Sari A Stone
Sari Stone is a Life and Academic Coach, podcaster, and holistic wellness professional whose work is rooted in growth, service, and authenticity. With over three decades of experience across education, consulting, and private practice, she supports children, adults, and educators in cultivating alignment, confidence, and sustainable growth—both personally and professionally.
Her work bridges inner awareness with neuroscience, and practical strategy. Drawing from her background in life and congruence coaching, education, yoga, and mindfulness, Sari creates spaces where individuals feel safe to slow down, reflect honestly, and move forward with intention. Her approach emphasizes presence, awareness, accountability, and long-term resilience rather than quick fixes or performance-driven outcomes. She specializes in working with children who are bright but anxious, teens who are capable but struggling, and adults who are successful but exhausted.
Sari’s professional foundation includes roles as a Classroom Teacher, Math Coach, Reading Specialist, and Instructional Coach within public schools, where she focused on curriculum development, student engagement, and educator support. She holds a Master of Public Administration in Education Policy Analysis from the University of Colorado Denver and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Kean University—training that informs her systems-level perspective and thoughtful approach to change.
Through her coaching, tutoring, and podcast, Sari shares real conversations about growth, alignment, and living in integrity with one’s values. Whether working one-on-one or speaking to a broader audience, her intention is to support others in reconnecting with their authentic, unique selves and building lives that feel meaningful, balanced, and true.
• CUDenver
• Kean University
• Pikes Peak Community College
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to years of experience as a teacher, consultant, and coach working across both the education management industry and the private sector. Over time, I have developed expertise in life and congruence coaching for all ages, yoga instruction, classroom management, educational technology, mindfulness, and differentiated instruction.
I hold a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Education Policy Analysis from the University of Colorado Denver, which has been instrumental in shaping my systems-level thinking and effectiveness as a leader and coach. A lifelong learner, I have been fortunate to work with and learn from exemplary coaches, leaders and mentors throughout my career.
Equally important to my journey is the support of my family. I come from a lineage of resilience-my grandparents were immigrants who survived profound hardship ad arrived in this country at a young age, instilling in me a deep respect for perseverance, courage, and possibility. My mom believed in me and taught me the importance of living fully, while my dad's unwavering support and determination carried me through some moments when I nearly gave up. After my mom's passing, my aunt stepped in with strength and guidance, helping me navigate motherhood and life with grace. Today my children and grandchildren inspire me daily to grow and contribute to leaving the world a better place for them. Above all, I am grateful to be in a strong, successful marriage with a partner who truly sees me, believes in my possibilities, and supports my continued growth. Together we are guided by gratitude and the continual opportunity to learn, serve, and evolve.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to keep my eye on why I do what I do. To always remember that I am here to offer hope, possibility, connection, and joy to my students and coaching clients. That purpose sits at the heart of everything I do.
I never forgot when my mentor and dear friend, Theresa, pulled me aside and asked why I hadn’t done more with myself — and what I was afraid of. The question caught me completely off guard, but it stayed with me. Within six months, I accepted a position as an Instructional Coach, and my life has been in constant expansion ever since.
One of my guiding principles has been the reminder to maintain balance and remember who we are outside of our work — not to get consumed by perfection or productivity. While it wasn’t always easy to hear, I took that advice seriously, and it has remained a compass for me ever since.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay true to yourself and set clear boundaries early. Honor your values, protect your well-being, and allow authenticity to be your greatest strength. Authenticity is not a weakness — it is your greatest strength, and it will guide you far more powerfully than external validation ever could. Keep your cup full and overflowing with the things you love about life. You can only give away what you have inside yourself. Life is about expansion. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable, it means you are about to grow. Watch your thoughts. beware of judgment. That's a tougher one than I realized but it gets easier the more you practice. Be willing to take risks. Stay human. Share your ideas. Trust your inner knowing. Ask for help and it will show up at just the right time. Stay open. Trust. Success is not about doing more — it’s about staying aligned with who you are while navigating your career with intention and self-trust.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The growing emphasis on social media validation over substance is a major challenge in my field along with the lack of consistent standards for training and ethical preparedness. Coaching requires more than visibility or a certificate-it calls for emotional intelligence, an awareness of neuroscience, experience, and responsibility to truly support transformation.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My work and life are guided by three core values: growth, service, and authenticity. Professionally, I am deeply committed to helping children, adults, and educators feel safe to be themselves, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. This commitment led me to transition from traditional education into independent coaching and tutoring, where I can create deeper impact through flexible, individualized, and meaningful work.
I am a transformational coach, tutor, and podcaster who integrates mindfulness, emotional well-being, neuroscience and practical skill-building into every aspect of my work. I have coached mindfulness both in schools and in my private practice, supporting individuals in building self-awareness, resilience, and confidence.
Balance is essential to me, and family is at the heart of my life. Movement has always been a source of joy and grounding—I danced for seventeen years, and fitness continues to be a vital part of my well-being. I have a deep connection to nature and animals and feel grateful to live near the ocean in South Carolina, where I am also learning to grow our own vegetables as part of a holistic approach to health.