Life Coach Marissa

Welcome to Marissa’s Life Coaching Cafe. In this half-hour conversation with host Lynn Thompson, Marissa shares a glimpse of her life and how, newly retired and on the couch, she coached herself as her first client.

Marissa Bastidas served as an Executive Director for 35 years, providing essential housing and support to individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges. She reported to a Board of Directors, and as a team, they built four small apartment buildings in the City of Toronto, serving over 100 clients. They provided holistic support, including advocacy, trauma counselling, social and recreational activities, nutrition, and spiritual care. 

Marissa thought she would enjoy retirement at age 68. However, she was restless and bored. She returned to school and became a Certified Life and Health Coach, finding new purpose and meaning in her life.

As a Certified Life Coach, Marissa works with women who are overwhelmed, experiencing anxious thoughts and looming burnout, and making decisions that affect their well-being. Through habit change coaching methodology, she helps women set priorities, say yes to themselves, and move from bitterness to joy and betterment. Visit Marissa’s website to book your complimentary 30-minute session.

Marissa mentions being a “lane changer,” which is a concept initiated by her friend and walking buddy, Celia Chandler, who coined the phrase. She is doing a series of blogs on lane-changing women. From Celia’s blog:  

“I’m launching my new series – profiles of people I consider Lane Changers. My own pattern of switching it up every few years is modelled on my dad’s life. … the series begins with Peter Chandler. He lived his 78 years like he drove: quick decisive change, no looking back. I hope you enjoy his story.”

Also mentioned: Lynn met Marissa in 2023 through her friend, Marissa’s sister, Denise Bertrand, aka feather, author of Once Upon A Solar Time.

Thanks for listening.