On Dr. Lauren Oktay

Lauren is a dynamo. She's an incredibly intelligent force, a kindness advocate, a nutrition maven, a doctor of many life-changing skills, but to me her value lies not in distinct silos of "nutrition counseling" or "life coach." To me, her value is her compassionate focus and wise guidance of the positive evolution of a being, no matter what his or her goals. You could be ramping up for an IronMan, or wanting to lose 20 pounds, or be feeling empty inside, or going out of your head with mother/wife stress.With Lauren at the helm, you will never feel so supported and so cared for and so wisely guided and so magnificently championed to make the positive changes you yearn for.

- Laurel S.
Living 100% More Vividly Than Six Months Ago

Instructors

Lavonne Dorsey

Expertise: Life Coaching

Company Name: Welcome to Living

Full Bio: Download

LaVonne is a consultant, leadership, career, life coach and mentor offering pragmatic, compassionate, and honest coaching to individuals seeking to make a commitment to them, changing their lives for the better. LaVonne’s clients realize their full potential, by envisioning and verbalizing their dreams and goals, while taking small steps one at a time, transforming their lives towards a more vibrant, fulfilling future!

LaVonne has been a committed yoga practitioner for over 5 years. She believes that her practice keeps her physically fit, spiritually and emotionally grounded.

Coaching Clients
LaVonne’s calm focus coupled with her patient graciousness reflects a genuine spirit in her work as she guides others on their journey of self discovery. Successful in easing clients from being stuck to naturally becoming fluid and present in their lives, LaVonne credits her commitment to yoga as a touchstone in her life. She focuses on what is important to each individual, actively listens, and guides her clients with a gentle and realistic perspective. Through each step taken, in grasping what the world has to offer, LaVonne is by her clients’ side, unwavering, strong and supportive as they make their way to a better life.

Education/Experience
LaVonne brings a combination of 30+ years of academic, corporate, and practical life experiences into coaching. Her academic credentials include a B.A. in Psychology and Organizational Development, which she earned from the University of Washington. Her life coaching education from The Coach Training Alliance (CTA) where she became a Certified Coach and Mentor. Additionally, she is certified in Human Element FIRO B testing and analysis, which she achieved through the Business Consultants Network, Inc. LaVonne’s training is unique, and would not be complete without mentioning her training in Empowering Life’s Energies and Mastering Life’s Energies program from the Academy of Coaching Excellence. She recently completed her Emergency Chaplaincy Certification.

Microsoft, Nordstrom, and Eddie Bauer are organizations where LaVonne made significant contributions during her career in Corporate America. Her experience in training and development gave her a strong foundation. She wore many hats in human resources management, as she collaborated, led, and influenced global initiatives.

Virginia Fink

Expertise: Life Coaching, Energy Psychology, and Neurolinguistic Programming

Company Name: Keep It Simple Life Coaching

Full Bio: Download

Virginia draws upon her broad professional background and brings a rich base of leadership and therapeutic approaches to her experience as a Coach. She incorporates cutting-edge problem solving methods to achieve fast and long-lasting results.

Virginia earned a bachelors degree in Sociology from San Jose State University and a Masters degree in Social Work, and also completed a two-year post-master’s fellowship in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.

Virginia’s career assisting people with a range of needs evolved quickly and successfully. She established a vibrant practice as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist working with children, parents, couples, and adults in San Francisco. Her work at Mount Zion included the development and leadership of a psychiatric in-patient unit, before later becoming the Clinical Director for The California Clinic for Psychotherapy. Over the last ten years, she extended her formal training and education and received Coaching and NLP certification from the NLP and Coaching Institute of California. Impressed by the rapid and significant results realized by her clients through this integrated approach, she transitioned her practice from psychotherapy to coaching. In 2008, Virginia founded Keep It Simple Life Coaching.

In addition to her experience with psychotherapy and coaching, Virginia is also an accomplished business professional and community volunteer. In the middle of her career, Virginia founded and managed a successful retail and wholesale business called Crazy Quilt, and developed high profile clients such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Volunteer work remains an integral part of Virginia’s life. Years ago, she created an innovative “Walk and Talk” program in the San Francisco Arboretum for individuals struggling with grief and loss. She continues to teach public speaking and other skills to ex-convicts at the world renowned Delancey Street Foundation in San Francisco.

Lauren Oktay

Expertise:

Company Name: Basic Goodness Health Coaching

Full Bio: Download

Lauren has been studying the science of nutrition, mind/body health, positive psychology, and mindfulness practices for over 15 years with the heartfelt purpose of helping people create nourishing, engaged and fulﬁlling lives.

Lauren studied naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University. After graduation, she was awarded a clinical residency position at the Bastyr Natural Health Center and eventually joined the adjunct clinical faculty at Bastyr, where she cared for patients at the health center and taught in the psychology department.

In 2006, Lauren chose to leave Bastyr, and primary care medicine, on a quest to spend more time helping people do the real work necessary to create sustainable lifestyle change. She joined the ﬁtness and wellness team at club ZUM, where she found her true calling: health and wellness coaching. Inspired and curious to learn more, Lauren personally trained and earned a life coach certiﬁcation from Martha Beck, best selling author, columnist to O Magazine, and life coach to the Oprah Winfrey show.

Lauren’s health coaching practice is informed by her passionate interest in natural medicine, positive psychology, Buddhist psychology, as well as the wisdom absorbed on the yoga mat. Lauren believes we have the ability within us to intentionally create healthful, happy, and fulﬁlling lives.

As founder of Basic Goodness Health Coaching, it is her mission to help you move wholeheartedly toward the satisfying and healthful life you seek. Lauren asks powerful questions and listens deeply to understand your values and your goals. Using both innovative and practical strategies, she’ll help you clarify what you want, identify and remove obstacles, explore options, enhance personal accountability, and set a clear path of action for optimal health. Along the way, she offers healthy challenges, encouragement, and motivation.