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Meet Lynn

Wellness Coach & Occupational Therapist

Lynn Festa graduated from Boston University in 1988 with a bachelor of science in Occupational Therapy, and attained the Hand Therapy Certification in 1995. She has worked in a wide variety of therapy settings, including owning her own hand therapy clinic for 6 years. She has presented at numerous national and international conferences on a multitude of topics related to hand rehabilitation, as well as burnout, empathy, inter-provider communication, and resilience.

 

In 2013, Lynn found herself burntout and disillusioned as a clinician. This began her pursuit in what she intended to be a shift away from occupational hand therapy and enrolled and completed the Martha Beck Life Coach training.  In 2014 Lynn underwent intensive training in The Daring Way™, a curriculum based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown, and is uses Dr. Brown's concepts in her coaching. She has also attained a Certificate in Positive Psychology through the Wholebeing Institute as well as a certificate in “the science of happiness at work” from BerkeleyX.  Lynn is also trained as a HSP Knowledgeable Professional specializing in helping people who are “highly sensitive” understand how to use this trait to flourish in all areas of their lives.

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Since 2020, Lynn solely focuses on combining her skills as an occupational therapist  with her career calling as a Professional Coach to provide tools and strategies for the highly sensitive person, and others to thrive in their everyday lives. Lynn is proud to identify as a "highly" highly sensitive person!

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Lynn is a member of IPPA (International Positive Psychology Association) and AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association.

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In her free time, Lynn enjoys competing in open water swim events around the country, hiking, reading, and pursuing her dream to be a professional singer.  Lynn is a U.S. Masters Swimming Level 2 Certified Coach, and loves to teach newbies the joy of open water swimming.

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Lynn has been a volunteer member of the Western Massachusetts Medical Reserve Corps and Massachusetts MRC since 2020. She has helped to provide COVID and flu vaccinations throughout Berkshire County. She is an active member of the board at the Berkshire Music School. Lynn is a proud business sponsor of WAM Theatre and Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

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How I Coach

My approach to coaching is rooted in individuality—there are no cookie-cutter protocols because every person is unique, and no two coaching sessions are ever the same. I believe in fostering strength and growth, drawing on evidence-based principles from positive psychology to guide the process. As an occupational therapist, I prioritize helping you achieve health and well-being through meaningful engagement in your occupations—whatever activities that bring purpose and fulfillment to your life.

My Values

Honesty:

authentic

trustworthy

sincere

Kindness:

generous

caring 

compassionate

Humor:

laughter

lighthearted

playful

Gratitude:

thankful

blessed

life is good

Curiosity:

open to new ideas

exploration

interested 

Are you a Highly Sensitive Person?

Elaine Arons, Ph.D. developed this self test to help determine whether you have the traits of a highly sensitive person.

Certifications & Trainings

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Occupational Therapy, Boston University/Sargent College, 1988

Certification in Hand Therapy, 1995

Martha Beck Life Coaching Training, 2013

Certified Daring Way Facilitator, based on the research of Brené Brown, 2016-2024

Certificate in the “Science of Happiness at Work,” Berkeley EDX, 2016

Certificate in Positive Psychology, Wholebeing Institute, 2016

HSP Knowledgeable Professional, 2019

Health and Wellness Coach, Duke Health, 2023

Current Positions:

I am the Wellness Coach at “Outside of the Circle”, an online community and program helping people to redefine success and create change on their own terms in a way that feels fulfilling and meaningful to them. For more information: outsideofthecircle.com.
 
I am an instructor for Aspireoted.com, providing evidence-based webinars for occupational therapy practitioners. All webinars are AOTA approved for continuing education credits.

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