Amy R. Jacques is a dynamic and compassionate professional who has dedicated her career to empowering individuals through education, counseling, and coaching. Born with a passion for helping others, she has successfully navigated a transformative journey from public education to life coaching, where she now specializes in guiding young adults and adults through self-discovery and personal growth. Ms. Jacques applies her prowess as a certified professional coach, an associate certified coach, and an entrepreneur at Aspire, LLC, in New Milford, Connecticut.
Ms. Jacques’s educational background laid a solid foundation for her career. She earned her Bachelor of Science in marketing and business education from Johnson & Wales University in 1989 and a Master of Science in counselor education from Western Connecticut State University in 2002. This sound academic grounding led her to a 19-year career in public education working as a school counselor. Despite her success in this role, Ms. Jacques felt a growing sense of curiosity and a strong desire to reinvent herself, which led her to embrace a new journey in life coaching.
In 2022, Ms. Jacques established Aspire, LLC, a coaching practice that reflects her commitment to empowering others. Her approach is rooted in energy management, helping clients understand how their attitudes and perceptions influence their decisions, and stress responses. She holds certifications from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching and the International Coaching Federation. These credentials are highly respected within the coaching industry and have enhanced her professional opportunities.
Ms. Jacques’s coaching practice focuses on working with Generation Z clients, guiding them through positive communication, stress management, and emotional regulation. Her expertise also extends to helping all adults become self-aware and to empower them to start writing their own life narratives as they navigate any life transition. Through her practice, she uses techniques based on energy levels to assist clients in moving from low-energy states to more productive and positive ones, fostering self-awareness, empowerment, and confidence.
A hallmark of Ms. Jacques’s career is her dedication to inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ community. During her tenure as a school counselor, she persistently advocated for the establishment of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance group at her middle school, despite initial opposition. Her relentless efforts, which included seeking legal intervention, eventually led to the successful launch of the group, providing a safe and supportive space for students questioning their gender and sexuality. This achievement stands as one of the defining moments of her career and reflects her unwavering commitment to creating positive change.
Ms. Jacques has been recognized for her excellence in education and coaching. In 2020, she was awarded Teacher of the Year at New Fairfield Middle School and was named the first-place winner for “Best Business/Life Coach” in the 2024 Litchfield Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards. These accolades are a testament to her dedication, resilience, and impact in her field.
Beyond her professional life, Ms. Jacques enjoys kayaking, spending time on the lake, and painting. She is an active member of several organizations, including the Better Business Bureau, Women Empowering Women of Litchfield County, and the International Coaching Federation. She is also the founder of Coach Connections and vice president of NewMilfordBusiness.com.
Looking ahead, Ms. Jacques is eager to expand her clientele and explore new opportunities in public speaking and content creation. She is also writing her first book, which she hopes to have published in late winter or early spring of 2025. Her goal is to continue making a meaningful impact in her clients’ lives while maintaining a fulfilling and sustainable career on her own terms. Her journey speaks to the power of resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to helping others.