About Diane
As a coach, I help people discover their own deep sense of purpose, draw upon their strengths in new and creative ways, connect with new opportunities, and flourish as they see their lives light up with greater joy and meaning.Â
I was born in Louisville, Kentucky and traveled extensively throughout my childhood. My father was an Air Force pilot, so we moved every year or two. In fact, I attended ten different schools before graduating from high school.
While living in the Philippine Islands and Germany, I became fascinated with the convergence of Eastern and Western spirituality. I began a profound inner journey in my early twenties. I started meditating, studied Shakespeare in England, and earned a Ph.D. in Renaissance literature at UCLA. ​
​Then I began teaching Renaissance literature and Creative Writing at Santa Clara University in northern California. I enjoyed reaching out to students as they discovered their own paths in life.
Since then, I've gotten credentials in holistic health and spiritual counseling as well as a Master's Degree in Counseling from Santa Clara University. Â Now I am a Professional Certified Coach, (PCC) credentialed with the International Coaching Federation.
As an author, I enjoy writing books, which include The Tao of Inner Peace, The Tao of Personal Leadership, The Tao of Womanhood, Inner Gardening, and Your Personal Renaissance. My books have been translated into ten languages and featured in popular publications including USA Today, Entrepreneur, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, Science of Mind, and Working Woman, as well as on websites on leadership and personal growth.
Currently, I am associate director of the Institute of Applied Spirituality and professor emeritus of English at Santa Clara University as well as a senior research scholar and lecturer with the Positive Psychology Guild in the United Kingdom.  My research involves studies in hope, leadership, mindfulness, and motivation, which I share in my coaching, workshops, webinars, podcasts, writing, and teaching. My work combines the classical wisdom of East and West with research in positive psychology to help people create more joyous and meaningful lives.
​ In all of these ventures and adventures, my passion is helping people connect with their own creative potential, discover their purpose, live with greater joy and meaning, and make a positive difference in the world.
