About
Jen Thoma, PhD
With degrees in psychology and education, I have always found myself drawn to the role of creating independent learners. My educational philosophy draws from Vygotsky’s sociocultural learning theory which is based on the premise that we learn through our interactions with others.
Certified Cognitive Coach
My career in education brought me to the role of an instructional coach, where I honed my skills in working with adults to shape their own skills. Through thoughtful questioning, I collaborated with teachers to develop skills in instruction, assessment and planning. Part of my training for this role included Costa and Garmston’s Cognitive Coaching techniques. I was surprised by the powerful nature of these techniques. The goal of Cognitive Coaching is set by the client, but it takes the skill of the coach to help their client dig deep to the heart of their goals. A coach can help people with goals from personal to financial to professional. The ultimate goal of Cognitive Coaching is to produce self-directed people with the capacity for high performance, both individually and within a community (Costa & Garmston, 2002).
Empowering others to tap into resources available to them to achieve their goals and dreams is my passion.
Powerful Points to Ponder
Powerful Points to Ponder is a podcast where I get to talk to amazing humans doing amazing things. Each episode is themed with important aspects of life we like to ponder.
Episode 1: Taking Care of Ourselves (So We Can Take Care of Other)
Featuring: Jen Jacob, author and cofounder of DSDN
Episode 2: Finding Friends
Featuring: Andrea McNamara, computer programmer, craft wizard, cake bakerÂ
Episode 3: Phisical Feats
Featuring: Dayna Chandler-Scott, Visionary Entrepreneur and Case Manager, co-leader of Black Girls Do Bike
Episode 4: Mental Toughness
Featuring: Dr. Lindsay Woodward, wife, mother, scholar, leader. Listen as Lindsay shares her stories of doing hard things with mental toughness.
Episode 5: Connecting Community to the World
Featuring: Lisa Liittschwager, Lead Librarian, community builder. Listen as Lisa shares how she serves her community to connect them to the world.
Episode 6: Showing Up as your Whole Self
Featuring: Teresa Lancaster, Director of Building & Zoning and Co-owner of Timbukbru. Listen as Teresa shares how to bring creativity to others as she helps us show up as our whole selves.
A podcast sponsored by ESC, LLC
Heading 1
Our Programs
I offer a range of coaching programs designed to help you achieve your goals and create the life you want. These programs are tailored to your unique needs and schedule, and are designed to provide you with the tools and support you need to succeed.
Empowerment Through Connection
Women's Group
Success Stories
Dr. Jennifer Thoma has been serving as a coach in multiple areas since we met in graduate school. When Jen and I began working together, I witnessed firsthand the strengths she has a coach. Jen supported me in the transition when my first child began school and helped me to navigate holding the dual roles of mother and educator with compassion, kindness, and actionable steps I could take that have lasted as an integrative part of my life.