Sandra Mendoza

I had a very successful 31-year career with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. I worked in both Accounting and Procurement in my early career and gained the knowledge, communication skills and expertise to promote to the Correctional Business Manager I position, which I held for the last five years of my career. As the Correctional Business Manager I was skilled in monitoring and managing daily business operations. I had close professional relationships with my staff and I was able to provide direction and support to enable them to manage their departments efficiently and effectively.

After my retirement I took a few months off to travel and reflect on what I wanted my future to look like. I have always had an interest in health and fitness so in early 2021 I enrolled in a program to become a Master Certified Health Coach. Excellent communication skills, along with compassion and empathy are the hallmarks of a great health coach and these are qualities I have and can use well in my new endeavor. During the course of the program I was introduced to the powerful skills of Motivational Interviewing, Appreciative Coaching and Compassionate Communication. These skills will serve me well not only as a health coach but in any customer-service opportunity that presents itself.

I have a likeable personality and a customer-focused state-of-mind. I'm curious and looking for ways to grow and contribute to my community.

Returning to school after retirement was a challenge. I had last attended formal schooling in 1995 and the landscape of learning has changed so much since then. I enrolled in the Health Coach Program through Doctor Sears Wellness Institute with some hesitation, but I can proudly say I completed the 71/2 month course with flying colors. The program challenged me academically and technologically, as the program was entirely on-line and required the use of technology and programs I had never used before. I consider completing this program to be a true accomplishment.