ABOUT ME
My Story
“Coaches honour the client as the expert in his or her life and work and believe every client is creative, resourceful and whole.”
-Jenny Rogers
Hi, I’m Velda, founder of What’s Next! Coaching, Counselling & Consulting.
I started this practice because I know what it feels like to live in a world of impermanence — to know something in your life or career needs to shift but not sure where to start or how to get there. For over 26 years, I worked in leadership, learning, and development, coaching people through change, growth, and transformation. Along the way, I also discovered my own neurodivergence, which brought new insight into how we all navigate a world often designed for someone else.
My work is rooted in compassion, equity, and possibility. I support clients who are:
Growing their careers, businesses, or leadership skills
Seeking a new career
Moving through personal or professional transitions
Neurodivergent, learning how to thrive in their own way
Seeking a greater sense of purpose or authenticity in life
Lifelong learning, yoga, meditation, hiking, cycling, family, volunteerism and community ground me. As a coach I provide a trusting space for individuals to be seen, heard, share, grow and learn. A space where you can set goals, make meaningful change, to emerge reaching your desired potential. My approach is welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive. I don’t believe people need to be fixed—I believe people need to be empowered with tools that truly fit their unique strengths, challenges, and goals.
As a Consultant I work with you to better understand your business, to get an understanding of your pain points. This approach ensures the best possible solutions for your business. Throughout my career I have had the privilege to design and develop effective award-winning training programs, programs that ensure psychological health and safety for employees.
“I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of a human being to elevate their life by a conscious endeavour.”
-Henry David Thoreau
My Philosophy
I believe people are pure potential to be supported and nurtured. With over 26 years of experience in leadership, adult education, human resource management, change management, teaching and organizational development, I have seen firsthand that growth happens when people feel heard, valued, and equipped with the right tools.
My coaching, counselling, and consulting practice is guided by three principles:
Humanity and Equity – Every person deserves dignity, inclusion, and respect. I honour each client’s lived experience and unique strengths.
Empowerment through Learning – My background in adult education and human resources has taught me that people thrive when they are given knowledge, tools and resources that truly fit their needs.
Sustainable Change – Real transformation comes from building awareness, practicing new skills, and applying them in everyday life—not quick fixes.
At What’s Next! Coaching, Counselling & Consulting, I create a safe, trusting and collaborative space where clients explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward a more purposeful way of being. Change can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it can also be deeply empowering - opening the door to new possibilities.
Land Acknowledgement
I acknowledge that I live and work on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. This land is also home to the Huron-Wendat and is part of Treaty 18, signed in 1818. I am grateful for the opportunity to live on this land to grow food, herbs, trees and plants to deepen my relationship with the land through these practices.
My Credentials
Certificates/Diplomas
Coaching: A Strategic Tool for Effective Leadership
Ivey Executive Program, Ivey School of Business
Developing Leadership Capacity – Queens U
Speed of Trust Facilitator
Academic
Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM) York U
B.Ed. in Adult Education, with distinction, Brock U
