I coach people through new chapters of personal, work, and creative life.

I believe people are curious and good by nature. What keeps us from leaning in is a lifetime of small hurts, and sometimes big ones. Going after what you want is hard work, and anyone who tries should be celebrated.

I love working with people who are young in stage or age. New to something: a first team leader, a new role, a creative practice that’s starting to feel real. You’re working on yourself, asking questions, trying new things, staying open and curious. Kainoa is my Hawaiian name. “Noa” in ōlelo Hawaii means movement or freedom. Moving Forward is a value of mine.

When we work together, I want you to feel safe, excited to arrive, and heard. I start by getting to know you, because who you are and what you want can’t be pulled apart. Strong emotions don’t scare me. They usually point to something that matters to you. I ask more than I tell, and we leave each conversation with a step you can reflect on or try this week.

I learned the value of coaching as a new manager. In team meetings and 1:1s, I started doing what I thought good leaders did—gave advice. Things went quiet and I only heard about issues through back channels and chatter. I changed my approach after working with a coach myself. I started meetings with a new question: “What would be helpful right now?” The change was almost immediate. Safety and growth increased. We started solving problems together. Listening and structured support are worth a lot!

I’m a Certified Co-Active Coaching Practitioner with an MS in Organizational Development and a BA in Organizational Behavior and Change. I’ve spent years supporting executives and teams. Over about a decade, I’ve worked with early-career professionals, leaders and teams, government and education programs, and creatives.

I’m proudly Kānaka Maoli. I’m a writer. I know how vulnerable it is to go from “I care about this” to “I am this.” I share my work on my Substack—personal essays about big feelings sparked by culture, news, and self-discovery. I’m joining my clients in the hard work of being creative and working on myself. Outside of coaching, I’m a new dad, which is a humbling, adventurous, joyful enterprise. I listen to music every day—a lot of metal, house, and good pop. I’m a hooper and play basketball every week (I’m mostly okay).

I live in Seattle with my wife, daughter, and giant black labrador.

Let’s talk about your next chapter.