Courtney Parks, MA, CPCC is a certified professional coach, speaker and writer. She is also the owner of Courtney Parks Coaching, a company dedicated to helping female professionals create passion, balance and success in their careers.
With a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University, Courtney began her career as an individual and group psychotherapist. After realizing that she was good at what she did but not happy doing it, she dedicated herself to creating a vision of how she could use her experience and gifts in a way that truly excited her. This vision turned out to be coaching! Courtney’s first “Pursuing Your Passion” workshop, based on her own experience of discovering and doing what she loves, was the start of her coaching business over four years ago.
Courtney is trained and certified by the Coaches Training Institute, a fully accredited, internationally recognized coaching program. The CTI experience and what she refers to as the “philosophy of coaching” has helped her transform her own life and the lives of her clients. With her combined expertise in coaching and therapy along with her natural intuitive gifts, Courtney’s style is inspiring, dedicated and warm.
Courtney is an active member of professional and volunteer organizations including the Chicago Coach Federation, the Leadership Team for Empowering Women Network and the Chicago Chapter of the National Organization for Women. In addition to operating her business, she provides coaching services part time at the Evanston Athletic Club and has been instrumental in developing and expanding their Life Coaching Program as a value- added service for members.
Courtney regularly speaks and facilitates workshops on passion, balance and personal success. She has presented for the following professional groups and events:
- The Office on Women's Health for the US Dept. of Health and Human Services
- The National Association for Professional Organizers
- ‘The Balance Series for Women’ with Merrill Lynch
- University of Illinois at Chicago’s Women's Leadership Symposium
- University of Chicago’s Women's Business Group
- The First Annual Women’s International Teleconference
- Empowering Women Network
- The Evanston Athletic Club
- Heartwood Center for Body Mind Spirit
She has written articles for various professional newsletters, been interviewed by the Pioneer Press and the Windy City Times and was featured in a local cable program “What’s Your Story.”
Originally from Boston, she now lives with her partner of 16 years and their sweet little kitty just outside of Chicago in Evanston. Their goal is to own property on both coasts (California and Cape Cod) so amongst other things, Courtney can learn how to surf! She is deeply committed to women's empowerment, gay and lesbian rights, spirituality and health. She also loves cooking, music, yoga and anything to do with spas or the beach! A living example of someone who ‘walks her talk,’ Courtney is equally passionate about her work, her relationships and her life.
