My Story
Hi, I’m Jess, founder of Abacus Life Coaching and a recovering public educator, glamorizing af livin'
For 20 years, I rocked the world of education—leading schools, supporting amazing (and often burned-out) educators, and pouring my heart into helping kids thrive.
As a high-achiever, I didn’t just work in education—I climbed fast and hard, fueled by ambition (and, let’s be real, caffeine and the occasional Cabernet). By 25, I was one of t
For 20 years, I rocked the world of education—leading schools, supporting amazing (and often burned-out) educators, and pouring my heart into helping kids thrive.
As a high-achiever, I didn’t just work in education—I climbed fast and hard, fueled by ambition (and, let’s be real, caffeine and the occasional Cabernet). By 25, I was one of the youngest assistant principals in my county. By 30, I was a principal, leading at full speed with a packed calendar, a polished résumé, and a smile that hid how out of alignment I felt.
After years of promotions, a cushy salary, and the kind of job security most people dream about, I hit a wall: burnout. Exhaustion. Disconnection. I started questioning everything—my passion, my purpose, my sanity, and yes, my relationship with alcohol.
It wasn’t dramatic. There was no rock bottom. Just a slow, steady whisper:
“Is this really it?”
And eventually, that whisper got loud..
Here’s the thing they don’t tell you about high-achievers:
You get really good at pretending you’re fine, even when you’re not.
You pour the wine, check the boxes, keep climbing—and still feel empty.
That was me.
So, I listened to the whisper. I got curious. I questioned alcohol and everything else that was keeping me in the cycle of burnout. And when I stepped away from both—booze and the job I’d outgrown—everything changed.
I left behind the predictable path, the pension, and the perfectly curated career and made a leap—from public educator to private education consultant. It felt like cliff diving with no life vest—but what I found was freedom, clarity, and a whole new version of myself.
Through coaching, I found the courage to ditch what wasn’t serving me, alcohol included.
I discovered that you are not your job title, your salary, or the wine glass in your hand at 5PM.
You are you—capable of evolving, rewriting your story, and living with intention and clarity, no matter how far along the “path to success” you are.
I became a certified life coach, and in the process, I realized I wasn’t alone. I’ve worked with incredible women—senior leaders, moms, entrepreneurs—who all hit a point where they wondered:
“Why does this feel so hard?”
And often, quietly, “Is alcohol holding me back?”
That’s where Abacus Life Coaching comes in.
We’re not just talking about career pivots. We’re talking about life reinvention, alcohol-free clarity, and unlocking the version of you that’s been buried under burnout and booze. Together, we’ll shake off the overwhelm, get strategic, and move your “life beads” with purpose until everything finally clicks.
What’s with the Abacus?
Because life—like those little beads—is all about balance, strategy, and intentional movement.
At first, my abacus was a desk prop, something cute to show off during Zoom calls. Then, it became a daily ritual—one bead for each habit, goal, and win. It was a visual high-five for staying aligned, and over time, it became a symbol of progress, not perfection.
When it came time to name my practice, it clicked: Abacus Life Coaching.
Because together, we’ll move your life beads—your habits, your mindset, your relationship with alcohol—until you feel in control, fulfilled, and fully you.
When I’m not coaching or doing consulting work, you’ll find me wrangling my kids, road-tripping to national parks, catching live music, and being bossed around by our dog, Bruce. I soak up both the chaos and the quiet with my family—whether it’s a lake day, hiking Florida trails, or pretending I love burpees.
I believe in pouring into my own cup—just not with wine anymore.
If you’ve made it this far, I’m betting on you.
You’re not broken. You’re just ready for more—and I’m here to help you ditch the stuff that’s keeping you stuck, and strategically move the beads of your own abacus.
👇 Let’s talk—your next chapter is calling.