Exclusive Interview With Coach Marsha Clarke Everett

Marsha Clarke Everett

…. has known all of her life that she wanted to make a difference, but the level of impact she would make would soon exceed her wildest dreams.

“Kids are having kids and SOMEONE needs to tell them that (life) is going to be okay,” Marsha shared with Gospel360online. “Most young people do not have someone to guide them and their (character/behavior) is getting out of control.”

Marsha’s heart for a dying generation and sheer determination to push past life’s hardest trials has created a woman ready to fight for what’s right. In this exclusive interview, the life coach and family/youth educator shares how she triumphed through a life past foster care, being blessed with parents who cared and why it is so important for us to reach a lost generation of youth.

Marsha Clarke-Everett started her life in transition after being given up for adoption at the age of three months. Her life was normal yet she always found herself battling rebellious behavior, while also helping people with issues. In moments of self discovery, Marsha found she had a deep fascination with the criminal justice system and set her sights on becoming a prosecutor. Her plans were set! She would graduate from high school, attend Florida A&M University and major in Criminal Justice. Finishing the program, she would then enlist in the military.

“How many of you know that life does not work the way I want it to work. God’s plan is not ours,” Marsha said.”  Instead she landed a job in the foster care system as a family educator. “I was able to see how poorly the system was set up in regards to reuniting a child with its family. Their efforts were poor.”

From that position, Marsha moved into teaching at an alternative school for 6 to 8^th graders. In her term at the academy, she strayed away from traditional methods of teaching and instead focused on behavior modification techniques and learning how to integrate oneself into mainstream society. A deeper level of understanding would come for Marsha in accepting a new position as a life coach for an all boys aftercare program.

“It seemed like I was always drawn to people with problems and I knew I had what it took to help them – I just didn’t realize that helping them was called life coaching. If I did not get a dime (life coaching) is what I would do. When I am coaching there is always a lesson for me as well. I need to practice what I preach,” Marsha said.

Since the aftercare program, Marsha moved to Maryland and it is where she has been for the past 17 years with her husband and daughter – working in many public sectors, including the prison system and with the federal government.

“Right now, I am working on a program that would allow juveniles to be exposed to a life coaching program as a part of their community reunification. I believe it will make the difference between them being on the street or changing their lives for something even better,” Marsha said.

“I have a heart for helping people and transforming lives in both kids and adults. I love working with children because it offers a glimpse of hope that things can be better. I also believe the community and our churches need to do better with guidance and working with all populations.”

Failure is a welcomed option for Marsha who embraces her imperfections, but has the heart to learn from her mistakes and get back in the game.

“We are human. The only way to know how to get something right is to fail at it first.  It’s all about making a commitment. Say to yourself, “I know I have to make this work… don’t leave a lot of jiggle room for procrastination – make it work! See what commitment feels like you. Often times we put ourselves in a mental state of failure. Set out to do what you want and just do it,” Marsha advised.

Making it in life requires tools, resources and experience. Education may top the list for many, but Marsha says if you want the most out of life just do what you love.

“I know a lot of educated fools. There is some validity in having degrees, don’t get me wrong – you need credentials. It has its place. However, God cares about none of this stuff,” Marsha said. “Most leaders have a heart for people and are able to drive in that passion and change lives.”

This motivational mogul in the making is starting small waves of change right where she is. Marsha believes understanding people through authentic relationship, being active in the community and using the resources of local agencies are essential if true change is to occur with both youths and adults.

“What I would like to see is in the community is more transitional housing and shelters. Youth getting counseling with a majority of skills sets being built around life skills and principles,” Marsha said.

She also envisions having a Purpose Driven Life Coaching Center in every state in addition to creating a trade school/academy that teaches principled centered living. Marsha’s life hasn’t been a crystal staircase, but she admits that the person she has become and will continue to grow into was founded in a base of supportive foster parents.

“I was adopted at three months old, and my parents raised me to be and do what I wanted to do. Even though I was a very rebellious child, they still hug in there with me and never gave up on my ability to make it. Because of their patience and constant belief in me – I do not put any restrictions on who I can become.”

At heart, Marsha is a down to earth change agent who is trusted by her peers, open, warm and real. It’s time to get it in and win for 2010 and Coach Marsha is ready to help you make that move.

“What you see is what you get! I tell all of my clients both young and old to put your action steps into practice and God will send people to guide and help you along the way. Come along with me for the journey – God never disappoints.”

Marsha Clarke-Everett is a Certified Christian Life Coach who specializes in Transformational Coaching and moving individuals from ordinary to extraordinary. She holds a BS in Criminal Justice from Florida A&M University and an MBA from National Louis University. For more information about Coach Marsha visit her blog Purpose Driven Life Coaching.