My Story
Hi, I’m Theresa Mathews, a Certified Professional Coach who helps professionals at a career crossroads rediscover what lights them up. After more than twenty-five years in recruiting and a few plot twists of my own, I now guide others through the same kind of transformation I navigated: moving from stuck and uncertain to clear, confident, and aligned.
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In my early thirties, I longed for more meaning beyond administrative tasks. A chance recruiting opportunity changed everything, launching a decades-long career that brought fulfillment, joy, and a deep sense of purpose.
I loved connecting people with their dream jobs and helping companies find top talent. In my early thirties, I longed for more meaning beyond administrative tasks. A chance recruiting opportunity changed everything, launching a decades-long career that brought fulfillment, joy, and a deep sense of purpose. I loved connecting people with their dream jobs and helping companies find top talent. But as the recruiting industry evolved and my priorities shifted, I found myself craving greater impact. During a slow hiring period in 2022, I joined the Transition Assistance Team, supporting recently laid-off managers. That experience lit a spark and inspired me to become a Certified Professional Coach. In May 2025, I was caught in the firm’s fifth round of layoffs. I felt shocked yet not surprised. Angry, yet relieved. Over the next two months, I reflected profoundly on my values and experiences. That’s when my true calling became crystal clear: I’m meant to help professionals find passion in their next chapter. Because I believe EVERYONE deserves to love what they do for a living. I’m based on San Juan Island in Washington State with my husband Bob, our two Australian Shepherds—Rocket and Ruby—and our cat Lelu. My favorite things include hiking, beach time with Bob and the fur babies, listening to live music, cooking for loved ones, and tending our garden full of vegetables, strawberries, fruit trees, and a gazillion flowers. 🎣 Fun Fact At the start of my recruiting journey, I took a detour to follow my heart. I fell in love with a commercial fisherman who convinced me to crew on his 92’ tuna boat in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean for ninety days. Yep, I wrote a book about it and won three awards! Fishing with Hyenas explores transformation through love, adventure, bravery, loss, grief, and rebuilding.