Join the Waitlist for "The Well: A Weekly Online Community to Return to Your Creativity
Reignite your creative spirit and overcome barriers with compassionate guidance and holistic support.
I help individuals seeking to reconnect with their creative aspirations to overcome challenges posed by societal norms, time constraints, and the demands of everyday life that often stifle authentic expression.
Unlike traditional coaching solutions that focus solely on goal-setting, I offer a holistic approach that blends guided writing, somatic healing techniques, and community support, while also providing gentle guidance for defining intentions and accountability, creating a nurturing space for renewal and inspiration.
At the heart of creative longing is a deeper desire—to feel connected, expressed, and alive. So many of us have abandoned our creativity in order to survive. The fullness of our lives—our care work, our jobs, our relationships, our responsibilities—is not the enemy of creativity. It’s the ground creativity grows in. But it can’t thrive without room.
It needs breath. It needs tending. It needs to be heard.
Creativity is not a luxury—it’s a life force.
When we begin to trust our inner voice and allow space for what we feel, we return to ourselves. We begin to remember that we are worthy of taking up space, of being seen, and of expressing the truth
that lives within us.
There was a time—not long ago—when I had completely abandoned myself.
I was teaching full-time, raising a daughter, holding everything together. But inside, I felt numb. I didn’t feel like an artist anymore—and worse, I didn’t even realize that I didn’t.
When my husband gently suggested I read The Artist’s Way , I snapped: “I don’t have time for that.” But he didn’t give up. And I'll be forever grateful that he didn't.
That moment cracked something open. I took his advice. I began the book—and entered a deep devotion with it. And as I did, I could no longer ignore the truth: my abandonment of self, my avoidance of my own trauma, was at the root of the loneliness I felt in every part of my life..
I began seeking a path back to myself. But I didn’t do it alone. I found therapy. I found embodiment practice, mentors, guides, writing circles . I found other women—and other artists—who were also figuring it out. I began to write—not just in private, but aloud. I performed slam poetry. I let my words be seen again.
Because creativity doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It doesn’t thrive in isolation or perfectionism. It happens in connection. In the middle of real life—with its mess, grief, beauty, care, and contradictions. These things aren’t in the way of creativity—they are the ground it grows from.
This is how I returned. And now I help others do the same.
Let’s get to know one another…
I'm a writer, creative guide, and trauma-informed educator with over a decade of experience helping people reconnect with their voice, creativity, and sense of aliveness.
Before stepping into this healing-centered work, I spent over 12 years in the theater world, where I first discovered the power of storytelling, community, and expression as tools for transformation. As a director and producer, I led V-Day events that empowered women to step onto the stage, reclaim their stories, and raise awareness and funds for the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women and Children.
For the past 11 years, I've taught special education in the South Bronx, where I became deeply grounded in trauma-informed practices. Working with students navigating complex emotional and environmental challenges taught me how essential it is to create spaces where creativity and emotional safety live side by side. That same care and reverence now guide all of my offerings.
My current work weaves together my background in theater and poetry with my own healing and creative reclamation. I draw from body-based practices and emotional exploration—including the Practice of Authentic Movement, which I’ve studied under the mentorship of Gretchen Cohoon-Blackmore, and my ongoing work with Adriana Rizzolo of Body Temple Dance.
Whether through workshops, group circles, or one-on-one support, I hold space for people who are ready to slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with what’s true.
I believe our creative energy holds our most authentic selves, deserves to be honored as sacred, and connects us with our deepest truth. I know how healing—and how terrifying—it can be to create and share your voice. My intention is to help you feel secure in your creative worth and supported in a community that nourishes both your art and your becoming.
Work with me
Here’s How I Can Help
Private Coaching
For those ready to reconnect with their authentic selves and explore the depths of their creativity, my 1:1 coaching is designed to support your journey. Together, we’ll navigate the complexities of your personal story, helping you heal your relationship with purpose, artistic expression, and self-worth.
Whether you're looking to overcome creative blocks, embrace your voice, or cultivate a deeper connection to your passions, my coaching provides a safe and nurturing space for transformation and growth. I offer in-person sessions for those locally based in the Rockland County and Westchester areas, as well as virtual meetings via Zoom to accommodate your needs.
Workshops
Whether you’re feeling creatively blocked or longing for a deeper connection to your artistic self, join us for a transformative workshop that empowers you to unlock your creative potential and embrace your worth as an artist. I arrange these workshops because I believe some healing can only be done in community.
Through embodied writing, meditation, and energetic movement (no experience necessary), you’ll identify and release limiting beliefs in a supportive environment. Reconnect with your body’s healing abilities and leave with renewed compassion for yourself, ready to access your creative flow. Let’s come together to dance, write, and heal in a space of shared inspiration and growth!
Client Testimonials
Here's What My Clients Are Saying
Tina C.
Novelist / Writer
Kristina H.
Writer / Educator
Kendra V.
Curriculum Designer
Kelly Jo is a gifted creative coach. By holding a safe space for creative exploration, she helped me to identify creative blocks that were keeping me from showing up to my novel. She used innovative exercises to help me to integrate “play” back into my life and my creative pursuits, opening new pathways for reflection and creative progress. In short, Kelly Jo helped me to rediscover the joy in my writing practice. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have worked with her.
Frederic
Novelist / Writer
Kelly Jo is an empathetic, warm, and smart creative coach. She was able to help me identify the blocks that were holding me back as a creative writer, offering concrete – even fun – ideas for moving forward. I’m now on a regular writing schedule that works for me, and also carve out time every day for inspiration. As a result of working with Kelly Jo, I’ve developed a new structure for my memoir, have rediscovered by comedy-writing voice, and sold my first funny piece to a publication.
Ellyn H.
Writer
Interested in Re-Engaging with Your Creative Self?
We all benefit from outside assistance when facing down years of patterns that aren't serving us. I encourage you to schedule a free consult call to discuss your current challenges and see if I could be a good fit to help you move forward in your creative journey.