Meet Ana! Ana Leonardy Life Coach, LLC, was born out of Ana’s desire to find freedom. Being in a place of her own life transition, she came head to head with the fear of new challenges and an unforeseen future. While feeling stuck and in limbo about her decisions, Ana concluded that if she did nothing, then nothing would change. After much soul searching, she made up her mind to do something, but more than just do something, find something that she was passionate about.

That is when Ana decided to become a Certified Professional Life Coach. As she began to take steps in this direction, she was reawakened to so many things but most importantly, to her passion to help others. Currently, Ana works with women in all walks of life and professions who are desiring change or are in a season of transition to identify what’s necessary to get them moving closer to their desired future. her heart’s desire for women is to help them find their freedom so they can live life with greater purpose and passion, no matter how stuck they feel in their season of life. Susan sat down with Ana on January 31, 2020.

What inspired you or led you to your current career?

I always loved helping people with life issues. As my kids got older, I went to work for a PI company, here in Woodstock, where I managed their Background Investigation department. Initially, I loved the job but about seven years in, I started to become miserable and unfulfilled. On top of that, the stress of the job was killing me. I started to lose myself and my love for people. Ultimately, I felt God was leading me out of the job and He put life coaching on my heart.

I had no idea what that even was and as I began to research it, I started to feel inspired. I sat on my thoughts for about a year before moving forward because I was very fearful that I was not able to learn or be qualified for a job such as this. After that year, God made it clear to me that it was time to move. From that moment on, I pushed through my fears and ultimately, graduated and became certified as a life coach. I graduated on December 12, 2017, and it was so affirming because that is the date of my grandmother’s birthday. She was a very important part of my life.

My story is in the book “Called to Coach,” which is a book written by the founder of Christian Coach Institute, along with 50 other coaches who share their stories of how they came to coach.

Ana’s story can be found in the book, “Called to Coach”.

What is your favorite restaurant in Woodstock, and what do you love there?

My favorite restaurant which I believe is closed now was Magnolia House. The food was amazing, and it was a great date night place. I guess now my favorite is Pure Taqueria because I like the laid-back feel, I don’t ever feel rushed.

How long have you lived or worked in Woodstock?

Although I worked in Woodstock for about 12 years, I have been visiting the Woodstock area since about 1995.

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Woodstock?  Who would you like to see nominated as a Face of Woodstock?

The most interesting person has been Nancy Tucker of Serenade Heights. The work she is doing at Serenade Heights, where I work as a life coach, is amazing. Considering we are all human, this is a huge vision and involves a lot of work. She has a big heart.

I would nominate Donna Hobba Cochran, who founded Ansley’s Benefit, which is a foundation honoring the memory of her daughter who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at the age of two. Ansley ultimately lost her battle at age 21. The foundation is dedicated to research and assisting families affected by childhood cancer. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?

The Holy Land. I would love to walk where Jesus walked and reflect on his life.

What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?

The first movie I remember seeing in the theater is Oliver. I was in elementary school. I loved the story, and all the dancing and singing. I can still remember the feeling of wanting to help Oliver, and the moment he was brave enough to ask for more food while in the orphanage. Raising the bowl in his hand up, saying “more” in an English accent, that tugged at my heart.

What advice would you give a crowd of people?

Be kind; so many people are struggling.

What is something on your bucket list?

Ever since I watched the movie, Born Free, as a little girl, I have always wanted to pet baby tigers or lion cubs. I’m a cat lover.

What is your favorite music/ three bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?

I am totally stuck in the ’70s. My husband and I traveled to Vegas to see Donny and Marie for our 30th wedding anniversary. If I could travel back in time, I would love to see the good ole days of the Jackson 5, Sonny and Cher, Elvis and the Osmonds.

Ana and her husband with Donny Osmond

Ana and her husband with Marie Osmond

What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Woodstock?

Tea Leaves and Thyme, mostly because I brought my Mom there back in the mid to late ’90s; she is now 91. I think that memory is what makes it nostalgic for me. 

Ana’s mother

Ana and her Mother at Tea Leaves and Thyme

Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch?  Why? Where in Woodstock would you have lunch?

It would be Mother Teresa. I think I would walk away with so much wisdom and a renewed perspective on life. Probably Ipp’s Pastaria because of the quiet atmosphere.

What is your favorite thing or something unique about Woodstock?

I love the downtown area with all the restaurants.

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

I see myself operating with other coaches in different niches in my own office building. Also see myself around my kids and grandkids, who are currently spread throughout the states, working in ministry.

(Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

I have a desire to write but I always feel silly doing it. I have written about 30 poems. I also fear public speaking to the death! Something that I really need to overcome.

What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?

All my children… and not the soap opera! I miss my kids and my grandkids like crazy. We have seven biological and three foster grandkids.

If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?

Debra Winger

If you had a full-time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose?

Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?

No question – a housekeeper.  Even though I’m an empty nester, I’m tired and the last thing I want to do is clean!

Ana in Community

You can find Ana through her work at Ana Leonardy Life Coach LLC, and through her work at Serenade Heights.