Change is inevitable. What will you make of it? Sometimes you just need a partner to help you get inspired, set a goal, or commit to success.
That’s where Cypress Rising comes in.
Consulting, coaching, and facilitation services help you tap into your wisdom and inner resources. I partner with you by offering powerful questions and experiences that help you light the path forward.
“Lesley utilizes questioning techniques, a logical mindset, and a sympathetic ear to guide you through your most complicated conundrums. I seek out Lesley’s support when I am struggling with something in my personal life or career, and I always leave the conversation with clear goals and feeling re-energized.”
— Jennifer Hannemann, Educator
COACHING & CONSULTING SERVICES
Life
We all have the potential to thrive. Transformation is possible, and it looks different for everyone. A coach who listens deeply and asks powerful questions can help you shine a light on what’s possible. Individual and small group sessions are designed to help you identify goals that align to your values, access your inner resources, and create action steps you’re motivated to take.
Career
What do you want from your career? How can you craft an approach to work that aligns with your values? A coach can help you to think creatively and expand awareness of the possibilities for your work. Individual and small group sessions help you explore what matters most, craft a vision, identify your unique strengths, and make a plan to move forward.
Leadership
Leaders shoulder much responsibility and benefit from time to reflect and strategize. What kind of leader would you be if you had the opportunity to examine each major decision from multiple angles? Coaching and consulting sessions create space for leaders to search their own wisdom and make the most beneficial choices. Let’s partner to explore the possibilities in any situation.
Writing
Personal statements, resumes, and cover letters are opportunities for you to highlight your strengths and accomplishments. They can be real difference-makers as you pursue the next phase in your career. A blend of coaching, consulting, and editing services helps clients compose and refine high-stakes documents so they stand out.
Lesley Guilmart, M.Ed., ACC
Lesley is a coach, consultant, and facilitator who believes that self-knowledge, growth mindset, curiosity, and compassion are transformative.
As a facilitator, Lesley prioritizes learner-centered experiences that invite reflection and collaboration. In her coaching practice, she listens deeply and asks powerful questions to help clients tap into their potential. Her consulting services help clients articulate and make strategic plans toward their goals.
Lesley began her career as a high school English teacher, led academic programming for five years as a school administrator, and started her coaching journey in 2017. Lesley coaches adult and adolescent clients and facilitates an array of professional and academic learning experiences within AND beyond school settings. She founded Cypress Rising in 2020. Lesley has a Solution Focused Coach Diploma from Erickson Coaching International and is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation. She earned her M.Ed. in Educational Administration from the University of Houston and her BA in Psychology from New York University. An advocate for excellence and inclusion in public education, Lesley serves as President of Cypress Families for Public Schools. Anchoring Lesley’s approach to all facets of her work is a laser focus on identifying powerful goals, engaging stakeholders, and backward mapping a sustainable path to success.
“I am lucky to have worked with Ms. Guilmart for my personal essay. When I started I was very lost, and not only did she steer me towards the right path, she dissected the topic well and helped me craft an essay that was unique and tailored to me. Along the way, she encouraged me to be reflective and genuine when it came to writing a perfect personal statement. With her coaching, I was able to gain confidence in my writing and submit my application with no doubts.”
— Loraine, Student
“I have been lucky to call Lesley my coach for three years now. When I began as a new teacher, she helped me identify my teaching style and solidify my classroom management. After just two years, I was given the opportunity to step into a leadership position. Along the way, Lesley has offered me unparalleled support. She encouraged me to be reflective, led me to reach my own solutions, and helped me establish my leadership style. Without our coaching sessions, I would not be the confident teacher-leader I am today.”
— Sam C., Educator
“Lesley was, quite simply, a lifesaver for my family and me. We were working on school applications for our teenager. As the deadlines approached, I was feeling quite stuck and writing became hard.
A close friend recommended Lesley. Immediately, even as we were exchanging emails, I felt like I was in good hands. Lesley listened deeply and with empathy. She asked questions that helped me get unstuck and brought me new insights. She helped me get clear on what I wanted to say, what was most important, and why.
Lesley took notes while we talked and gave them to me at the conclusion of our session, so I had something to reference. She also recorded our Zoom session, so I could hear the conversation if needed. As we worked together, I felt a tremendous weight lifted from my shoulders. Writing became easier because I was clearer.
Lesley is an exceptionally gifted writing coach. She is worth her weight in gold, and I recommend her to anyone who wants to work with a coach who is skilled, collaborative, and committed to your success.”
— Surabhi Walker, Parent
INTRIGUED?