DANA RICHARDSON

DANA RICHARDSON, co-founder of Partners In Transition, and is a Life Transition Coach with fifteen years of experience in the field.

She is a Coach University graduate, a member of the International Coach Federation and President of the Ottawa Chapter of the Retirement Planners Association of Canada (formerly Canadian Assoc. of Pre-Retirement Planners).

Dana has a passion for coaching those who are forced into a life transition. Transitions can be ‘forced’ for many different reasons, such as a job loss or job transfer, an illness or other health issue, children leaving or returning home, a forced retirement, a change in relationship such as separation or divorce, care giving for an aging relative, or the death of a loved one. Dana experienced a forced transition when her husband’s job ended due to company reorganization. It was a sudden and unexpected loss that affected every aspect of their lives. This led to a good deal of introspection, exploration and problem-solving that ultimately led to creating a new life for themselves in a new locale.

Prior to this event, Dana had been a Life Skills Coach in the fields of adult education and social service. She had developed group coaching skills through intensive training and specific experience working with people in career exploration, communication, problem-solving, interpersonal and employment skills.

Although the transition brought on periods of high stress and anxiety, it became an opportunity to redefine what was important in life and create a preferred future. Out of this exploration came the discovery of the corporate world of Outplacement Counselling or Career Consulting and the realization that Dana’s transferable skills and life experience could be used to help others experiencing forced transitions. She became an Associate of DBM, a Career Consulting firm who specialize in this field and she has worked with them for 8 years.

Dana has also used her coaching skills in her work with Hospice Palliative Care. When her mother was diagnosed with a life limiting illness, she had a strong desire to learn about death and dying. She trained with a Hospice organization in her community to become a volunteer patient visitor, providing support to patients and their families. The learning that took place was exceptionally helpful in dealing with the decline and eventual loss of her parent.

Music is another important component of Dana’s life that she has incorporated in both work and play. She enjoys group choral singing and has led a church choir. In her Hospice work, Dana used her vocal skills to provide soothing music to patients, calming agitation and opening the door to communication of thoughts, concerns and feelings, often leading to a more peaceful state and sometimes acceptance. She has shared her experience and insights with Health Care professionals and volunteers by presenting at Medical Conferences and other functions.

Having a clear understanding of the transition process, Dana has repeatedly assisted people in overcoming barriers and limiting beliefs to discover who they are and to determine where they want to go from here for the next stage of their life. By providing a safe, non-judgmental space to explore interests, skills, values and accomplishments she enables her clients to expand their vision and to create a path they may have once thought unattainable, even unimaginable. With a keen interest in the well being of the whole person, Dana strives to help people live an authentic and meaningful life at any stage.

In addition to individual and group coaching, Dana and business partner, Vickie Townson have designed and delivered Corporate Retirement Lifestyle Planning Workshops for those nearing retirement or newly retired.

Dana is qualified and experienced in the use of MBTI®, Personality Dimensions™ and Retirement Success Profile© assessment tools.

Dana is a Coach University graduate, a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and President of the Ottawa Chapter of the Canadian Association of Pre-Retirement Planners (CAPP).

Dana enjoys singing, walking, biking and swimming and other creative activities. She has been married to her life partner, Larry for many years. Together they have raised 2 daughters, Mandy and Kerry and are proud grandparents to 2 wonderful granddaughters.

Client Comments

“ Dana, thank you not only for all your superb work and dedication but for also keeping my confidence and sprits up during a stressful time in my life. You made me see there is a better road ahead and there is always an opportunity for a new beginning.”

“Your input has been invaluable for this process and it was wonderful speaking to an expert. What an incredible learning experience this has been.”

“Thank-you so much for your hands on assistance with my resume and for lending an ear to listen to my thoughts and concerns. I really feel that I was most fortunate to have gotten to work with you. Again thank you so much it has been a great help."

“ Dana, thank you for your very insightful and interactive presentation on handling the stress of job transition. Your accounting of your personal career transitions made your advice warm and accessible.”


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