I’m passionate about helping gymnasts perform better and enjoy their sport.
Hi, I’m Sarah!
Struggling with a mental block? Stuck in a performance slump? Or just looking to take your performance to the next level? Whatever brought you to mental performance consulting, I'm here to help.
I'm Sarah, a certified mental performance consultant and former gymnast. I know firsthand that gymnastics is as much a mental sport as a physical one, and my goal is to equip gymnasts with the tools and skills they need to break through mental blocks, manage performance anxiety, and perform at their best.
I currently serve as the Director of Mental Performance and Leadership at Lafayette College, a Division I institution in Easton, PA. I hold a PhD in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both from West Virginia University. I also hold a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology with an additional major in Psychology and a minor in Health Promotion, as well as a Master's in Kinesiology with a concentration in the Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity, both from Michigan State University.
Throughout my career as a consultant, I've worked with recreational and collegiate athletes and teams across a range of sports, including gymnastics. I've also partnered with USA Gymnastics as a coach educator developing sport psychology resources for gymnastics coaches, and have presented at their regional and national congresses since 2022.
Outside of mental performance work, you'll find me exercising, scrolling Pinterest, or spending time with my husband, our two corgis, and our bunny.
I look forward to getting to know you!
My Consulting Philosophy
My consulting philosophy is centered around the concepts of growth and psychological flexibility. I believe that high performance is less about what happens to us, and more about how we think about and respond to adversity. It is my hope that by helping athletes develop psychological flexibility, they will be able to respond to challenges or unexpected events in a more effective, adaptive way. I also emphasize the importance of a growth mindset in my consulting work—after all, if you are constantly striving toward growth, you will always be on the best path toward success!
Be mentally flexible
Being psychologically flexible allows you to respond to difficulties, challenges, and surprises in an adaptive way. It involves knowing and acting in line with your values, staying in the present moment, and being able to notice and let go of thoughts.
Be growth-oriented
If you are constantly striving to learn and improve, you are setting yourself up for the best chance of success. Your best performance happens when you are focused on getting 1% better everyday, and less focused on everything outside of your control.