Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Cohen.
Hi Jackie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in New York city. I am an athlete and learned a lot about teamwork and leadership through sports. I took my skills learned from sports and used them in youth and community development programs both in NYC and Los Angeles. I was a part of creating a tournament sponsored by NIKE that has middle school girls playing basketball citywide. And I created a basketball tournament for teens in foster care to gain skills, develop relationships, and have fun. I am also a social worker and have infused mental health and wellness programming on both coasts. During the pandemic, I worked in South Los Angeles at a Family Source Center where the city of Los Angeles funneled a lot of funds through our program so we could provide rental assistance, groceries and cash to thousands of people each week. At that time, our virtual tutoring and college readiness programs thrived as they were accessible and in demand. Our high school students had virtual reality headsets and could tour colleges around the country from their homes.
Ultimately I love to work with all kinds of people and programs. For the past year and a half, I have been consulting. I facilitate teambuilding and self-care retreats where teams can build trust in an engaging way. I also coach individuals and teams. Many people today are overwhelmed and benefit from support around wellness, managing emotions and work-life balance.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I love New York and am a result of the culture and diversity. So moving to Los Angeles was an adjustment. In my ten years in Los Angeles, I have learned to adapt to a different pace and way of life. I like to find diverse communities with a lot of activity. The best part of the transition has been living close to the beach and having warm sunny weather most of the time. It was such a gift to be able to be outside during the pandemic year-round.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a coach and trainer with a passion for people. I am energetic and engaging. My coaching has resulted in people achieving goals both personally and professionally. I can work with organizations to support team and individual goals. As an active person and a social worker, I know how movement contributes to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. And with years of experience working with diverse organizations and individuals, I have seen the benefits of incorporating movement into mental health care and goal setting. As a result, I prioritize integrating movement and self-care into training, coaching and goals.
I have spent decades creating organizational systems and teams, I have tools for program development, youth development, and program assessment. And I can support an organization providing professional development, including leadership, wellness and team-building retreats.
I offer custom professional development plans. I have experience creating company-wide wellness policies supported by systems, coaching, and activities to create and maintain a culture of wellness. I can train the trainer so that your organization has the capacity to train your staff and build in systems that support your professional development goals. I facilitate training on Trauma Informed Teaching and Coaching so that teachers and coaches can create safer spaces for students and athletes. I believe I am unique in that I do observations in person to inform strategies for individual and system improvements.
I am very proud of the feedback I receive from staff retreats as well as coaching. I am consistently told that I create a welcoming environment and trust among a team. I also get feedback that my approach is very creative, engaging and taylored to the needs of the individual and team.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Anyone interested in connecting can go to my website or linkedin.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jackiecohenmsw.mystrikingly.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-cohen-10198647/
