Meet Bernice:

Your guide to empowered inner healing, and grounded leadership

I work with growth-minded, empathetic school leaders ready to reclaim their sense of calm,  confidence, and purpose.

Credentials and Background Experience:

I’m a heart-centered, trauma-informed school leadership and wellness coach 

With over 20 years as a credentialed teacher and administrator in California, I’ve dedicated my career to fostering inclusive, human-centered learning environments. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California, followed by a Master’s in Education from Loyola Marymount University, which laid a strong foundation in both instructional and leadership practices.

Throughout my tenure, I’ve had the privilege of working with over 50 schools and impacting the lives of more than 10,000 students. I’ve also undergone extensive coaching training, including The Art of Coaching and The Art of Coaching Teams through Bright Morning, and Cognitive Coaching training from UCLA Center X. As a certified somatic breathwork practitioner, I bring a trauma-informed, holistic approach to school leadership, empowering leaders and educators to transform the way they navigate stress in order to reconnect with their purpose. This unique blend of experience, education, and specialized coaching training allows me to support heart-centered leaders in transforming educational environments into equitable and inclusive safe spaces of growth, safety and wellness.

How I got here…

In my 20s and early 30s, I believed that if I just accomplished the next milestone or hustled harder, I’d finally find peace—but the anxiety and self-doubt just got louder

I poured my heart and soul into my career, convinced that each milestone or promotion would finally bring me the peace and confidence I craved. But even as I surpassed my career goals, I found myself overwhelmed, burnt out, and filled with self-doubt. I felt like a shell of myself—a frazzled, distracted mother and an anxious school leader constantly seeking reassurance. When the pandemic hit, I reached a breaking point. I realized that if I didn’t make a change, my anxiety would eventually take a toll on my health and force me to leave the profession I loved. I tried all traditional methods to heal my anxiety - talk therapy, meditation, self-help books and even hypnotherapy. One day, I stumbled upon an introductory somatic breathwork course and it transformed how I related to my anxiety. By reconnecting with my body, I was able to find inner calm and slowly began to heal from within, transforming not only my approach to leadership but also my presence as a nurturing, grounded parent. This journey inspired me to help other heart-centered leaders find the same balance, clarity, and resilience.

The name:

Why Growth at the Speed of Safety?

After building the life I dreamed of, both personally and professionally, I still felt weighed down by anxiety, self doubt, and burnout. After years of inner work and professional development, I realized that no amount of external achievement or validation could bring the fulfillment I was searching for; the root of my struggle was internal. 

Once I began healing the parts of me that didn’t feel safe, my perspective shifted. My thoughts became clearer, my confidence grew, and I accessed a creative and hopeful mindset that changed everything—not because my circumstances were different, but because I was.

That’s why I believe growth happens at the speed of safety. When we heal our inner world, we unlock our capacity to grow, thrive, and lead with purpose. That’s the foundation of my work: helping others build that safety within to experience real transformation.

Peek Into My World…

  • Soulful Seeker: I’ve always been drawn to deep soulful work so I’m always learning, reading and connecting with intuitive teachers who help me understand the human experience just a bit better. I believe that we’re all soulful beings having a human experience. Our suffering is often found in the disconnect between our bodies, minds and soul.

  • Solo traveler (sorta): I started traveling on my own (sans kids and partner) 3 years ago and each trip has been life-giving and empowering. It’s been incredible to witness how free I become when I’m not serving in the role of mother, partner or leader. 

  • Cyclebreaking mama: As a childhood trauma survivor, I’ve been very intentional in creating a safe and nurturing home for my family. Emotional safety and empowerment is paramount in my home. Watching my children receive the safety, love and compassion I wished I had growing up has been so healing for me.

  • First-gen….everything: As the eldest daughter of 5, born to Mexican immigrants, I went through many firsts alone. I love connecting with fellow Latinas who understand the fear and loneliness that comes with being first-gen. Spanglish has slowly become a new love language for me.

  • Strength Training Enthusiast: I love feeling strong and fit. I’m not a Crossfit girl, but I do love me some hot yoga, pilates and leveling up on free weights at home. Always ready for a push-up challenge. Who’s down?

Just for Fun:

Enneagram: 6

Human Design: Reflector 2/4

MBTI: Defender

Love Language: Words of Affirmation & Acts of Service

Astrology: Sun-Pisces, Moon-Virgo, Rising-Libra

How I can help you…

Whether you’re looking for individual support on your healing journey, guidance on next steps in your leadership development, or professional development opportunities for your leadership team or school community, I’m here to help you find your path towards grounded and empowered leadership

Personal
Coaching

Workshops
and Retreats

Breathwork
Experiences

What Others Are Saying

  • This work improved our ability to support students.

    “Since the workshop, our team has embraced trauma-informed care and self-care, which has fostered both personal growth and improved our ability to support students. Bernice’s compassionate approach would benefit any school, especially as educators navigate stress and burnout in today’s world.”

    — Stephanie H, School Director

  • It was the first time I felt safe enough to be vulnerable.

    “After many years of trying to begin my inward journey, working with Bernice was the first time I felt safe enough to be vulnerable. The instant release of trauma and the insights I gained were incredibly powerful, something words can't fully capture. Bernice has a special gift that transcends understanding—she makes you feel understood, nurtured, and at peace, while exuding positive energy.”

    — Anais Rossi, Resource Specialist Teacher

  • The sense of relief afterward was exactly what I needed

    “Bernice’s confidence and knowledge immediately created an atmosphere of trust and assurance, allowing me to feel supported throughout the breathwork session. The profound sense of relief and release I experienced afterward was exactly what I needed, and the debrief deepened the process, providing meaningful reflection.”

    — Liliana R., Breathwork Client

  • The space she held for me was free from shame

    “Bernice’s expertise and willingness to share her own journey made me feel comfortable and supported as I navigated difficult emotions during the session. Despite confronting tough aspects of my past, her calm presence and thoughtful guidance created a freeing and healing experience. The space she held for me—free from shame—empowered me to embrace my emotions and truly heal.”

    — Jessica, Breathwork Client