Meet Joy.
The Crisis of Well-Being
I recognize that unhappiness can be as detrimental to the mind, body, and spirit as a physical disease. We are operating during one of the most critical mental health crises in history, where health insurance claims are skyrocketing, and people are literally dying from exhaustion, stress, and lack of support.
Work, which consumes the majority of an adult's waking life, has an enormous and undeniable impact on overall well-being. Too often, toxic, non-compliant, or purpose-deficient workplaces act as multipliers for this crisis.
The Full Circle of Joy
WorkWise HR Solutions operates at the vital intersection of Workforce Development, Human Resources, and Public Health. We don't just fix HR processes; I aim to improve health outcomes, one organization, one policy, one individual, and one youth at a time.
My methodology is based on the belief that a healthy, purpose-driven workplace is the best form of both prevention and intervention.
Prevention (Workforce Development): I actively engage with the next generation through summer youth programming focused on leadership, purpose, and healthy work habits, fostering strong foundations before they enter the workforce.
Intervention (Organizational Development & Coaching): I utilize organizational development, strategic policy changes, and personal and professional development coaching to transform individuals and existing organizations from the inside out. My goal is to dismantle toxic systems and build resilient, compassionate cultures.
Through this full-circle approach, WorkWise aims to have a profound community impact, increasing the joy and sustainability that individuals and organizations so desperately need.
My Journey
My professional journey, marked by three distinct Master's degrees, has always been driven by one core conviction: to reduce suffering and increase human well-being. I initially dreamed of becoming a doctor, but quickly realized I cared too deeply for people to simply treat symptoms; I needed to address the systems causing the pain.
That led me to Public Health (MPH, 2012), where I focused my research on preventing hospital-acquired infections, ensuring the very places meant to heal weren't making people sicker. When I faced systemic barriers there, I pivoted to Youth Development (MEd, 2015), spending eight years helping adults coach young people across the country toward healthier, more joyful lives through sport and play.
The full picture became clear when I saw how much the adults were struggling—burned out, unfulfilled, and struggling to stay afloat financially and mentally. This led me to Human Resources (MsHRM, 2025). As adults, we spend the majority of our lives at work, yet we are rarely taught how to work effectively, achieve balance, or find purpose.
WorkWise HR Solutions is the culmination of this journey. It’s the full-circle realization that the intersection of public health prevention, youth development coaching, and organizational HR is where we can create the most profound community impact, increasing the health, joy, and sustainability we all deserve.
What Motivates me Now
Brené Brown: Daring Leadership and the BRAVING Framework
Brené Brown’s research emphasizes the critical role of vulnerability, empathy, and courage in effective leadership. Her BRAVING framework offers a practical guide for building trust within teams. BRAVING stands for Boundaries, Reliability, Accountability, Vault (confidentiality), Integrity, Non-judgment, and Generosity. This framework helps leaders foster an environment where trust is foundational, enabling open communication and authentic connections.
Max Lucado: Unshakable Hope
Max Lucado thoughtfully and clearly outlines practical and meaningful steps for building a life that is steady, secure, and assured, deeply rooted in God’s everlasting and unchanging promises. His insightful and compassionate guidance inspires readers to establish a firm foundation firmly grounded in faith and hope—a truly vital and encouraging message, especially during a time when many people face challenges of despair, uncertainty, and a profound lack of hope.
Rasmus Hougaard: Compassionate Leadership
Rasmus Hougaard highlights Compassionate Leadership, which balances care for employees with clear accountability. Central to this approach are the four pillars: Attending—being fully present and attentive; Understanding—grasping the context and emotions of others; Empathizing—sharing and resonating with those emotions; and Helping—actively supporting team members. This model encourages leaders to create supportive workplaces that enhance both individual and organizational performance.
Simon Sinek: Purpose-Driven Leadership and the Circle of Safety
Simon Sinek’s leadership philosophy centers on the power of purpose, famously introduced through the concept of starting with “Why.” By clarifying an organization’s purpose, leaders can inspire greater engagement and alignment. His "Circle of Safety" further reinforces the need for creating secure environments where team members feel safe to take risks and collaborate. This trust-building approach promotes innovation and collective success.
Transformative and Servant Leadership
Transformative leadership focuses on inspiring and motivating teams to achieve a shared vision, driving meaningful change and growth. Servant leadership complements this by prioritizing the development and well-being of individuals, putting their needs first to empower and elevate them. Together, these frameworks provide a balanced lens through which to assess a leader’s effectiveness in both delivering results and nurturing people.
Change Management: ADKAR Model
The ADKAR model, developed by Prosci, aligns closely with coaching principles by addressing individual transitions in change initiatives. ADKAR stands for Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement. It provides a structured approach to managing change, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, skill development, and ongoing support to ensure successful adoption and sustained transformation.
ICF Coaching: Ethical Practice
Ethical coaching, as prioritized by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), underpins all effective leadership development and change initiatives. It ensures that coaching relationships are built on trust, confidentiality, respect, and professional integrity. By adhering to these standards, leaders and coaches create safe spaces for growth, self-reflection, and authentic development.