Zane Avalon
Avalonzane@outlook.com
www.blueeyesofhope.com
Blue Eyes of Hope
We are always on our feet, ambitious, and unlike any other! AND Everything changes with hope.
What is your niche (coaching focus) and how did you choose it?
I chose to embark on a dual path as both a special needs coach and a life purpose coach. My unique journey led me to establish and manage a cat rescue that not only prioritized feline welfare but also catered to individuals with special needs. This sanctuary specialized in providing care for cats with unique needs, from those emotionally neglected to those with physical disabilities, such as missing limbs or eyes. These cats found refuge in our shelter, where they had the opportunity for a fresh start in finding loving homes. Within this setting, I devised programs tailored to offer environmental enrichment and behavioral modification for cats, while concurrently crafting initiatives focused on empowering individuals to acquire vital job and life skills through various programs like shadowing. I collaborated with numerous cats who were often misunderstood and unfairly labeled, prioritizing their individual needs and well-being over societal perceptions, which is something that transfers over to working with people, too. Efforts were focused on discovering homes that aligned with their natural behaviors, instead of expecting them to conform for our convenience or the preferences of others.
Success is achieved when individuals are allowed to thrive in alignment with their unique traits and passions, given time and understanding. I provided training during my tenure at the cat rescue to other job coaches on effective coaching techniques, authored reports on skill and job readiness analysis, and undertook various related tasks in this sector. Witnessing the progress of both the special needs cats and the people we served filled me with profound joy each day. However, as burnout began to loom due to the demands of rescue and shelter work, coupled with a yearning for greater independence, I recognized the need for change. This transition marked a new chapter in my journey, offering me the chance to pursue my passions in a different capacity, while still staying true to my mission of helping others. Working with special needs cats and people taught me invaluable lessons and offered profound perspectives. Despite facing significant disabilities, these cats displayed remarkable resilience and happiness, finding ways to enjoy life to the fullest. Observing the radiant joy of a cat with no eyes was as touching as witnessing the playful antics of a cat with perfect vision. Likewise, the agility and speed displayed by cats with physical limitations, like having just one leg, often exceeded that of their fully-abled peers. These encounters illuminated the remarkable resilience and adaptability of animals, instilling in me a profound admiration for their unwavering zest for life. I acquired a multitude of skills during my time at the cat rescue, wearing various hats, which I aspire to impart to others.
Who is your ideal client?
The perfect client for me is someone on a quest to discover purpose, happiness, acceptance, and empowerment within their life journey, specifically within the realm of special needs.
What inspired you to become a life coach?
As an individual with autism and ADHD, I’ve faced frequent exploitation and a barrage of messages suggesting I wasn’t up to par. True acceptance of my identity was a rarity, often overshadowed by criticism of my unique worldview. I faced continual pressure to become more extroverted, to prioritize dogs over cats, and to stifle my innate introversion. Additionally, I was urged to dampen my enthusiasm for music and creativity, effectively compelling me to conform to a mold that didn’t align with my true self, urging me to upend my entire life and become something I wasn’t. Developing trust in others has been a lengthy process, hindered by numerous authority figures, including teachers and job coaches, who continuously dismissed my aspirations due to my special needs. In school, I encountered discouraging remarks, being told someone like me couldn’t achieve high grades, or that any success I had must have been through cheating or altering the results. Suggestions to settle for a sheltered workshop were common. Despite battling depression and imposter syndrome, leading to initially failing high school, I eventually returned and graduated. Defying these odds, I pursued education at a prestigious veterinary technician school, graduating with honors. My journey, though challenging, instilled in me a profound sense of hope that I’m eager to share with others who may be struggling to find their own path. I aspired to embody a beacon of hope, a living testament to the extraordinary possibilities that unfold when one refuses to surrender to the chorus of doubt and adversity. My aim was to stand as a guiding light, illustrating through my own journey that embracing one’s uniqueness is a celebration of beauty in its purest form.
How long have you been coaching?
I’ve been immersed in coaching since the age of 18, spanning over 10 years of dedicated service. Throughout my tenure at the humane society and cat rescue, I committed myself to supporting the special needs community wholeheartedly. Spearheading an array of work programs and shadowing initiatives, I warmly welcomed students from various educational institutions and residents from day programs to partake in our endeavors. Beyond the realm of animal care, I chronicled my journey through articles and blogs, offering glimpses into the daily tapestry of our compassionate work. Yet, my role extended far beyond tending to our furry companions; I served as a catalyst for personal growth, instilling invaluable job skills and essential life lessons in our visitors. With a blend of motivation and joy, I delegated unique tasks to our volunteers, from capturing captivating photos of our feline residents to crafting vivid narratives and even fostering artistic expression through creating artwork. Witnessing the latent talents of our volunteers unfold was nothing short of inspiring, unveiling a wealth of abilities often overlooked in other facets of their lives. Many unearthed hidden passions and newfound purpose, igniting flames of enthusiasm and fulfillment along their journey of self-discovery.
How did you get your first client?
I secured my initial client by sharing my personal journey in an online magazine. I highlighted how my experience of being autistic endowed me with a unique understanding of cats, drawing parallels between autistic characteristics and feline behavior. This included aspects such as communication styles, the significance of routine and predictability, sensitivity to sensory stimuli, and social behavior. This perspective garnered significant interest and eventually led to an award recognizing my profound insights. Additionally, I received client recommendations from the job coaches I trained and befriended, further validating the impact of my work and insights in the field.
How has your coaching journey changed your life?
Coaching has empowered me to cultivate deep empathy, extending not only towards myself but to every person I meet in my coaching journey. Engaging with a diverse array of individuals enriches my understanding across a myriad of topics, offering insights into realms I might not have explored otherwise—the possibilities are endless. Observing individuals with special needs thriving and discovering happiness in their lives serves as a poignant reminder to treasure life’s simple joys and appreciate what we have. It reinforces the idea that happiness surpasses external circumstances; it’s about our outlook on life. We possess the ability to find happiness irrespective of our surroundings.
What is the most challenging part of being a life coach?
One of the most challenging facets of being a life coach is grappling with the concept of monetizing a service that I once rendered voluntarily during my tenure at the cat rescue and humane society. As someone inherently predisposed to offering assistance without expectation of remuneration, I frequently discovered myself extending my aid at the cost of my own well-being.
What is the most fulfilling part of being a life coach?
The most rewarding aspect of being a life coach mirrors the experience of working with special needs cats at a rescue. It’s witnessing individuals, often at their lowest, encounter hope for the first time. Guiding them toward the realization of their innate potential and illuminating the endless possibilities available when they tap into their inner strength to achieve their goals and discover both happiness and purpose in life. Understanding acceptance involves recognizing and embracing individuals’ unique strengths and preferences, rather than steering them toward pursuits dictated by external influences.
What has been your most inspirational coaching moment, with a client?
I’m going to use an example involving a cat rather than a human client because it’s what showed me the existence of hope in the world. There was a cat named Hope who was struck by a car and left completely blind. Initially, the veterinarian believed the cat would be permanently blind and paralyzed. However, after 16 weeks of dedicated rehabilitation and therapy, the cat regained all of its senses and could see again. This story is one I frequently revisit when explaining the concept of hope. It illustrates that in a moment, everything can change for the better, emphasizing the importance of never losing faith.
What is your favorite coaching activity or exercise to do with clients?
My preferred coaching activity is journaling, as it provides a safe space to express both negative and positive emotions that may not always be easily shared with others. Through journaling, one can cultivate positive affirmations and gain clarity on their thoughts and feelings. By documenting challenging experiences, it fosters recognition of their existence and empowers one to respond to them with resilience and strength.
What has been the most effective strategy for finding clients and/or growing your business?
My most effective strategy for attracting clients and expanding my business has consistently revolved around crafting guest articles for websites with prominent visibility in Google search results. By strategically aligning myself with platforms that boast high-ranking positions in search engine results, I’ve been able to amplify my reach and visibility to a broader audience. These guest articles serve as valuable opportunities to showcase my expertise, establish credibility within my industry, and ultimately attract potential clients who resonate with my message and services. Through the power of well-crafted content and strategic placement, I’ve cultivated meaningful connections, fostered trust, and propelled the growth of my business.
What advice would you give YOURSELF back when you first dreamed of becoming a coach?
You don’t need to possess all the answers or strive to be a hero in the journey of the person you’re coaching. Instead, you serve as a guide, facilitating their discovery of the path they need to traverse from within themselves. Being present for them surpasses the efforts of most individuals in their life thus far—sometimes, you are the sole remaining support they have.
What is the impact you want to make in this world?
The impact I aspire to create in this world is simple yet profound: to instill hope. To me, hope is akin to a magic missile, capable of empowering individuals to conquer the seemingly insurmountable mountains of life.
Is there anything else you would like to share with Transformation Coaching Magazine readers?
Before specializing in coaching individuals with special needs and focusing on life purpose, I obtained certifications as an autism specialist, ADHD specialist, special needs coach, and cat behaviorist.
I am Zane Avalon, and in early 2024, I established Blue Eyes of Hope, a coaching initiative dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs and collaborating with cat rescues to make a positive impact. With expertise spanning diverse domains such as special needs coaching, autism coaching, ADHD guidance, life coaching, employment coaching, vocational guidance, and cat behavior consulting, I offer comprehensive coaching services covering a wide array of subjects, including career guidance, study techniques, daily living skills, and fulfillment.
Having overseen a notable special needs cat rescue and spearheaded initiatives aimed at empowering individuals with special needs to attain essential job and life skills, my experience and adaptability are substantial. With over 200 certifications, including recent accreditation from Teri Incorporated as a special needs life quality coach, I continually enrich my capabilities. Fueled by a profound connection with Siamese cats, whose presence has been a guiding light through times of uncertainty and hardship, I am driven by a passion to empower others and instigate meaningful change in their lives. Through Blue Eyes of Hope, I aim to foster a supportive and inclusive community where individuals with special needs can thrive and realize their full potential.
