Kerry O'Donnell

Are you experiencing overwhelming stress that is affecting your ability to think clearly, feel a healthy range of emotions, or take action on your own behalf? Are you facing a life transition or have a conflict that seems to paralyze you? Do you feel revved up with anxiety and fear, crippled by the pain of grief, or full of the fire of anger? The nervous system is designed to protect us in many different ways through our lived experiences, yet it can become "stuck" in a response pattern, narrowing our focus and limiting our options.

I work one-on-one as a Coach to help you re-connect with yourself and with others, increase your capacity to manage reactivity, build on your strengths, and re-gain access to the wisdom found in the three centers of your intelligence: cognitive, emotional, and gut instincts. For 15 years I worked with victims of violent crime through the Office of the Victim Advocate for the state of Pennsylvania, and current clients include first responders, those who are experiencing grief and loss, or fear and anxiety through major life transitions, and patients with life-limiting medical diagnoses. I teach classes at Carnegie Mellon University's Osher Institute and Allegheny Community College on the role of the nervous system in mitigating traumatic stress and promoting spiritual growth.

I hold a Masters degree in Education and a graduate certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies (Bessel van der Kolk, Trauma Center at JRI) and Interpersonal Neurobiology (Dr. Daniel Siegel, MD). In 2010 I received the Jefferson Award for Public Service for my work with violent crime victims in Pennsylvania. I have over twenty years of experience working for the United States Institute of Peace, Council for International Exchange of Scholars, and American University; and for over a decade I served as President of the Maurice Falk Medical Fund and the Falk Foundations.

I am passionate about empowering clients to learn the skills for working with the brilliant design and protective functions of their nervous system. Please contact me with questions or inquiries to assist you in your decision making. M.A., SEP, SHRM-SCP