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Change can feel overwhelming — but with support it becomes empowering.

Are you growing your career, business, or leadership? Facing a major life transition? Are you navigating life as a neurodivergent person in a world built for neurotypical minds? I can help you find clarity, confidence, and a path forward.

Whether you’re moving away from something that no longer serves you, or moving toward a new way of being, I’ll walk alongside you as you create what’s next.

My Story

A woman practicing yoga in a forest during autumn, balancing on one leg with hands pressed together in a prayer position, smiling at the camera.

Hi, I’m Velda, founder of What’s Next! Coaching, Counselling & Consulting.

I started this practice because I know what it feels like to live in a world of impermanence — to know something in your life or career needs to shift but not sure where to start or how to get there. For over 26 years, I worked in leadership, learning, and development, coaching people through change, growth, and transformation. Along the way, I also discovered my own neurodivergence, which brought new insight into how we all navigate a world often designed for someone else.

My work is rooted in compassion, equity, and possibility. I support clients who are:

  • Growing their careers, businesses, or leadership skills

  • Seeking a new career

  • Moving through personal or professional transitions

  • Neurodivergent, learning how to thrive in their own way

  • Seeking a greater sense of purpose or authenticity in life

Lifelong learning, yoga, meditation, hiking, cycling, family, volunteerism and community ground me.  As a coach I provide a trusting space for individuals to be seen, heard, share, grow and learn. A space where you can set goals, make meaningful change, to emerge reaching your desired potential. My approach is welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive. I combine insights from psychology, adult education theory, human resource management, emotional intelligence, and lived experience to support people in navigating change with confidence. I don’t believe people need to be fixed—I believe people need to be empowered with tools that truly fit their unique strengths, challenges, and goals.

As a Consultant I use a design thinking approach to fully understand your needs. I put myself in your shoes - to better understand your pain points. This approach ensures the best possible solutions for your business. Throughout my career I have had the privilege to design and develop effective award-winning training programs, programs that ensure psychological health and safety for employees.

Woman in plaid shirt holding autumn leaves in a forest surrounded by trees.

My Philosophy

I believe people are pure potential to be supported and nurtured. With over 26 years of experience in leadership, adult education, human resource management, change management, teaching and organizational development, I have seen firsthand that growth happens when people feel heard, valued, and equipped with the right tools.

My coaching, counselling, and consulting practice is guided by three principles:

  • Humanity and Equity – Every person deserves dignity, inclusion, and respect. I honour each client’s lived experience and unique strengths.

  • Empowerment through Learning – My background in adult education and human resources has taught me that people thrive when they are given knowledge, tools and resources that truly fit their needs.

  • Sustainable Change – Real transformation comes from building awareness, practicing new skills, and applying them in everyday life—not quick fixes.

At What’s Next! Coaching, Counselling & Consulting, I create a safe, trusting and collaborative space where clients explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward a more purposeful way of being. Change can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it can also be deeply empowering - opening the door to new possibilities.

How I Can Support You

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Personalized support to help you grow, achieve your goals, and create a life that feels aligned with who you are. Together, we'll focus on your strengths and create a clear path forward, with tools and strategies that fit you.

Coaching

Personalized support to help you grow, achieve your goals, and create a life that feels aligned with who you are. Together, we’ll focus on your strengths and create a clear path forward, with tools and strategies that fit you.

Choose coaching if: You want to achieve specific future goals, improve performance, and take proactive steps toward success. 

Coaching can help you:

  • Set and achieve personal or professional goals

  • Create balance and fulfillment in your everyday life

  • Navigate ADHD or other neurodivergent challenges

    with confidence

  • Start a career

  • Develop as a leader or grow your career

  • Build emotional intelligence and self-awareness

Counselling

Life can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re moving through change, challenges, or navigating the world as a neurodivergent person. Counselling will help with specific life challenges, helping you understand your feelings, and support with current problems – giving you a safe, supportive space to explore what’s on your mind and heart

I can support you with:

  • Understanding and managing ADHD and executive functioning challenges

  • Reducing stress and avoiding burnout

  • Finding your way through career or life transitions

  • Building resilience, self-confidence and emotional intelligence

  • Strengthening communication and relationships

  • Learning how to maximize your strengths

I do not diagnose, assess, or treat mental health disorders.
I do not provide psychotherapy, psychiatric care, or crisis intervention.

  • If you are experiencing symptoms such as severe anxiety, depression, trauma, or suicidal thoughts, I will recommend you seek the help of a licensed mental health professional (e.g., Registered Psychotherapist, Social Worker, or Psychologist).

  • Click here for information on when to seek additional help.

Consulting

Partnering with leaders and organizations to solve business problems; to build healthy, human-centered workplaces where people thrive

Consult with me for:

  • Manager effectiveness training & development

  • Employee development training programs

  • Emotional intelligence workshops

  • Trust building workshops

  • Culture transformation strategies

  • Building human connection, capacity & belonging - Improving employee engagement and retention.

Quotes

Shiraz Paracha

And suddenly you just know it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings

Nathalie Blais

The quality of our thinking is proportional to the quality of listening.

Henry David Thoreau

I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of a human being to elevate their life by a conscious endeavor.

Nathalie Blais

Most of us have the answers inside us, we just need a guide to help us see them.

Jenny Rogers

Coaches honor the client as the expert in his or her life and work and believe every client is creative, resourceful and whole.

Carl Rogers

The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.

Make an Appointment With Me

whatsnextcoachingconsulting@outlook.com

Tel - 705 220 0634

Client Testimonials

“If there is one phrase to capture Velda’s coaching method, it is self-empowerment. Through difficult yet necessary conversations, Velda was able to help me reframe my thinking to understand my own power and accountability in my career. She will Challenge you to envision a confident version of yourself and encourage you to follow through in your day-to-day. She offers a valuable perspective and mindset that can only help to strengthen your personal career goals as you navigate the next steps you want and need to take to find fulfilment. Your path is what you make of it - Velda is here to help you find clarity in that.”

M.W. Administrative Team Lead

“Velda is an exceptional coach with an ability to quickly understand what drives and motivates you. Through her insight and expertise, she helps identify the precise steps needed to advance toward both professional and personal goals. Her questions are consistently well considered and thought-provoking, encouraging you to recognize that the solutions often lie within yourself. Velda’s approach is clear, strategic, and effective, making her an invaluable partner in achieving meaningful progress and lasting results.”

C.B. Artist, Gallery Owner 

“Working with Velda as my career coach was transformative—she gave me practical tools to navigate acute challenges with clarity and confidence. Her guidance equipped me with lasting resilience, preparing me to face future career hurdles with strength and purpose. Velda gracefully rebuilds confidence and helps you recognize and build on your unique strengths. Her vast experience, coupled with her passion for coaching, candid conversations, and empathetic nature make her an ally in any professional journey.”

S.L.Senior Manager, Knowledge Management 

"From the moment I started working with Velda, I felt a profound sense of care and warmth, which instantly made me feel safe and deeply heard. She asks perfectly timed questions that spark insights, each building on the last, helping me see the next steps. I had struggled during a pivotal life transition, feeling completely stuck in my own way, creating stories that revealed fear. Velda's soulful and gentle approach helped me tap into my own buried inner wisdom. Velda's guidance helped me develop the self-accountability I needed to stop spinning and start taking small, meaningful steps forward. Her authenticity and passion are radiant in every session. I always walk away energized, inspired, and smiling." 

A.P. Coach