Mara Heichman is a Certified Professional Coach and an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, dedicated to helping her clients discover their potential. She works with people of all ages on issues such as transitions, confidence, career direction, strengthening relationships, and much more. For her clients to discover their potential, Mara helps them identify their obstacles, clarify their goals, and maintain accountability for achieving those goals. The coaching journey is invigorating, inspirational, and a little scary. It takes a results-oriented, fun-loving, and compassionate coach like Mara to guide her clients every step of the way.
In addition to her private practice, Mara speaks frequently on topics like energy leadership, communication, self-care, confidence, life balance, and relationships, among others. She is a certified Occupational Therapist, B’nei Mitzvah tutor, and 23-year volunteer at the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance’s Camp I Am Me–for children and teenagers who have experienced injuries from burns–where she co-founded and co-directs the Young Adult Summit.
Mara earned her coaching certification from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). She received her MBA from Loyola University, Chicago and her bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from The Ohio State University. Mara lives in the North Shore suburbs of Chicago and has two adult (18 year old son and 20 year old daughter). She enjoys music, dancing, animals, outdoors, yoga, knitting, time connecting with family and friends, and playing games.
What Others Say:
Hosam Hadid, 22 “It’s one thing to go to a therapist and have them listen to you and it’s another thing to sit with somebody like Mara. Not only did Mara listen to me, but she also had the skills to guide me through what is best for myself. She always had the right questions to lead me to figuring things out on my own. I definitely can say she made an impact on my life.”
Shelley Toolis “People are naturally drawn to Mara because of her empathy and authenticity. I have seen her negotiate conflict and spark personal growth for so many young adults. Her impact on our program will be felt for years.”
Caper Brown, 35 “I met Mara at IFSA burn camp back in ’95 when I was 15. From the very beginning, Mara was somebody I always enjoyed talking to. She just has that quality in her that makes people love talking to her about anything and everything. And for me the fact that she never talked down to me like a child–she treated me like a peer on an equal level and our friendship has been that way ever since. Mara has a kind aura about her that lets you know she truly cares about you. Even at camp, she has a reputation of being a “mom” and they love her for it. I can go on and on, but knowing Mara as well as I do the friendship we’ve built over the years, and even how much I’ve seen her interact with other people over the years, I know she will make a great life coach.”
Felicia R. Buffalo Grove, IL “I am very fortunate to have had Mara Heichman as a sounding board during some difficult moments in my life. Mara has an amazing way of listening, processing, and offering feedback which is not judgmental or invasive, but allows me to project what my hopes are for sometimes difficult situations with family members. I truly believe that Mara was put on this earth to be a life coach. Her skills are second to none, and I continue to refer her to friends looking for advice, understanding, and someone who can provide clarity in moments of doubt and anxiety.”
Donald and Jodi Gutterman “Both of my kids used Mara as their Hebrew Tutor and really enjoyed coming as she was very patient with them as they were learning the prayers and their Torah portions. She makes them feel right at home as both kids did not fight us going for their lessons. Both kids were so prepared for their special day. Mara also sat up on the Bima with them and kept them cool and focused and they did a wonderful job. I would highly recommend Mara as a Hebrew Tutor.”
