My Approach

Hello and Welcome!  I’m glad you are here.  My name is Paula Schnackenberg and I am a CTI and an ICF professionally trained life coach, an English as a second language (ESL) teacher, writer, and an expat.  I hold a double master’s degree in English and teaching English as a second language (TESOL).

My passion is teaching English through meaningful conversations because language connects us as humans, regardless of our cultures and backgrounds.

I enjoy helping my students become confident speakers and writers; this is done through the student’s willingness to devote time and effort to the learning process.  I am especially fond of teaching writing because it is where people find their own voice.

I love coaching because I get to see people become the best version of themselves.  In coaching, clients find the courage to step outside of their comfort zones, create a vision, and set new goals for themselves.  Once they’ve reached their targets, the motivation increases.  It is what builds character and trust.

 FAQ

What do I do? I help non-native ESL speakers gain fluency and confident in speaking and writing English.  At first, I listen to discover your needs and goals.  After that, I  provide customized lesson material and stimulating conversations in English for intermediate to advanced learners. I encourage, inspire, and create space and possibilities. When I coach, I follow the International Coaching Federation guidelines and the Co-Active coaching principles and create a calm and confidential learning environment.

What I don’t do? I don’t criticize or judge.

Who do I work with?  I work with people who are non-native English speakers who are at an  intermediate B1 or above level and want to improve their English for professional, personal, or academic reasons.

What is my coaching philosophy? As a life coach, I ask the question of how can we make the world a better place by living our best values and virtues.  Who are the people who inspire us? How do we keep sane and spiritually healthy in a world that seems to be going in the polar opposite direction?  I don’t claim to have the answers, but I’ve long combed through my life for anything resembling insight.

Who is life coaching for?  Life coaching is for people who want to change something in their lives and need a guidance to discover what they want in life, find their values, make an action plan, be held accountable, and help them reach their goals.

What is Expat coaching? It is for people who move to another country and need to talk to someone about the issues and challenges of getting settled in a new cultural environment.

How people describe me: Bright, kind, humorous, authentic,  positive, and inspiring.

Coaching qualifications: I am a CTI certified life coach and have an ACC from the International Coaching Federation. I’ve completed ORSC Fundamentals in organizational and relationships systems coaching. I coach in both English and German.

Bonus info: I’ve had varied interests and jobs: assistant TV producer and writer for a home and garden real estate show, a relocation specialist for international companies, a consultant for Schools International, and a Mary Kay beauty consultant.

Other tidbits: I speak English and German, love the great outdoors, long walks, a good book, adventure and travel, epicurean delights, and great chats with my friends.  Most importantly, I am grateful for my family and blessings in life.

Affiliations: Toastmaster’s International, International Coaching Federation, and International Women’s Association.