David's story emphasizes the importance of reevaluating priorities as our worldviews evolve. A native of the greater Detroit area, David graduated from BGSU as a Psychology major and originally planned to pursue a doctoral program in psychology in order to become a licensed clinical psychologist in a university counseling center. Along the way, however, his eyes were opened to other ways in which he could help students, and he made the decision to change course. Over the next several years, David served as an Admissions Counselor, completed a Master’s in Higher Education, received training in executive coaching, became a Career & Academic Counselor, and built his own coaching and consulting business before becoming a Life Design Coach at BGSU. Throughout his personal life design journey, David has learned to be open to new possibilities, embrace life's gray areas, and focus on being in the present moment.

David's favorite Life Design tool to use with students is Wayfinding Pathways, which encourages students to envision three possible versions of their futures. Through this activity, David encourages students to allow themselves to take calculated risks and reframe perceived failures as opportunities for growth. When teaching BGSU 1910, the Life Design course, David often uses examples and metaphors from pop culture, especially science fiction and fantasy stories like Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Marvel/DC, to name a few. David helps students take stock of their own superpowers and build their team of "avengers"---people who will support them throughout their Life Design journey. He believes that he has something new to learn from every student he meets, and he strives to teach students to find the answers they need within themselves. 

When working with David, students can expect his passion to shine through. He likes to engage students in a process called Question Storming, wherein he and the student brainstorm questions to explore as a means of reframing a problem that may have a student feeling stuck. David's best advice for students are to try things, talk to people, find mentors, advocate for yourself, and remember to take in the scenery along the way. In David, students can expect to find a true ally and partner in growth.

Hometown

• Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

Majors / Degrees

• Bowling Green State University - Bachelors of Science in Psychology with Minors in General Business and Science Cognate
• Ohio University = Master of Education In College Student Personnel (CSP)

Professional Experiences / Certification

• Bowling Green State University = Admissions Counselor in Office of Admissions
• Ohio University = Graduate Assistant Career Advisor & Leadership Coordinator in the Career & Learning Development Center 
• David M. Denison Coaching = Principal Coach & Consultant (Personal Coaching Business)
• Bowling Green State University Firelands = Career & Academic Counselor in the Office of Academic & Career Counseling 
• Post-Graduate Certificate in Positive Psychology and Wellness Coaching

Interests Outside of Work

• Exercising, Watching Movies / TV, Video Games, Being Outdoors, Reading (Fantasy Novels, Psychology, and Leadership genres) and Dining Out