I’ll help you navigate change with clarity, confidence, and a healthy dose of fabulousness.
I’m glad you found me!
I’m Ilene Schaffer, a certified professional life coach passionate about helping women move through life’s transitions and reconnect with what brings them joy while gaining clarity and confidence. I specialize in supporting women in midlife and early adulthood, guiding them from feeling stuck to creating lives filled with purpose and authentic connection.
Using evidence-informed tools rooted in the field of positive psychology, I offer a fresh, personalized approach to personal growth and emotional well-being. My services include one-on-one coaching, customized workshops, and engaging keynote presentations. All programs are designed to spark insight and inspire meaningful, lasting change resulting in a thriving life.
For over 20 years, I’ve supported women as they navigate transitions, rediscover what matters most, and build lives that feel deeply fulfilling and true to who they are and who they want to become.
My own story includes getting married, raising two daughters, relocating more times than I ever expected, building a meaningful career, supporting aging parents (and saying the hardest goodbyes), and returning to school in my late fifties to earn a second master’s degree.
Yes, I’m a lifelong learner, especially when it comes to the science of well-being!
Today, San Diego is home, and nothing brings me more joy than a beach walk with family and friends.
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Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP)
University of Pennsylvania
Master’s in Counseling Psychology, Life Transitions
University of San Francisco
Bachelor of Arts, Social Science
University of California, Berkeley
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Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
International Coaching Federation (ICF)
Positive Psychology Coach and Practitioner
The Flourishing Center, NYC
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Private Practice, 2003 - present
SVC Executive Coaching, CEO, 2021- present
What’s Possible, Podcast Host, 2024 - present
Does this sound like you?
✔️ You are in the thick of change
✔️ You want your next chapter to feel fulfilling and vibrant
✔️ You crave deeper and meaningful connections
✔️ Your well-being has taken a hit and you want to replenish
If you’re nodding along, let’s talk — I’d love to help you find your footing and create what’s next.
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Most of my clients prefer coaching while walking (in-person or virtually). The movement helps create calm, opens the mind to new ideas, and releases a bunch of feel-good chemicals.
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Includes:
Bi-weekly coaching
Six 45-minute 1:1 coaching sessions
Strengths assessment
Additional assessments as needed
One laser-focus 30-minute session if desired
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Includes:
Bi-weekly coaching
Twelve 45-minute 1:1 coaching sessions
Strengths assessment
Additional assessments as needed
Two laser-focus 30-minute sessions if desired
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Want to experience coaching in community? Gather a few of your closest friends for a powerful, customized group program. We’ll meet regularly to explore real-life challenges, learn practical tools, and support one another in a structured, facilitated, and encouraging space. Each session includes peer coaching, guided experiments to try between meetings, and gentle accountability to help you move forward. Group coaching works best with 4–6 friends.
Feel supported
every step of the way.
When we work together, you will….
Learn how to navigate change with greater ease and confidence
Design a life that feels aligned with you and what matters
Create momentum with desirable next steps and accountability
Experience research-informed practices to help you thrive and feel alive
“After an hour of walk and talk with Ilene, I am always floating, ready to move ahead and conquer the next challenge in my journey.”
“I always feel both grounded and empowered after our sessions. Ilene has a true gift for helping you move forward with confidence and purpose.”
Coaching for the woman who wants clarity, vibrancy, and a next chapter that lights her up.
Looking for an engaging speaker who leaves people energized, inspired, and ready to take action?
With graduate degrees in positive psychology and life transitions counseling, I regularly deliver evidence-informed talks, lead workshops, and facilitate panels that support human flourishing.
Some of my favorite speaking engagements include wellbeing resorts, global organizations, women ERG’s, and not-for-profits.
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Navigating Change with Strength and Grace
Managing Your Mindset And Getting Out Of Your Own Way
The Power of Connection: The Heart Of Well-being
Creating Your Legacy: One Imprint At A Time
The Optimism Effect: How It Can Shift Your Life
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Rancho La Puerta, Four Season Hotel, YPO, National Charity League, The Barnes Tennis Center, Charles Schwab, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Haas Business School, Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund, Lair of The Golden Bear
Emily Boorstein, Rancho La Puerta, Well-being and Spa
“Ilene is a ROCK STAR on my Inner Fitness team at Rancho La Puerta! Her engaging style—blending storytelling, warmth, humor, evidence-informed insights, wisdom, and passion for personal development—resonated deeply with guests. I’m thrilled that she will be returning, and I am so excited for everyone who gets to attend her classes!”
Need some inspiration? I’ve got you covered…
