"Coming to Baraka Institute was one of the best decisions I ever made. My former coach training left me woefully unprepared for real world coaching. After such an intense and beneficial program at Baraka my confidence in my skills has more than quadrupled! I am certain that I can be a successful coach and I have the tools necessary! I would and have recommended your whole person design coach program not only to future coaches, but to anyone who wants to go along the path of self discovery and personal transformation."
~ Monica Wheeler, Certified Professional Coach

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I never would have imagined that I’d be self-employed in my lifetime. But I left a job in corporate America to start my own coaching business and now, with a number of other personal and professional changes under my belt, I have a whole new life… and I’m living it to the fullest!

Lacking confidence and leading an unhealthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically, I was stuck in patterns that prevented me from trying new things. But with the training and tools I learned from my friends at the Baraka Institute, I have a whole new perspective on the obstacles I face. I learned a lot about myself and uncovered insight into how I operate. Now I’m able to recognize my fears for what they really are: limiting behaviors. So when resistance occurs, I’ve learned how to dig deep and ask powerful questions, uncovering incredible perspectives and finding the answers that have been there all along. These hidden treasures can open up amazing doors and opportunities never imagined!

I quickly realized that helping other people feeds my own spirit and gives me a sense of purpose, because enabling others to overcome their personal hurdles is incredibly gratifying. For me, being a coach is a highly rewarding occupation in terms of my own self-fulfillment. I’ve found a career that gives me joy! As my business continues to grow, I’m thrilled that I get to help people discover what joy and excitement are all about, and see them successfully weave both into their everyday lives.

MJ's favorite quote: “If opportunity isn’t knocking, build a door!” – Milton Berle
~ MJ Cherkauer, Certified Professional Coach

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"I’ve always known my calling was to help others. At the same time, I knew I wanted to work with forward-moving people. When I found out what coaching entails, the decision was clear and simple.

I use the coaching I learned through the Baraka Institute on a daily basis, providing supportive and authentic communication to help clients, and all those around me, achieve their goals. Because sometimes, all it takes is someone to believe in you and walk you through your goals by breaking them down into clearly-defined, easily-manageable chunks. It’s incredibly fulfilling! When you can help someone see around a blind spot or feel more focused in their pursuits, you’re giving back to humanity.

After the initial shock and awe of my metamorphosis, I feel as though I’ve finally discovered the missing piece of my personal puzzle. This revelation has allowed me to go out into the world with more confidence in my professional skills and develop my coaching practice. I was able to shift into a paradigm I’ve been wanting for a long time but was unsure how to achieve. Surrounded by my friends and mentors at Baraka, I experienced almost every emotion of the grieving process as I shed my old persona and adopted my new, sculpted identity as a coach. Currently in the acceptance phase, I’m still in development but the feeling is magnificent!

In addition, my instructors and peers continue to provide a great deal of support and acceptance. They validate my values and beliefs in regard to what I know to be the good and effective practices of a change agent, as we continue to learn through one another and grow together.

The tools and techniques I learned have instilled a lasting sense of inner-peace. Through a strong sense of self-worth and the amazing gift I’m now able to offer others, I feel the power in my authenticity rather than the weakness of desire!"

Laura's favorite quote: “The map is not the territory.” – Alfred Korzybski
~ Laura Joki, Certified Professional Coach

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"Coaching is an organic process, one that enriches and changes the life of the coach as well as the client. I used to believe I was stuck with my lot in life and would never feel excited about a new career path. I didn’t posses the confidence or developmental tools to transition to something meaningful and energizing.

The positive focus of coaching helped change my mindset and beliefs, assisting others realize their potential while creating positive change in my own life.

I believe we are all connected and here to help each other on our individual journeys. So for me, coaching is a natural fit. By building trust and compassionately assisting people through times of transition, I’m able to help move people forward along their chosen paths in a proactive way. I use the skills, knowledge and techniques I learned through the Baraka Institute to ask thought-provoking questions that help clients move beyond their limits and leverage their existing internal resources to see new perspectives and avenues for success.

One of the biggest lessons I learned at Baraka was that you don't have to be perfect or have all the answers. Clients own their own process. Your job is to help them understand the process and uncover the perceptions, beliefs, truths, ideas and answers that enable them to move forward.

By delving into difficult or challenging areas, I help people gain the direction, clarity, creativity and confidence to become who they want to be. As a coach, I foster lives in which people are energized and empowered to express their unique gifts and talents. And in doing so, I build upon my own life-experience!

Going it alone is harder… and not nearly as much fun. The support and feedback I receive through the Baraka Institute, where I’ve made lasting friendships with like-minded people on similar paths, serve as a daily reminder, encouraging me by reinforcing my strengths. In addition to ongoing mentorship, the enjoyable, supportive environment provides a network of professionals from all walks of life, each specializing in their chosen areas of expertise and available to me simply by picking up the phone."

If you like to listen, ask questions and genuinely connect with other people at a deeper, meaningful level, you’ll definitely find this program highly rewarding!"

Dawn's favorite quote: "The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.” – Carl Jung
~ Dawn Treanor, Certified Professional Coach

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"Feelings of self-doubt and panic are tough to overcome and often make you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. The Baraka training provided such a comprehensive framework for learning – not just how to coach but how to market your coaching and grow your business – that I now feel I have the training necessary to begin a real exploration of this profession. I’m empowered to move forward with my own business as a result of the coach training experience, having gained the skills and confidence necessary to take my career to the next level.

The teaching method at Baraka is very hands-on, incorporating practice opportunities that allowed me to feel confident in each new skill and immediately apply them to my own practice. Plus, the connections I made with those who were going through Baraka’s coach training with me were invaluable. You get to know everybody on a personal level and feel their support as you progress together.

As a school social worker, I see great potential in group coaching and parent coaching. Baraka has opened my vision to coaching not just as a singular enterprise, working with individuals, but as something that can help groups and organizations advance from where they are now to where they want to be. I envision using my coaching skills and knowledge gained through Baraka to specialize in several unique niches of life coaching.

I was looking for a new opportunity that would provide the personal freedom associated with creating my own business, without limiting me geographically. At the same time, I was also looking for a profession that would be a logical outgrowth or extension of what I do now. Life coaching was the perfect fit! It’s client-driven and not reliant on diagnosing or creating labels to fit a certain set of criteria. Plus, although I live in the Midwest, my life coaching practice isn’t limited to one particular area. I can work from anywhere, with clients located throughout the world.

In life, we all have unfulfilled goals. The benefit of coaching provides dynamic opportunities that truly help people reach their goals in ways they would otherwise not have been able to accomplish without it. It’s a rewarding relationship, both for the coach and the clients, and provides a competitive level of income when compared to professions in related fields. And that’s the most powerful thing about coaching: so many people benefit from it!"

Janelle's favorite quote: “Happiness is a choice. You have the power to do, be or create anything you choose. All things are possible – if you never give up!” – Gail Lynne Goodwin

~ Janelle Peotter, Certified Professional Coach

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"Strengthening trust among strangers is a powerful ability. And it’s one few people possess. But with the training and techniques I found at the Baraka Institute, I’m able to bring people together to help them meet their goals and realize their dreams. It’s incredibly fulfilling!

Coach training has been a tremendous catalyst for my professional success. It’s enabled me to start a new business and expand my network, provided the opportunity to fine-tune my message and attract professionals, and furnished the tools to develop a successful business plan for coaching individuals and teams in marketing, sales and customer service.

The coach training also had an impact on me personally. With a wider view on the perspectives of others and a greater level of openness, I’m less judgmental and approach each person as an individual with their own unique set of values and goals. In addition, I’m more confident in my ability to help others and, as a result, am better able to aid them in their own personal transformations.

Coaching is my dream come true! It enables me help others and make money doing it."

“We are here to inspire one another.” – Author Unknown
~ Mary Sommerset, MA, Certified Professional Coach

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"I’ve been coaching people all my life (most of it without an actual title). I was the one everyone came to when they were seeking clarity, always willing to listen and help them figure their lives out. To enhance my life and the lives of others, I’ve done a lot of personal work and development. But I didn’t expect that learning to become a professional coach would build upon my own personal work… and take it even further. I learned so much more about myself! Coach training ended up being the ‘missing piece’ of my self-development work, providing the skills necessary to successfully navigate my life.

Through Baraka’s training, techniques and supportive environment, I gained clarity on the difference between making changes on a situational level and making changes to my core beliefs and values. Situational-level changes (even if they’re big ones) can have short-term effects but are often not lasting. To get to the good stuff – and live the life you truly desire – you have to dig deeper. And when you do, shifts happen in fantastic ways!

As a result, the ‘shoulds’ are gone from my life (well, they still make the occasional appearance, but I notice them much faster now). With the tools I learned at Baraka, I’m able to make decisions based on what I want versus what I should do.

For me, coaching is like magic. Whether I’m coaching or being coached, I’m always surprised by how little things, like a simple question or previously-unseen observation, can lead to such dramatic results. I love the “A-ha!” moment — whether its mine or my client’s.

Professionally, I’m better able to make my job work for me. I’ve been able to identify the things I enjoy and want more of, eliminate the things I don’t want, and discover the ways in which I work best. Coaching has opened my eyes to a variety of perspectives (which helps us achieve our best in any situation). Most importantly, with the support of my workplace, I’ve been able to initiate change in my position, enjoying more satisfaction and success at work as a result.

Coach training accelerated my personal growth process. I’m a much better friend, happier in the workplace and love working with clients! Even though I don’t coach full-time, the investment in coach training has been well worth it for me. You absolutely can’t lose!"

~ Kristen Karle, Certified Professional Coach

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"Taking life coach training through Baraka Institute is the most powerful thing I’ve ever done for myself professionally!  Having the structure yet interactive learning style of Baraka, about the unlimited possibilities of the coaching process, has helped me in my pursuit fulfilling what I believe I am meant to do.  Baraka isn’t just about training coaches, it’s about creating successful, and truly effective coaches. I am more clear than ever on what I’m here to do, how to do it, and how valued my contribution is in the world."
~ Gary Warford, Certified Professional Team Coach

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"Feroshia, you have the soul of a goddess! I admire your wealth of knowledge and experience. Thank you so much for sharing it with me."
~ Jennifer Burrell, Certified Professional Life Coach

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"Baraka Institute offers an open environment that is challenging and free of judgment. All aspects of coaching and various different learning styles and levels were honored and the attention to detail ~ extraordinary."
~ Kelly McFarland, Certified Professional Wellness Coach & Egoscue Coach

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"Feroshia is an inspiring teacher, wordsmith and leader of great character."
~ Barry Weiner, Certified Professional Business Coach

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"Feroshia is a master of insightful guidance. She is truly able to see the big picture and has a steady stream of resources and insights available for guidance."
~ Heather Marsters, Certified Professional Life Coach

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"During my learning journey at Baraka Institute... I uncovered fears and beliefs I didn't even know I had. I have left her sessions feeling reflective, inspired and empowered. I believe anyone who experiences her coaching or classes will be changed in a deeply positive way."
- Jenn Blakley, Certified Professional Parenting & Communications Coach

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"Feroshia, you inspire me! I cherish the time spent listening to you teach the most delicate skills, modeling them with strength and grace."
~ Carrie Pitts-Adams, Certified Professional Life Coach

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"Baraka is a dynamic and safe learning community that sparks each person's strengths and talents. Great coaches emerge from this program with great skills and confidence!"
~ Tina Roe, Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Corporate Trainer

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"Feroshia, I see you as a gift from God in my life. I love you. I am amazed by you. I've actually sat and wondered if God ever portrayed you as an angel in my dreams because he's truly used you for guiding me in my gifting. Thank you for teaching me, leading me, guiding me, and encouraging me. Do you realize that you have walked me into my destiny? Thank you for giving the present of yourself to many others. Feroshia, you are truly amazing and because of that, you will see more of me! I am here to stay."
~ Patricia Scrutchions, Certified Professional Coach - K12 Teacher

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"Feroshia, where can one start to describe all that you possess and all that you give to those you touch with your presence? You are like fireworks that never fade. Your style of educating and informing is very engaging and allows people to learn and grow. I am amazed that one person can provide so much and have gifts that are so very enriching for so many areas of life. My life and being has truly been changed since coming into this class. I've had the honor of being enriched and touched by all that you are and all that you so lovingly give. I can never thank you enough."
~ Craig Poirot, CPC - Certified Professional Recovery Coach

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"Feroshia is not only a brilliant and extremely experienced coach, she runs a first rate life coach training program which is transformative and fun."
- Alison Deane, MA, Certified Professional Coach