The women and men below have walked beside me in different seasons of my life and work. Their words are shared with permission and offered not as promises, but as reflections. My hope is that, as you read them, you get a sense not only of what I do—but of how it feels to be welcomed, witnessed, and supported.
As the creator of Ishtara, I have the privilege of watching Nicole do the work she teaches to others in herself over many years. Nicole is always willing to go to the deepest places in herself and bring her own unconditional love to whatever she finds there. That willingness is rare. Most people spend a lifetime avoiding the very things she turns toward with courage and vulnerability. Nicole can do this depth of healing because she is, by nature, an unconditionally loving person. She simply made a choice to include herself and all part of her in her own love. As she turned her love toward herself, she blossomed.
Nicole has spent years living what she teaches. In her presence, you will feel safe and loved in a way that can create the breakthroughs you are seeking. Nicole has lived the transformation she teaches. She has lived deep grief and turned it into compassion. She has felt disappointment and turned it into empowerment. She has faced profound loss and turned it into true belonging that begins with herself and expands outward to everyone she holds.
Nicole is a trustworthy holder of others because she knows that true belonging comes from loving all parts of ourselves and true healing comes from loving ourselves into wholeness, not fixing ourselves. As she belongs to herself, she invites other women to belong too, creating the space for them to do it and teaching them to hold themselves with that same deep compassion.
Nicole can be counted on to go to the wall for you. I have seen her take risks and dance her way through the unknown to follow her heart to heal herself and bring her dreams to life. And as she does, she is always thinking about how what she has learned might be of value to someone else.
Nicole carries the wisdom of midlife and the enthusiasm of youth. She is a living torchbearer to women who are longing for self love and true belonging. If you are considering working with Nicole, know that you would be in the hands of a woman who has walked the path she offers to guide you down.
Tracy Harward- Creator, Ishtara
"I didn't find Ishtara—Ishtara found me. Before I even knew what it was, my body was already guiding me toward movement and music as part of my healing. But it wasn't until I heard Nicole share her story that I discovered Ishtara.
From my very first class, I felt an indescribable sense of safety. My body finally had a place to heal. With Nicole's intuitive guidance, thoughtful framing, and deep presence, I was able to move through decades of trauma and come home to myself.
I am forever grateful to Nicole for helping me reconnect with myself and my life. Thank you beyond words."
Meg Rossi - Long-time Ishtara Practictioner
As a woman in my mid seventies, I was skeptical of the possibilities of moving energy in my body In order to improve my emotional health. However, I have found that integrating Ishtara into my life brings comfort and a feeling of relief from unhealthy emotions. The effects on my nervous system are very powerful and I look forward to my frequent practices and the calming effects they bring. Nicole is an experienced practitioner and an enthusiastic guide who joyfully imparts the methods of the Ishtara practice.
Jan Brough - Long-time Ishtara Practitioner
"I had the honor and privilege to coach and partner with Nicole prior to her life coaching certifications. Nicole has an amazing capacity for listening and reading between the lines, and her energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to becoming a masterful coach will serve her well and enable her to to help you discover your brilliance on your way to reaching your fullest potential. If you want a coach who knows and understands where you are and you need someone to guide you through your darkest night, do whatever it takes to partner and invest time with Nicole!"
Catherine McAnally President and Founder - Joshua Tree Coaching & Consulting LLC
“Working with Nicole changed my outlook on what recovery means- ‘recovery’ shifted from being a name for a lifestyle to a verb, a way of taking action! As a psychologist, the best gift I can give to my clients is to be fully present, and Nicole assisted me in implementing new ways to do just that. As a mom, partner, and friend, working with Nicole provided me with a perspective to recognize how I can deepen those relationships while taking care of myself. I recommend working with Nicole to anyone woman who needs to show up in her own life!”
Stacey Steele - Psychologist & Founder of Healthy Heartbreak
"Nicole is a compassionate and skilled coach who is gifted with the ability to connect with both groups and individuals on a deep and meaningful level. Through insightful questioning and active listening, she helps to define obstacles to progress, and create strategies to unlock potential. She has been a decided asset to my growth as a writer."
Lynn Haley - Writer Founder
"Nicole was a great student at Crossroads Recovery Coaching and became a first-rate coach. She has insight, compassion, and takes her clients deep. If you want to make profound change this is the coach for you."
Alida Schuyler - Owner/Founder - Crossroads Recovery Coaching
“Coaching with Nicole has changed my life for the better. It has been the best investment that I have ever made for myself and am so happy that I did it. After coaching I have learned how to live with true happiness and gratitude as well as clear mind. I did not know that I could feel this good about myself and my self esteem has increased dramatically. I am so thankful for this opportunity and if I could change one thing it would be to coach with Nicole long before I did.”
- Thomas Coffman, Football Receiver - Colorado State University