About Resilient Beginnings

Mission and Core Values

I am committed to investing in the relational and emotional health of women.

I always seek to mentor ladies toward these core values:

Loving Jesus and others
Investing in relationships
Developing accountability with key people
Growing in resilience, empathy, and trust

With gratitude to God, I steward my life experiences, education, and gifts to mentor and coach other people. My clients and I work together toward a deeper understanding of God’s goodness. I aim to support women so they can experience healing in the midst of broken and messy relationships and fragile emotional health.

Education

The path to starting a private counseling business has been challenging. I received basic schooling but no further formal education as an Amish girl growing up in Indiana. Later in life, health issues got in my way, and to be honest, there were many times I struggled with lack of self-confidence that I could be a qualified mentor and coach.

As I look back, I see the good hand of God along the way, leading and equipping me. I grew stronger in my areas of weakness by seeking counseling from men and women who helped me find the courage to take online classes, attend seminars, and grow confidence in the gifts and callings God has given me.

I am grateful for the following vocation and educational opportunities. They have significantly shaped my ability to minister to women.

Mentor leader and mentoring program coordinator

Faith Builders Educational Programs, Guys Mills, PA
2005-2022

Satir Coaching and Mentoring Specialist Certification

The Virginia Satir Global Network
Supervisor: Janelle Glick, Meadville, PA
2021

Bachelor of Science Psychology: Christian Counseling

Lynchburg, VA
2011-2019

Ministry Apprenticeship Program

Faith Builders Educational Programs, Guys Mills, PA
2003-2005

Women’s Counselor

Deeper Life Ministries, Plain City, OH
1997-2002

Supervisor in three factories

Topeka, IN
1977-1994

Testimonials

Listen while a few Resilient Beginnings clients share their experiences.

“Ten years ago, I began meeting with Irene to process some of my experiences. My life was slowly but dramatically changed through our encounters. She taught me so much about vulnerability and courage. I have never met a more compassionate mentor, who listened well and offered hope without attempting to fix my problems for me. Her heart for women enables her to care deeply, and her trust in God enables her to stay engaged no matter how hard the journey. I highly recommend her as a professional coach.”

A client from Pennsylvania

“If you are looking for a safe person to talk to, I highly recommend Irene. Not only is she safe, but she listens well, has a heart of love and compassion, and patiently walks alongside you. She understands the physiological side of how we feel and act, and all the while points you to Jesus, the greatest Healer of all.”

A client from Virginia

“The strength of Irene's presence is her endless curiosity and desire to understand. In her questions, she forces me to think and question my assumptions and feelings about my situation. She has a lot of space for the range of human experience, and she never fails to bring me to Jesus.”

A client from Pennsylvania

"Investing in counseling with Irene has been one of the most beneficial decisions I have ever made. Through my sessions with her, I have learned how to process my past experiences and trauma in healthy ways in order to continue growing in the hope and love of Christ. Irene is a wonderful, affirmative listener with a deep heart. Though it is not always easy, I sincerely appreciate the way she calls me to accountability, growth, and perseverance. I am deeply grateful for her presence and wisdom in my life. Our sessions have shown me more of who Jesus is and what He wants for my life.”

A client from Texas