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Testimonials
u LIFE/RELATIONSHIP COACHING

Working with Ellen Schuster has been an amazing experience. Her professionalism, empathy and honesty are among her most wonderful traits. She has helped me gain clarity and a "clearer perspective" on my own personal power. Ellen's ability to coach me through my personal issues has been a godsend. She is a supportive coach, always holding my goals as priority number one. With her as my Life Coach, I have been able to truly know my own capability in achieving anything I set my heart on! I highly recommend her!!!!!
Laura F., Philadelphia, PA


"I began coaching with Ellen as a result of a series of some rather difficult and stressful life changing events. While I have had conventional therapy that helped deal with a lot of emotional issues in my past, coaching has truly given me the ability to actually get past the emotions and act upon things to move forward.  Ellen truly knows how to adapt to what works best for me on any given day. Sometimes there is so much to cover but our conversations always produce an action plan for the week ahead."
Beth R. Tampa, FL

"As a new mom facing many new changes, both physically and emotionally, a lot of frustration and confusion came on how to handle not only this new life I’m responsible for, but also my own. Add to that a husband who was unemployed, and I wanted to just have a meltdown. But, I didn't because my husband and I were able to coach with Ellen and talk through our issues. She heard both our sides from an objective view and helped us understand what the other was feeling - something we couldn't see on our own. She helped us to "hear" each other in way that we couldn’t communicate at the time because we were so deep in our own frustration. Ellen helped us tremendously and we are grateful to have her as our coach."   
Chrissy B., FL

For the past year, I have had the privilege to have Ellen Schuster as my professional coach.  In that year, she has shown me ways to bring out the best in myself and push away the barriers that try to hold my professional life back.

She has taught me skills that help me in my career and how to look at things from all perspectives.  Her full focus is on helping me improve my today and future, yet she is never too focused to forget her sense of humor.  Our conversations are generally fun and upbeat, except when it needs a stronger push.

Ellen is remarkable!!  She has the unique ability to combine professional techniques with profound insights. Working with her I felt safe, supported and in time, invincible!
CG, Attorney

Ellen is truly a dynamic coach. Her concern and care for me and for my career has helped me tremendously.  Everyone deserves to have a coach like her. RC, Rhode Island

Working with Ellen has been a truly awesome experience! She has such a way of finding out exactly what a person wants to do with their career, family and life and then helping to find a way to maximize each of these aspects. I look forward to calling her every week! She is 100% genuine and is always there to listen and help. Ellen's attitude is uplifting, and her happiness is contagious. If you really want to improve your life, Ellen can definitely help you do so.
Scott B, in career transition, Lakeland, FL

u YOUNG ADULT

I am a college freshman, and many of my goals are only short-term.  Talking to Ellen on a regular basis about what I hope to accomplish keeps me motivated.  The combination of verbalizing my situation and hearing Ellen's input provides me insight to help me put a positive spin on even the most harrowing setbacks.  Coaching helps me to stay focused on my goals. With Ellen's continual attentiveness, support, and genuine interest in my endeavors, I never lose sight of what it is I want and how exactly I can go about making it a reality.
Stefanie R., University of Florida, age 17

Our coaching together is excellent. I like everything about coaching with Ellen.  It helps me with my personal life, my education and my finances.  I notice an increase in my grades and I have become much more organized. Because of Ellen and working with her as my coach, I have now saved up a lot of money. I like that she keeps everything confidential and that she is very professional about our coaching. I look forward to our calls.
Colin, age 16, Canada

Coaching is an amazing process that helps me in everyday life.
Before Ellen, I felt that I could never be in control of anything happening.  Working with her, that has completely changed!  I became aware of what matters most for me and how to value my time and resources in different ways than I came up with on my own.  I would strongly suggest coaching to any one of any age; it is a huge benefit for making a difference looking towards the future and setting goals.
Krystal, age 20, Calgary, Canada

u DIVORCE

"Ellen's discussions with me and her workbook have been priceless resources in good times and bad.  I trust Ellen completely.  She provides a safe space to be in which is so important when going through separation and divorce. I value her guidance as she helped me to focus and be clear when I needed to make important decisions.  Her intuititive sense, mixed with her knowledge and expertise in the area of divorce and separation is remarkable.  I'm glad she's with me on my journey." 
Susan S., mom of 2,  Maryland

I wanted to take a moment and thank you for walking with me though the door to the next chapter of my life. I value the time we had together and gain abundance from it! It was the foundation for me making my life happen instead of letting it happen to me. Thank YOU!  
Lisa J., Nebraska

Ellen has been my life coach for approximately 7 to 8 months.  I would not know what to do without her! She has taught me how to open my eyes and see the beauty within myself and around me and how to deal with life as it comes.  I recently went thru a divorce 1 year ago this month and that’s how I found Ellen. I am also learning to take credit for my accomplishments and know that I have worked hard for them. I’ve learned from Ellen many helpful life teaching experiences, such as how to deal with that little voice in my head or the "Gremlin" as we like to call him/her.  I love knowing that I have the power to tell that little thing to HUSH and that I am the one in control to decide who and what I can do! 

I am very thankful that I found Ellen! She is a very loving, kind, funny, smart and tough when she needs to be special and a gifted soul. I feel like I have become a better, stronger and wiser person thru coaching. Thank you, Ellen, I love you girl!!!!
Sandy W., Mother of 3, Tennessee

u CORPORATE

"The benefits I receive from coaching with Ellen are immeasurable. She challenges me, supports me and cheers me on as I navigate through some major changes in my life. Ellen helps me regain my confidence when it waivers and is the constant who reminds me that I have the capacity to make my dreams come true. She has helped me to determine for myself what is important and then encourages me as I move in that direction. By keeping me accountable, Ellen makes me feel as though anything is possible."
(Another) Ellen,  Non-Profit Organization Executive

One of the great things about working with Ellen is her ability to help me see into the corners of my business. I am often so focused on the 'straight ahead' that I miss important elements that may be hiding in the corners. Her help has been invaluable.  
Roni, Tampa, FL, Senior Sales Executive

WORKSHOPS
u LIFE/RELATIONSHIP

Thank you so much for providing a break-out/training session entitled, “Forwarding Your Focus” for counselors, guidance resource specialists and career specialists at the Hillsborough County Schools Professional Study Day. It was extremely well received by our workshop participants.    
RH

Ellen's program for our women's group was well organized and insightful. Her delightful personality, expertise and her interaction with the audience made this a very successful program for us. We had many positive comments from our members regarding Ellen's presentation. Thanks Ellen!  
JN

Ellen's interactive presentation on where we want to be in our lives and where we are headed drew in more people to our meeting than we had ever imagined! The subject matter of learning, exploring and realizing the possibilities in our personal lives was so "right on" for our group. Ellen led a very engaging discussion and had everyone listening and participating. We came away from our meeting feeling more empowered with tools to make changes in our lives.
MZ

“Forwarding Your Focus with Ellen Schuster-Nastir gave me useful strategies that will help me achieve more balance in my life, stay focused and determined to make positive changes in my life and to become the person that I desire to be.”
AH

Your workshop helped me put in writing thoughts about changes occurring in my life and some steps to take toward balance.  It helped me relax, plan and validate my thoughts.”
PD

“Ellen’s session helped me to refocus on areas where I feel I could use some change.  It was a nice change having a session that helped us focus on personal growth as well as professional.”
TG

“I had been at another workshop done by Ellen Schuster-Nastir, so I definitely wanted to attend this one.  I love her positive attitude and it will help guide me through this transitional time in my life.  I will use her techniques at school, too, and purchase the books that she mentioned to help in my personal growth.”
LN

WORKSHOPS
u YOUNG ADULT

Ellen Schuster-Nastir presented to the Young Women’s Leadership Board which I was a part of in January 2007.  She gave a very insightful and informative presentation on how to achieve our personal goals. Through her words,  I had time to do some self-reflection, and learn more about who I am and where I feel I stand in the world. Ellen’s presentation gave me a new way to view various aspects of my life and helped me to evaluate them.
This was a very rewarding experience and it helped me learn a great deal!Annie C., The Ophelia Group

Ms. Ellen Schuster-Nastir, M.Ed., C.P.C.C. has taught several classes to our College Students.  The course is entitled:  "Options for the Future: 
Career and Self Understanding."  The message has been not only of interest to the students, but the concept and the way Ms. Schuster-Nastir presents has been easily understood and assimilated by the students.  This has been particularly useful for the freshmen students who are adapting to a new environment, where their lives have been impacted by many changes at the same time.

She invites the participants to think and examine their lives in a comfortable manner, and the student response has been very positive. 

I look forward to working with Ms. Schuster-Nastir in the future, since she relates so well with the college students.
Norman R. Smith, Ph.D.
Associate Dean and Director, Center for the Applied Liberal Arts
Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL

WORKSHOPS
u DIVORCE

I know that I speak for the entire group of elementary guidance counselors when I say that the September training you provided on the topic “When Divorce Crosses Your Mind” was absolutely superb.  It is quite apparent that you have a sincere commitment to helping others develop the understanding, skills and resiliency needed to deal with the many issues surrounding divorce.
Rhonda Harris, Hillsborough County Schools

“Ms. Schuster-Nastir was an excellent presenter with an extremely interesting workshop filled with creative ideas, resources and information that will support my group guidance divorce groups for students and parents.”

“The workshop, “When Divorce Crosses Your Mind” was excellent. Through discussion and collaboration, we were able to brainstorm the emotional, financial and legal aspects of what children and parents go through.”

“The training on divorce issues was fantastic.  The brainstorming ideas regarding the feelings of parents and students helped to put into perspective on how to provide supportive services.”

“Ellen’s presentation gave us some practical and very user-friendly ideas for supporting children and adults experiencing family transition issues.”

BOOK
u WHEN DIVORCE CROSSES YOUR MIND

"This book is a must for anybody who would like to minimize the anxiety, confusion and dread which are usually linked to a divorce. The outlines cut to the chase, and the worksheets are very helpful."
Barbara F., Marriage and Family Therapist, Florida

I have been in such a state of shock and denial, and I am so very thankful for the gift of the book: When Divorce Crosses Your Mind.  Because I received this book at the beginning stage of the divorce every portion of the book was relevant. As I read, my ignorance turned into strength and my fears now feel more and more each day like a new beginning. Thank you so much for this book. My children reap the benefit of an informed mother on the path of healing."  
FP, Oklahoma

When Divorce Crosses Your Mind is a helpful, organized resource that provides structure just at the time when life seems most uncertain. It helps one mentally anchor not only by providing useful information, but stimulating thought about the smart questions to address prior to decision making and during the actual divorce process. It is written in a wise and friendly tone that provides gentle guidance during a turbulent time. 
MD, a grateful reader

I can't help but wonder where I'd be now if I had read your book before my spirit departed from the marriage.    
SH, Florida

After reading When Divorce Crosses Your Mind, What You Need to Know, I believe it is one of the best primers for the public on what to expect during a dissolution of marriage proceeding in Florida.  The book is easy to read and insightful.  I have given the books to several clients to read and they have told me that it was helpful in understanding the legal process.  This is a "must read" for individuals thinking about divorce. 
TM, Family Law Attorney, Florida

This book helps the reader attain a realistic view of divorce and focus on issues they may not otherwise consider. If reading the workbook does not result in reconciliation, it will at least prepare you for the logistics of divorce. I highly recommend lawyers share this workbook with people who are either contemplating divorce or are starting the process. It will equip their clients with reality.        JC, Family Law Attorney, Florida  (Author’s note:  This attorney provided our book to a client, which inspired reconciliation and saved their family of four from experiencing divorce!)

"When Divorce Crosses Your Mind is one of the most informative, highly encouraging blueprints for awareness when contemplating divorce, for all parties involved. Filled with hundreds of practical guidelines, it is fully integrated with personal and professional growth coaching systems that empower the reader with knowledge to make their decision fully informed.  Thank you authors, Nancy Porter-Thal and Ellen Schuster-Nastir for a book that I recommend quite often with clients when they are going through the decision-making process of divorce."    
Phyllis A, Texas


"When Divorce Crosses Your Mind” has been a great resource for my clients.  I find the book especially valuable for people who are thinking about a divorce."    
SG, Family Law Attorney/Mediator, Florida

When Divorce Crosses Your Mind was full of information!  Very well written and the fact that it was also a workbook was very helpful.  Workbooks are great to go back to reference and also to go back and see how much growth and change we have gone thru.  
SJ, Virginia