Coaching for: executives, leadership, career, special interest in working with Adults with Autism Here’s how I got here. And I’m absolutely a dog guy.
I’ve been a professional coach now for over twenty years, and have coached over a thousand professionals. As VP of Career Services at a Philadelphia area college, I gained the skills and insights that led me to open a career coaching practice. I named my practice Life in Progress because I believe we’re always evolving and making new discoveries. There’s no “one size fits all” and we never stop gr
owing. Prior to that, I had a rewarding 20 years in management and executive roles in business and not-for-profit organizations. I’ve worked in educational publishing, geospatial technology, and medical malpractice consulting. I also have an MBA, although, as I like to say “Not so much as it affects my judgment”. My most rich and effective source of wisdom is my family. I’ve been married for 40 years to my college sweetheart, and I’m ‘Dad’ to two wonderful children, now adults. They teach me, daily, what it means to love and be loved, and inspire me to be the best version of “me” I can be. For fun, I love to go fly fishing, take a long, leisurely walk in the woods, have strong coffee in the morning, and laugh out loud to most British humor. My gentle and goofy hound dog, Penny, is my daily companion, and likes to greet my coaching clients whenever she’s not busy sleeping. I’m blessed to have work, and a family, I love. I’m very grateful for those gifts.
08/28/2026
Saying no can feel uncomfortable especially when you’re used to taking care of everyone else. But healthy boundaries aren’t walls. They help you choose what deserves your attention and allow you to show up more fully for the commitments you make.
When you stop agreeing to things out of guilt or obligation, you begin making choices that better reflect your needs and priorities. The result? Stronger boundaries, less resentment, and more room for the things that bring meaning to your life.
Learning to say no allows you to set healthier boundaries and make more intentional decisions about where your time and energy go. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but a thoughtful no can create space for the people, priorities, and opportunities that truly deserve your yes.
In today's dynamic job market, having a diverse skill set is more valuable than ever.
The Culture Change of Choosing a Career | Life In Progress Coaching
by Deanna Parkton In early childhood, adults often ask young children what they want to be when they grow up. Elementary schools hold career days in which the children learn about career options. High schools introduce students to career assessment tools that give them a list of careers based on how...
When a colleague gets promoted, it can feel different, but it's essential to support their new role with professionalism. Respect their new responsibilities and give them the space to adjust. Think of the first few months as a period to redefine your working relationship for the better. 💼 https://bit.ly/4e9Ayl2
Navigating New Leadership: How to Thrive During Workplace Transitions | Life In Progress Coaching
by Deanna Parkton While organizational changes are a fact of life in the modern workplace, 2023 and 2024 brought an increase of layoffs and restructures. Adjusting to new leadership can be challenging regardless of the situation, but it can be especially difficult to navigate after a period of layof...