, publishers) and healthcare (OLVG, AVL, GGZ, ARQ) and entrepreneurs/startups.
Besides individual coaching, I guide teams in development towards a growth culture, supervise peer review, and provide training in stress management, coaching and personal effectiveness.

After studying occupational and organisational psychology in Nijmegen, I really wanted to 'go into practice'. I started (in '93) in the prison in Vught in the personnel field and gradually built up a broad working experience. I have held various HR positions and worked in both large and small organisations, profit and non-profit, as an advisor and as an HR manager. This has given me a broad perspective and a good insight into what is (less) effective in organisations and how things can be done differently.

When I started working, I soon discovered that I loved talking to people 1-on-1 about their work and what they were up against. As early as my second year of work, I took an intensive career training course and that became one of my specialisations. In all my roles, I found it important to help people work more enjoyably. Sometimes it was about increasing influence, or reducing stress, better cooperation or restoring balance and health. Because I was keen to invest more of my time in this, and was looking for more peace and depth in conversations, I made the switch in 2010 to work fully as a coach/career advisor and consultant. First I worked for an agency (Laagland Loopbaanontwikkeling) and since 2013 I have been self-employed.

I have now coached many different people for various organisations. No coaching process is the same with me, because every person has a different manual, preferences and needs. I can draw from a whole range of theories, experience and exercises and believe it is important that together we find what works for you and takes you forward.

I was born in 1977 in the beautiful region of Twente as the middle child of three. I grew up in a warm and nurturing family where values such as honesty, authenticity, openness, and care for others were highly cherished. Hard work and a good sense of humor were equally important in our household.
I am grateful to look back on a happy childhood that provided me with a solid and loving foundation for life. At the same time, like everyone, I also carry less pleasant experiences that have shaped who I am today. In various situations, I felt that I wasn’t good enough and needed to prove myself to others, which drained a lot of my energy.
Over the years, I have come to view those experiences from a different perspective, and they have significantly contributed to my passion for coaching. I am deeply motivated to truly see people for all they have to offer as individuals and to help them unlock their full potential
In my free time, I enjoy cooking, photography, running, traveling, and exploring new spots in the city with my husband and three children. I also value spending quality time with family and friends.

In 2001, I successfully completed my studies in Work and Organizational Psychology at VU University. The years that followed were a journey of discovery as I explored which direction I wanted to take in my career. I broadened my perspective by traveling, worked in recruitment, and trained as an assessment psychologist, where I learned to observe people’s behavior and map out their strengths and areas for development. In 2006, I decided to pursue a professional coaching qualification at the Alba Academy because I wanted to play an active role in people’s development. Since then, a coaching approach has been central to my work. Over the past 12 years, I have gained experience in career guidance, coaching, and assessments (including at AVOP, Funktiemediair, and Derks & Derks) as a registered NIP psychologist in the business services sector, working with individuals. In October 2011, I made the decision to start my own business. It was an exciting yet challenging and stimulating step that provided me with more autonomy and a better work-life balance. I also chose to dedicate time to further professional development as a coach by completing various training courses and participating in regular peer groups. By connecting with Sandra, Wendy, and Rebecca and starting LemonGrass Coaching together, I now enjoy the collaboration I had been missing as an independent professional. We learn and grow together. My ambition is to eventually offer training in ACT and mindfulness, as I am passionate about helping people lead more conscious, lighter, and often more enjoyable lives.