Laraine Ray
Certified Positive Psychology and Positive Intelligence™ Coach
Hello, I'm Laraine! Thank you for taking the time to explore Positive Insight!
During my forty year career as a teacher, I strived to create: relationships where my students, and their parents, felt understood and supported; a classroom where student voices were heard and creativity was encouraged; and a safe environment where each child had the opportunity to lean into their strengths and shine in their own way.
Today, I bring all of these values into my practice as a positive psychology coach. I shine a light on what is innately you, guiding you to explore your inner self and uncover insights that serve as catalysts for taking meaningful actions toward realizing your best life.
My devotion to the well being of children has been my own catalyst for supporting those who nurture them. Teachers and parents work hard to bring out the best in the children they care for, sometimes at the expense of their own wellbeing. Taking care of oneself is more than a day of pampering. True self care involves the deeper work of reconnecting so that you ride the ups and downs of life allowing you to be at your best for those you love. When you are at your best, others are inclined to be at their best too. This is what we call Sage Contagion.
Each person holds within, the power to create a life of happiness, success, and ease. I will help you draw upon your strengths and align with your values; your own compass to a fulfilling life. Our minds can be cluttered with external messaging that can plant seeds of doubt, but we can quiet that noice and tune into the voice that really matters…our wisdom.
I will meet you where you are, whether you have a clear sense of where you want to go or are just getting started. I will listen to your thoughts and ask questions that help you gain your own insights and lead you toward your own discoveries. All of this while encouraging you to stretch yourself, and cheering you on through successes and FAILS (First Attempts at Learning).
Throughout my life, I have been helping people reach their aspirations. I can’t wait to support you in reaching yours, from insight out!!
Ongoing Learning and Mastery
Aristotle said that “teaching is the highest form of understanding.” For me, mastery has meant stepping out of my comfort zone and into the unfamiliar. Each time I have taken a risk, I have been able to support others as an agent for change. Here are some examples that I am most proud of…
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A robust 16-year teaching career at The Nueva School, a school for gifted students that is internationally recognized for its innovative approaches.
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Developing and implementing parent education programs, including those to support parents of young, gifted children.
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Presenting at world-renowned conferences on giftedness, curriculum, and mindset.
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Mentoring dozens of new teachers over the years, using collaborative assessment methods that put teachers front and center with regards to their own learning.
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And of course, being a parent! That is stepping out of one's comfort zone!
On a Personal Note...
I live on the SF peninsula with my wonderful husband (and high school sweetheart)
We have two grown sons who, gratefully, still love spending time with us!
When dancing, I am in my happy place
I am at my best when using my creativity
I am a recovering perfectionist, who has learned that there is a difference between wanting to master something, and knowing when it is best to say “good enough”
Each day, I try to live by my motto: "Lean in with curiosity and leave worries and what ifs behind."
