Meet Brandon
I grew up in a small community in Southwest Louisiana, and, from a very young age, I excelled in school. Because of this and from as early as I can remember, I was encouraged by educators and adults in my community of what my career options should be—most often it was the typical doctor, lawyer, etc. I continued to work hard throughout high school and eventually following the expectations placed on me, I enrolled in a pre-med degree program in college with plans to become an optometrist. But deep down, I knew that’s not what I wanted to do. What I wanted was to fulfill the societal expectations, say I was a “doctor,” and achieve the earning potential that would deem me “successful.”
I finally confessed to Opal during my senior year in college that I wanted to be a teacher and, after graduating, completed a post-bachelors teacher certification program. I taught high school science, started a family, and began pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership. After just three-and-a-half years as a classroom teacher, I moved on to become an assistant principal, principal, and began a doctoral program at Texas A&M University. By the time I finished my doctorate, I was a school superintendent, we had just welcomed our fourth child, and our oldest was about to start middle school. I was tired, burnt out from the endless evening duties, and wanted nothing more than to focus on my family.
After leaving the superintendency, I accepted an executive leadership role at a statewide educational leadership organization, which brought our family to Austin. While I had traded in evening commitments and constantly being on call, I found myself in a grueling commute, frequent evenings and overnights away, and our time and resources stretched more than ever.
After just seven years in Austin, I began working with a life coach. Through that journey, I was able align to my values and rediscover shelved dreams. My journey as a coaching client led me to return to my dreams of living in a historic home, focusing on my family, and serving my community. In December 2020, we moved from Austin to the mountains of Western North Carolina where Opal and I both work remotely part-time and we homeschool our two youngest kids. Shortly after making this life transforming move, we both pursued coaching as a profession as a way to continue to serve others.
Today, I enjoy spending my afternoons drinking coffee on the porch, taking the kids on impromptu hikes or finding a good fishing spot, taking Opal out on dates, and going on Saturday drives to find the best views. I am honoring my gift of and passion for community service by serving on various civic boards and committees.
This is my Unbinded Life.
Meet Opal
I was born and raised in rural southwest Louisiana in a large family of eight children. To put it lightly, we were poor. I learned early the importance of having a good work ethic, the value of a good education, and the strength I have within me to go beyond what may seem possible.
As a teenager of divorced parents, I moved out on my own when I was seventeen years old and graduated from high school while working two jobs. Understanding the value of education and its impact on getting me closer to the life I dreamed of living, I pursued a degree in Secondary Education. In the meantime, I met and married Brandon, and we welcomed our first child just two years into my degree plan.
I finished college just before we welcomed our second child and began my career as a high school English teacher. While I enjoyed the content, I absolutely loved empowering students to see all what their futures could be and to instill in them the hope and drive to go after whatever it is they want out of life.
By the time we were welcoming our fourth child, I was wrapping up a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University. After serving 10 years in public schools, I opted to chase another dream and shifted course to pursue being a stay-at-home mom to our still growing family.
Since stepping away from education nearly 10 years ago, I have pursued multiple passions including blogging for Unbinded Life and writing my first book. In 2022, I earned credentials as a Certified Professional Coach through iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching), which has allowed me to continue answer my calling of serving others and instilling hope for their futures.