About
We Are Here For You
Engaging in kind, compassionate consulting/coaching/stress management for critical support and effective advocacy in people’s lives.
About Dr. Marla E. Jirak
Growing up in a large family I spent most of my childhood assisting other siblings with developmental disabilities. This experience gave me a glimpse into the difficulties we all face as we care for another or go through a new life transition—at any age.
In my own life, I had a major life transition when my daughter suffered a traumatic brain injury as an infant that left her with cognitive impairments. Caring for her over the years included gaining an understanding of the many aspects of what it takes to care for another individual with a brain injury. Brain injury was not well understood 40 years ago, and I had to transition to my new normal and find resources that helped me in this journey.
I realized the complexity of issues and need for support individuals want going through a life transition. My coaching and professional consulting experiences have given me insight into the personal, legal, financial, medical, or social components related to changes in our life’s transitions. I bring a strong professional and empathic understanding for what individuals are looking for in a coach or consultant.
My own personal experiences inspired me to get a doctorate from the University of Arizona in the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis on stress management and behavior change. I wanted to understand understand how to change our behavior to adapt to new situations and reach our goals, professionally or personally.
In my career, I worked as a consultant and coach for individuals, leaders, and executives, helping them organize and develop their teams and themselves to become more productive as leaders within their organizations and improve areas of their personal lives.
Many aspects of personal and team development overlap with our own life challenges. I gained experience and fine-tuned skills to interpret research, design educational material, and present to various audiences on many topics. Organizing and planning made my personal and career responsibilities so much easier. Now, I am at a point in my life where I would like to share what I have learned with the community.
As a consultant and coach, I can assist those going through life transitions caring for a family member, managing a career, coping with stress, or struggles in your relationships. Ultimately, this puts tools and resources in our own hands and takes the burden and responsibility off of others should something unexpected happen. Ultimately, this puts tools and resources in our own hands and allows success.
All of life’s transitions encompass stress. Managing that stress is key to our health and well-being. I personally find my ability to recharge in nature. My passions include hiking, boating, and fishing in lakes and streams. Doing this gives me an ability to be a compassionate caregiver and successful coach. Make an appointment today to become your best self!
News & Info
Managing Long COVID Symptoms
Effective Strategies for Symptoms Given my background in coaching people with stress and health issues, many people are asking what can be done to help …
Take Hold of Stress for a Healthy Lifestyle
Understanding Stress Stress is a normal response to “stressors”— either internal or external circumstances that are difficult, upsetting or scary. Internal stressors: Distressing thoughts or …
Relationship Investment
Sustaining for the Long Haul Relationships are hard. We engage in the flutter and excitement when we meet someone. Sparks are flying; the relationship is …
Are You a Caregiver or Making Plans for Your Desires in the Future?
Through coaching and CoachSmart’s “Personal Care Guidebook,” Dr. Marla E. Jirak provides resources and tools for organizing your loved one’s care planning or your own future needs.