Dana Collins | Orange County, CA
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About Dana
Dana graduated from California State University, Fullerton in May 2006 with a degree in Child and Adolescent Development. She always dreamed of becoming a kindergarten teacher. However, once in the classroom she quickly realized her passion is to get to know the children and help them on an individual level, rather than to teach a class. This led her to Chapman University where she earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling with a School Counseling emphasis. During that time she interned at the elementary, middle, and high school level. Dana has worked with babies through adults. The most difficult question for her is, “What is your favorite age group?” because she enjoys the challenges and rewards of learners of all ages. Dana has also spent 10+ years as a camp counselor and youth counselor for her local church.
Dana was born and raised in Orange County, CA. She still resides there with her husband, Garry, and yellow lab, Lexa. She enjoys running, sailing, and going to Disneyland!
Thoughts About Academic Life Coaching for Teens
Academic Life Coaching is something I wish I had when I was a teenager. During middle and high school, I took honors classes, reading classes during the summer, and SAT preparation courses. None of those prepared me for my future like 10 sessions of the ALC program would. My favorite part of the program is that the students learn skills they will use throughout their entire education career and beyond. The skills can easily be tweaked for the different places the future has in store. As an adult, I can apply every ALC concept in my life.
Favorite Academic Life Coaching Concepts
- Well-Designed Actions. They help you focus on not only what you want to accomplish, but also what you CAN accomplish. Also, by focusing on only what can be done in the next 2 weeks, you are constantly moving forward instead of getting overwhelmed and giving up.
- Future-Self. Letting your imagination go and actually having a conversation with your future-self is an emotional and inspirational concept. It helps put current situations in perspective and brings a clear picture to what is truly important.
- Celebration. This is such a simple concept, but holds so much growth opportunity. Most people wait to celebrate until the final goal is complete and feel it has to be a huge party. This concept reminds us to celebrate every step of the way. We can use the celebration as motivation to keep going. Also, the celebration doesn’t have to be huge and it doesn’t have to recognize by others. This concept can also incorporate intrinsic motivation.
Fun Facts About Dana
- Santa Catalina Island is like a 2nd home to me. My family goes over there every summer and I got engaged at The Inn at Mt. Ada.
- I ran my 1st half marathon at the inaugural Tinkerbell run.
- I have a passion for baking and making ice cream.
