Holistic Coach Mel

                           "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."

                                                                                                                                 - Dr. Maya Angelou

All too often, we set our feelings aside, thinking we’ll deal with them later. That’s exactly what I did for many years, until I had no choice but to face my issues.

In my early 20s, a near-death experience and a massive panic attack became the catalysts for my personal journey of healing and growth. The most important question I asked myself was: "If you don’t take action to address your anxiety, stress, anger, crappy behaviors, and inability to have healthy connections, where will you be a year from now?" The answer was clear—I needed to act, and act fast.

For over two decades, I have immersed myself in exploring and studying healing modalities, mindfulness practices, human behavior, quantum physics, and the incredible power of our mind and heart. This journey has been about holding myself accountable, shifting my mindset, unlearning limiting behaviors, giving myself permission to have a voice, rewriting my narrative, setting boundaries, and healing from generational trauma to create, a happier, more productive, and purposeful life.

Since 2003, I’ve been running my coaching practice, supporting individuals, couples,  youth, and business professionals in finding their right path. I provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where we collaborate as a team to achieve your desired goals. You’ll find my areas of specialization outlined on the next page.

I also bring my own lived experience into this work. My personal journey of growth, healing, and ongoing self-development deeply informs the way I support others. Because I continue to invest in my own learning and inner work, I am able to meet clients with authenticity, empathy, and a genuine understanding of the courage it takes to grow and transform.  I strongly believe that as coaches and leaders, we must continue doing our own work so we can hold space for others with integrity, compassion, and wisdom.

I hold a Masters Degree in Psychology (Marriage and Family Therapy) and have earned multiple certifications in Professional Life Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, NeuroLinguistics Programing (NLP), Hypnotherapy, and Kensho (truth-seeking) Coaching.  

In 2025, I was certified as a West African Grief Ritual Facilitator, and look forward to bringing this Dagara tribal ritual within my community as yet another opportunity to heal from our personal and ancestral trauma's.  (The Dagara are a large ethnic group in the southwestern region of Burkina Faso and northwestern Ghana).  

In 2022, I founded Heal with Zeal, LLC, expanding beyond Sardar Coaching & Consulting to create new programs and pathways for transformation. This evolution allows me to broaden my reach and deepen my mission of helping individuals grow, heal, and thrive. I am energized by the opportunity to serve more people and contribute to meaningful personal and professional development. 

I believe coaching is most effective when it’s rooted in a trusting, nurturing relationship. My approach combines active listening with structured, practical interventions to support meaningful progress both inside and outside our sessions.

Drawing from Solution-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, and Humanistic perspectives, I tailor every approach to meet the unique needs of my clients. I bring additional expertise in working with young adults, career-related challenges, and strengthening communication and coping skills.

When we don’t process our feelings and past experiences, they manifest as anxiety, stress, anger, and even physical illnesses. Denying ourselves the opportunity to heal only compounds the pain. It takes great courage to confront these issues, but the rewards are transformative.  Giving yourself permission and allowing yourself to seek support is one of the most empowering choices you can make. I invite you to take that first step with me—let’s work together to create the life you truly desire and deserve.