Empowering Excellence Through Leadership Coaching
EMPOWERING EXCELLENCE
I am a Certified Executive Coach, an experienced public service leader, teacher, writer, and strategic thinker.
As the founder of Connect to Grow, I add value through coaching, facilitation, and teaching. I am also a senior leader overseeing service excellence and communications in a large public library system and have been working in local government for over 25 years. I bring extensive experience in strategic service design and development, community engagement, policy development, and organizational learning.
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH LEADERSHIP
As the Founder of Connect to Grow, I add value to public service leaders and organizations through a focused set of services. Those are created in a holistic way that combines my eclectic set of skills, experience, and education to offer lasting results.
I work with leaders from the inside out to help them awaken their true selves and achieve business results in organizations. I bring curiosity and empathy as I partner with them on their journey to achieve mental and emotional strength.
Using my framework, I help my clients gain clarity and take aligned action by focusing on three foundational elements: self-awareness; mindset and emotional agility. Together, we build systems that create results.
UNLOCKING LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL
The leaders I work with have the technical skills, they don’t need another leadership course. What they need is to become attuned to their body, mind and spirit. Then they can embody leadership by reflecting their values and commitment in their behaviours and actions. In doing so, they can create environments where people thrive. And that goes beyond the workplace. They become more present for their families, more inspiring for their communities and can create lasting transformative change that we all need to move forward as a society.
I combine the following in everything I do and the results speak for themselves:
Business education with an emphasis on operations management and human resources. Action through consistent discipline is something I live by.
Public administration education and a strong connection to the local government community including being a contributor to a soon to be released book.
Over two decades of experience leading large teams in municipal government, working collaboratively with partners and consistently achieving strategic priorities.
Teacher at an academic institution delivering an online course on library financial management.
Certified Executive Coach and member of the International Coaching Federation with a consistent coaching practice.
A strong understanding through formal and informal education in the areas of psychology, neuroscience, spirituality, mindfulness, neurodiversity and trauma.
Experience in delivering group learning programs combined with coaching to facilitate growth.
MY JOURNEY
A Lifelong Learning Journey in Leadership and Education
Multidisciplinary Education
I hold degrees in business administration, public administration and library and information science along with a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching. I am an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation.
Teaching & Writing
I am faculty at Mohawk College where I teach an online financial management course.
I regularly write online and I am a contributor to a soon to be published book.
Lifelong Learner
Learning is one of my core values. Over the last two years, I studied the application of neuroscience in coaching and became a Certified NeuroTransformational Coach. As a Mindfulness Facilitator, I am committed to my mindfulness practice. A mom and a wife, living in Hamilton (Ontario, Canada), I read extensively, listen to podcasts and audiobooks, write, practice yoga and find every opportunity to be near or on the water.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Participating in the Intentional Leader Coaching group was an admirable experience. As someone who thrives on continuous learning and professional development, it equipped me with the practical strategies and leadership tools to lead diverse teams with greater intentionality and purpose. The opportunity to network with like-minded leaders inspired me to build stronger connections, communicate with impact and embrace challenges with confidence. This experience reinforced the power of proactive preparation, and for that I am grateful.
Natalie Tamba, Group Coaching Participant
I love that Simona’s coaching is given through a public service lens. It seems that many coaches are coming from an entrepreneurial point of view, which doesn’t always translate to public library work. Simona understood the administrative challenges that I was describing and was able to give me excellent insights on practical ways to move through the productivity roadblocks that I was experiencing. My 1:1 time spent in her coaching sessions was well worth it!
J.B., Deputy County Librarian
Executive coaching has been a new experience for me. Simona has made the whole process very comfortable, meaningful and rewarding. Through guided practices and coaching, Simona has helped me identify and achieve personal goals. Simona is kind, thoughtful and not afraid to challenge her clients. I also appreciate that Simona has direct experience working in local government, so she can bring that understanding of the work of her clients.
Olivia, Local Government Employee
LET'S CONNECT
![Behind the scenes of something new… ✨
This photoshoot wasn’t just about updating visuals—it marks a shift.
Almost two years into building this business, I’m taking the next few months to thoughtfully revisit everything I offer. I want to ensure that every program, every coaching experience, and every touchpoint speaks directly to the needs of the leaders I work with—and the ones I haven’t met yet.
As I refine my offerings, I’ll be reaching out to many of you to better understand your needs, ensuring that every service is designed to deliver the most value.
These photos (thank you @lizsalzmanphoto ] 🙏) will be part of a refreshed brand and website that reflect where I am now—and where I’m going.
It is a time of alignment, refinement, and deep listening.
More to come. 💫
#publicservicecoach #brandrefresh #entrepreneurship](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/505430076_18332430553160451_8200618291260677020_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=HFMc-hZaLqQQ7kNvwEdwnjR&_nc_oc=AdkAxRIiu9nDeNXOBViuwFNYhMAnqvn-qUM5koafggQTXqn0tCn3FwQhWMD3Qi14DY8&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=dveIuYmJGqPxoNtDgqzb1w&oh=00_AfiEL56lPvBs9EEaKRj-tpSu2HzwJvu0opBxL-XeQTED5g&oe=6910195E)
