About Me

I'm Susan Hart Gaines, a life and leadership coach, blogger, speaker, and author of Prioritize Your Self-Care: Reclaiming Your Path to An Extraordinary Life (Amazon, Barnes & Noble) — a book that invites readers to slow down, care for their body, mind, and spirit, and begin living with greater intention, self-trust, and compassion.

Over the years, I’ve supported individuals through quiet (and sometimes not-so-quiet) transitions — seasons where the outer life no longer reflects the inner truth. These are moments that call for more than advice or quick fixes. They ask for presence, courage, and a deeper kind of listening.

My coaching centers on this essential question:
What does it mean to come home to yourself — and live from that place of clarity and truth?

Whether you're moving through burnout, seeking alignment, or simply sensing that something needs to shift, I help you pause, turn inward, and reconnect. Together, we explore the patterns and narratives shaping your life, and gently move toward what matters most — your voice, your values, your next chapter.

Clients often describe me as intuitive, inspirational, down-to-earth, authentic, and easy to talk to. They’ve called me curious, calm, enthusiastic, courageous, trustworthy, and wise. I hold space for the real stuff — the vulnerable, the honest, the emerging truths — with deep care. Whether we’re meeting in person or online, I aim to create a safe, courageous space where you can begin to explore, shift, and grow.

This work is both personal and collective. When you reclaim your own story, you show up differently — in your leadership, your relationships, and your life.

Let’s begin.

What Clients Are Saying

“Susan is an incredible coach. She helped me realign my leadership at work and at home — and uncover strengths I didn’t even know I had. Her support and daily practices have boosted my confidence and helped me lead with authenticity.” — Brett Garczynski, Rare Disease Account Specialist

“Susan is amazing. From day one there was a connection and understanding. She has helped me identify my inner negativity but, more importantly, how to intercept those negative emotions when they matter most. I am so glad I took this journey. It has truly been life changing.” — Ryan Tomlins, MD

“Susan really meets you where you are. She sees where you are and what’s possible, then comes on the journey with you. She has a brilliant way of helping her clients figure it out on our own. Over time, my mind started to open. I continue to want to get better and better and better. This has been life changing for me.” — Eric Khetia, MD

Certification & Training

•Co-Active® Leadership Program (CTI)

•PCC, International Coach Federation (ICF)

•CPCC, Co-Active® Training Institute (CTI)

•Positive Intelligence (PQ)

•Gyrotonic® and Gyrokinesis® Certified Trainer

•MSJ, Northwestern University