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Hi, I'm Lea Appleton.
I help individuals and community, business teams and organizations, navigate change with clarity, calm, and purpose.
About Me
I’m part deep thinker, part playful guide. I create spaces for both quiet reflection and easy laughter. I’m as comfortable in a boardroom as I am on a wilderness trail, and I bring that range to every engagement.
My core values are authenticity, courage, and integrity. In practice, that looks like honesty, innovation, and excellence—whether we’re working one-on-one, participating in a team workshop, or walking a labyrinth together.
Indoor job: Wayfinding Guide for Wellbeing, Resilience and Meaningful Work;
Author and Speaker
Outdoor job: Guide for Wayfinding Days, Pilgrimages, Labyrinth Walks, Team-Building Experiences
What I do
I help individuals and teams prioritize wellbeing and navigate transitions through:
• mindfulness-based stress reduction
• work-life-play balance with lasting habits, systems, structure, and routines
• resilience-building techniques for uncertain times
• pragmatic decision-making
• alignment with core values
• reflection and focused action leading to meaningful change
How I work
Whole-person lens: I work with the full context of a person’s life and recognize that wellbeing is shaped by physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental factors.
Evidence-based: My approach draws from positive psychology, emotional intelligence, the mind–body connection, appreciative inquiry, and solution-focused practices.
Action-forward: Through reflection, conversation, and intentional pauses, insight becomes integrated and supports meaningful and sustainable forward movement.
Are you ready for your next step?
Hear from me
Learn more about me and why I like Wayfinding.
Listen to an excerpt from my book Walking & Wayfinding.
Credentials and Roles
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Professional Certified Coach (PCC) | International Coaching Federation (ICF)
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National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)
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BetterUp Ready Coach and Life & Wellness Coach with Spring Health EAP
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Former executive leader in higher education & non-profits; musician; avid outdoor adventurer
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M.A., M.Div.
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Author: Walking & Wayfinding: Create Your Own Mindful Practice, One Step at a Time
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Latest project: my blog for those aging boldly at www.HipHiker.com
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Favorite hobbies: hiking and photography
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Recent reads: Do Walk, by Libby DeLana and Doughnut Economics, by Kate Raworth
Check out my LinkedIn Profile if you want all the scoop:
I'd love to know more about you! Click the button below to set up a time to talk.
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Giving Back
I am inspired by activists who work towards the common good and I currently commit a portion of my work hours to pro bono coaching for recently homeless and at-risk women and gender-diverse individuals build a sustainable path out of poverty in Canada.
Track Record
I've coached over 400+ clients and logged over 1600 hours in individual coaching conversations. Early in my career I received the Quietly Making Noise Award in appreciation for my behind-the-scenes work. My favorite summer job in my youth was being a camp counselor. And as a young child my favorite teacher was in Kindergarten—she made everyone feel important. I integrate these into my work as I support clients behind-the-scenes, accompany small groups and teams in exploration and adventures, and strive to create an environment where people can thrive at work.
Scope of Work
My work as a Wayfinding guide is grounded in reflection, education, and thoughtful conversation. Wayfinding is designed to help people slow down, gain perspective, and make sense of where they are so they can move forward with greater clarity and intention.
While I am a professionally trained and credentialed coach (PCC, NBC-HWC), Wayfinding itself is not coaching, therapy, or counseling. It is a guided, reflective process that may include discussion, learning, and perspective-sharing, but it does not involve diagnosis, treatment, or clinical intervention. When I am working in a formal coaching role—such as in organizational or contract-based settings—I follow established professional coaching standards and ethical guidelines. In Wayfinding, my role is that of a guide and facilitator, offering space, structure, and insight rather than directives or therapeutic support. If at any point it becomes clear that additional or different support would be beneficial, I will encourage participants to seek appropriate professional resources. My intention is always to work with care, clarity, and respect for the boundaries that support meaningful and ethical practice.
FAQ
How do I start working with you?
Complete the form in Contact if you have more questions. Or sign up for free compass call to consult about working with me as a coach or as a consultant for your business or organization. For coaching, you will receive initial digital coaching agreement and a link to my calendar scheduler to set up your coaching sessions. Payment is due at the time of service. For consulting, once we've discussed the scope of your request for services, you will receive a proposal from me within 3 business days. You can direct pay or receive an invoice for consulting services.
I have financial constraints or I work for a not-for-profit. Do you offer reduced-fee coaching or consulting services?
I recognize that coaching is often a financial privilege (some even consider it a luxury item...) so I work with clients on income-based fees in some instances. Payment plans are also available for larger packages. Please inquire directly about your particular situation.For reduced-fee consulting services, I work with community-benefit organizations [usually 501(c)3] to create projects within their budget. I commit a portion of my professional service hours to pro bono work. Please inquire if you or your organization would like to be considered for this.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes, I currently work with clients all over the world. I've adjusted my availability to work with most time zones. If you don't see a time that works for you please let me know as I am always trying to improve my business practices.
I have experience working with people from the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Finland, France, Great Britain, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United States. I am trained in, and always working to improve, cultural agility so that I can support you wherever you live.