VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT                     

Cara E. Fulton, MFA, MA

Cara E. Fulton is a career and life coach who recently started her own practice From the Bottom Up Coaching. With over 25+ plus years in the performing and theatrical arts, Ms. Fulton has experience as a stage and film actress, dancer, and vocalist. Beginning her training and professional journey in her youth, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and continued her education by earning a Master of Fine Arts from CUNY-Brooklyn College where she studied Theater Technical Design and Production. This training led to her performing nationally and internationally and freelancing as a theatrical costume designer and costume shop manager. Her background also includes working in sales, as a freelance writer, banker, and extensive experience working in ministry and community outreach.

Years later she returned to IUP where she earned a Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education. Within higher education she has worked in the capacity of an Admissions Counselor, Adjunct Faculty, Program Manager, and Director of Career Services.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she currently resides north of the city in Butler County with her young son. When not coaching clients, she enjoys baking, exercising, reading, dancing, connecting with friends, and family time with her son.

What inspired you to join PACDA?

Whether personally or professionally, I feel that community is so important. I joined PACDA to be part of a like-minded community of career centered professionals. In addition, it is important for me to be in an environment where I can continue to grow and expand my knowledge in this field.

What motivates you; why you do what you do?

My passion for living a life of purpose has fueled my drive to help others do the same. Truly, I believe the best life is one that thrives to live for a purpose beyond self-interest, makes a positive contribution to society, and leaves a long-lasting legacy. The road to identify our life’s purpose is not an easy one. I know first-hand of how working with a coach can help.

How have you been impacted by the pandemic professionally and personally?

Personally, the pandemic has significantly impacted my family. It has humbled me and reminded me that tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Every day we must make the choice to see a brighter day, have hope, and persevere no matter what comes our way. Professionally, the pandemic has forced me into another transition which has prompted me to finally start my own career and life coaching practice.

What are your plans for next year?

Professionally, my goals for 2022 are to build my business, take a few professional development courses, and continue to expand my network.

Contact Cara at fromthebottomupcoaching@gmail.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Shelley Maley , PHR, GCDF

Shelley Maley is a virtual career coach, job search strategist, and the Founder of Dreamcatcher Career Coaching, LLC. With extensive experience in career coaching, human resources, and management, she assists clients from ages 16+ who are either starting out or burned out in their careers.

Shelley is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a background in hospitality, healthcare and higher education. Her experience includes management, human resources, and career coaching. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, she now resides in the Lehigh Valley with her husband, daughter, and a few too many feline companions. She is a credentialed Global Certified Career Coach (GCDF), providing career-related advice and assistance to jobseekers of all generations. In addition, she has a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification, awarded by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI).

When she’s not coaching clients, Shelley enjoys traveling, attending concerts and Broadway musicals with her 17-year-old daughter, hiking, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Why do you do what you do?

I became a career coach after experiencing serious career-related burn-out ten years ago. At the time, my husband and I both had very demanding careers in healthcare and had a young daughter as well. The long hours and stress were affecting my physical and mental health so I decided to leave my HR Director position to get well and spend more time with our child. Career coaching is the perfect profession for me because I never want anyone else to feel as lost, hopeless, and confused as I had been.

How have you been impacted by the pandemic?

Although there have been so many downsides to the COVID-19 pandemic, I think we’ve learned to get back to good old-fashioned family values. Working from home with my husband while our daughter attended high school online actually helped us grow closer. I also started exploring local parks and trails and developed a love of hiking and spending time outdoors (and lost a few pounds in the process). Finally, I was able to focus on starting my business, Dreamcatcher Career Coaching, LLC, which was something I had thought about for eight years.

What are your plans for next year?

My daughter will be graduating from high school and starting college, so we’ll be spending time getting ready for that transition. I’ll also concentrate on growing my business, getting back to the gym, and volunteering with the PACDA Communications Committee.

Contact Shelley at dreamcatchercareercoaching@gmail.com or connect on LinkedIn.