Meet Dana – life & career coach for Dana Nicole Coaching and one of Om Mama’s founding collective members! You can also watch our pre-launch Instagram LIVE Q&A with Dana on YouTube here!
Your Story – a little “About You” – How long have you lived in the Seattle area? Where are you from/why did you move here? What do you do for a living? Have you always done this?
I moved to Seattle to attend Seattle University back in 2005 and I’ve been here ever since… well, with exceptions for traveling and a quick one year stint in Chicago to complete my Master’s Degree in Social Work. I love the Seattle area and believe that my husband and I will call it home for a very long time.
I’ve experienced my fair share of career transitions from social work to higher education to coaching. I’m now blessed to live life in a way that aligns my career with one of my deepest passions – supporting women who are planning for motherhood and are seeking ways to blend their career with becoming a mom.
Before becoming a Life and Career Coach, I felt a pretty constant feeling of anxiety when I thought about starting a family because I had no idea how I would maintain my career while becoming a mom. After some major discernment, prayer, and reflection, I completed my life coaching certification and started Dana Nicole Coaching LLC, where I have the opportunity to support other women in preparing their career so that they can parent in the way that they want. I don’t have kiddos yet, but I now feel ready since designing my career to allow the flexibility I need to be a mama!
What is your favorite thing about connecting with your clients?
The women that I tend to serve are givers – they give endless love and support to others in their lives and often need a space to unpack what’s going on for them. I love holding this space for women to explore and envision the life that they want to create.
Walking with my clients throughout their journey as they imagine, design, and create the lifestyle they want for their family is a true honor and my joy.
What would be one piece of advice you would give to other career women planning for families?
Life can be whatever you imagine it to be. Create a life that honors your values and the lifestyle that you want for your family. Be kind to yourself and patient on your journey. Incorporate gratitude.
How do you practice self care?
Self care looks different for me depending on the day and is a constant learning process but usually incorporates some combination of listening to an uplifing podcast while walking, prayer, time with close friends, massages, and reading a good book in a coffee shop.
Do you have any personal mantras?
Always seek opportunities to be grateful.
Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you?
Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frighten us.
We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
You’re playing small
Does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us;
It’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we’re liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
What is your favorite restaurant in Seattle?
I have several favorite restaurants in Seattle but to name a few… for sushi, Momiji’s happy hour (on Capitol Hill) is my absolute favorite! When I’m craving a delicious sandwich, I’ll usually head to Honey Hole (also on Capitol Hill). And La Rustica in West Seattle features yummy Italian food for a date night splurge!
What is your favorite thing to do on a free weekend?
On a free weekend, you’ll usually find me with my husband, Nick, either enjoying time with friends, cheering on the Mariners, Seahawks, or Chicago Bears, or getting out of the city to take in the beauty around us!
What makes you excited about Om. Mama Co.?
It is really an honor to be a part of such a passionate, collaborative community that is dedicated to providing holistic support to women who are transitioning into motherhood. It’s such an important time for women to be supported and cared for and this is an amazing community to be a part of!
Where can readers find you?
Check out my website and blog at www.dananicolecoaching.com!
Follow me on…
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dananicolealtenhofen/
Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dana-nicole-coaching-llc/
Instagram: @dananicolecoaching
