Meet Jean

Jean Potentia Headshot

Hi, I’m Jean.

From a very young age I often found myself in the role of helping others. It was during a visit at my grandfather’s home when I found a copy of The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale in his book collection. It may have been boredom or the simple curiosity that came with being ten years old, or maybe it was fate, but whatever drove me to open the cover is what set in motion the beginning of a life-long journey. I couldn’t put it down! Ever since childhood, I have always been fascinated by why some people thrived and had positive mindsets, and others did not. I was gifted with a burning desire to help others figure out what was keeping them from living their best life.

From a very young age I often found myself in the role of helping others. It was during a visit at my grandfather’s home when I found a copy of The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale in his book collection. It may have been boredom or the simple curiosity that came with being ten years old, or maybe it was fate, but whatever drove me to open the cover is what set in motion the beginning of a life-long journey. I couldn’t put it down! Ever since childhood, I have always been fascinated by why some people thrived and had positive mindsets, and others did not. I was gifted with a burning desire to help others figure out what was keeping them from living their best life.

Even though my life had taken several paths and directions along the way, the one common thread that remained was my never-ending interest in learning new ways for being my “best-self” and wanting to help others do the same in their own lives. My enthusiasm for people’s well-being lead me to the field of personal development.

Over the course of a 25-year accomplished educational path, I earned my undergraduate degree in Training and Developmental Psychology, my first Masters degree in Human Resource Development, Coaching training through the Coaches Training Institute, and my second Masters degree in Professional Counseling. I then gained my board certification as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. 

Within those years, I also lived and continue to live a very full life! The sum of my own experiences has enabled me to better serve my clients with a relatable understanding of real life situations. Between relationships that failed to single motherhood, new marriage, moves, two more children, and the list goes on. Added to this was working professionally as a single parent, in public relations and event planning which all combined my understanding of the demands and pressures of the workforce. I gained tremendous depth and perspective regarding the diverse range of challenges my clients face today, especially the balance between self, home, and career.

Jean Potentia with compass

I truly believe that being a Certified Life Coach and a Licensed Counselor, as well as one who has had firsthand experience working in a professional environment, is what makes me different from other coaches. By combining the education, skills, and philosophies of both coaching and counseling, as well as my personal and professional background, I am able to offer my clients a very broad spectrum of resources and experience. 

For me, learning continues to be a lifelong passion. As a self-improvement nerd, I am always reading, researching ideas (new & old) on topics such as personal development, neuroscience and mindfulness, etc., so that my practice stays current and I am able to offer my clients the best of what is available. 

Also, as a self-prescribed “Ageless Rebel,” I continually look for ways to grow and stretch myself out of my comfort zone. On my own journey to living an authentic life, I like to walk the talk and would never suggest my clients do something that I am not willing or have not done myself!  

It is difficult to describe the feeling of respect and honor I hold for every person I work with. I understand deeply how courageous it is to trust another person so wholeheartedly as to allow someone into the deepest parts of their mind and soul. I consider it my life’s calling to be that person who can help those who are ready to make significant changes and to get them from where they are to where they want to be. 

What My Clients Say

If you are interested in working with me, I invite you to schedule a Single Session Journey with me to explore what coaching is all about.