I’ve always had a high degree of sensitivity and perception. I learned early how to read beneath the surface: within people and in the dynamics that shape systems and power.
It’s now the foundation of how I work.
Here’s my story.
There are gifts to not belonging: insight. Systems thinking. Courage.
As a socially awkward child, I just didn’t realize it at the time.
Raised free-thinking in the traditional midwest, I felt the stark reality of not belonging early on. As a teen, I realized that if I was going to be unpopular, which I was, I might as well have flair.
So I cut my hair pixie-short, dyed it Flamin’ Hot Cheetos red, and gave the middle finger to everything my surroundings stood for. I didn’t know where I was headed, but I knew it was far from home.
I then spent 20 years inside fast-growing startups and mission-driven organizations in San Francisco, finding a kind of home in high-pressure, innovative environments and ultimately leading, advising leaders, and influencing strategy at scale.
But even when I had influence, I still often felt like an outsider.
- Working-class background in rooms of inherited privilege
- Ambitious and soulful inside profit-driven systems
- Questioning leadership norms in cultures that rewarded conformity
I learned how to succeed inside worlds I didn’t fully belong to. It was challenging—but it sharpened my perception.
Those experiences shape my work today.
The leaders I partner with often struggle with the same tension: stepping into power in environments that weren’t designed for them, and figuring out how to lead effectively in a way they respect.
I help them see more clearly. And trust what they see.
My Certifications & Training
Certified Professional Integrative Coach (CPIC), Institute for Integrative Intelligence
Certified Hakomi Practitioner (CHP), The Hakomi Institute of Mindful Somatic Psychology
Associate Certified Coach (ACC), International Coaching Federation, 2021-2024
Additional trainings and experience includes:Â
- Innate Somatic Intelligence Trauma Training Approach (ISITTA): 8-month training (assistant)
- From Trauma to Dharma Foundations with Manuela Mischke-Reeds
- Healing Trauma with Peter Levine
- Bessel van der Kolk and Licia Sky Workshop
- Somatic Tools for Healing Trauma and Reclaiming Your Voice with Linda Thai
- Exploring Shamanic Tools for Inner Clarity and Connection with Langston Kahn
Beyond extensive formal training and certification, I bring over two decades of personal healing work, ten years of daily meditation practice, and deep study in embodiment, spirituality, and trauma.
This grounds my unique, holistic approach.
I know the difference it makes to work with someone who can see you clearly—and meet you there.
If you’re navigating something complex, high-stakes, or hard to name, we can explore what working together could look like.
"Caitlin showed me that by constantly living in the future I was avoiding my current needs and connection to others. My mind used to always be on the next thing on my to-do list and how I was going to fit everything in but now I see just how important it is to give the present moment my full attention. Through our time together I’ve learned to slow down, enjoy the little moments more and take time to check in with myself before rushing to the next activity.
I now feel more inner peace and calm, and I act from the underlying knowing that being overwhelmed by my busy schedule doesn’t help anyone, including me. I now see that I don’t have to be living in overwhelm all the time to be effective. I feel more connected to my friends, family, coworkers and most importantly myself.”
-Â Dayna
Six things that help me find Radical Self-Belonging™
Sticking my feet in the dirt, any time or place. Parklets, back yards, random patches of dirt? Yes, please.
Making up songs whilst cooking. Recent favorites: "MF-in' Beans"and "Damn, I Wish I Was Your Pizza."
Shakin' it off, literally. I love to dance  and movement has been a central part of my healing.
Meditating every dang day. It keeps me grounded. I think of it as my daily touch-base with the divine.
Laughing. I laugh a lot. Humor combined with empathy is some of the best soul medicine.
 Exploring. From distant lands to the corner deli, my most rewarding experiences come from being present with what's right in front of me.
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