About Deena
Hi, I’m Deena
I’m so happy you found your way here!
I work with people seeking a deeper sense of well-being and fulfillment in their lives. Maybe that’s what brought you here—does your health, or your sense of who you are, feel far from where you’d like it to be?
I understand. I, too, yearned for something more but couldn’t quite name it. During a health crisis, I decided it was time to dive deeper into myself. Through a lot of trial and error, I climbed out of the hole of fibromyalgia by addressing every part of my life: what I ate, how I moved, what I thought, felt, and believed. Deep down, I sensed this wasn’t just something happening to me—it was something happening within me. I’m so grateful for that small whisper of wisdom that led me inward.
Not only did I recover, but I healed parts of myself I’d ignored or been unaware of. That pain turned out to be a profound gift.
Now, I come alongside others experiencing something similar. Your discontent isn’t working against you—it’s trying to tell you something. One of my gifts is compassionately leaning in and listening to the message your system is sending through your present circumstances. Whether you’re navigating a health challenge, relationship struggles, loss, or simply feeling disconnected, I’m here to guide you back to the parts of yourself that need care and attention.
It’s your agenda, your feelings, your wisdom. I bring my heart, my ears, and my intuition. Together, we’ll tap into the resources you already have to unblock the flow of your innate freedom and joy.
Does that sound like the journey you’d like to take? Get in touch, and we’ll take it step by step.
Deena Lee Cottingham. 2024
On a Personal Note:
Deena balances her professional life with personal passions and joys. She lives in the beautiful Foothills County, AB, near the majestic Rocky Mountains, and cherishes her family, which includes four amazing adult children, two stepsons, their wonderful partners, a curious grandson, and her supportive, loving husband.
She adores slow mornings, being around water, and collecting tea and books in delightful excess. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and processed sugar-free, Deena loves crafting meals with fresh herbs from her garden. She is proud of her adventures hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the Lysefjord in Norway. Creativity fuels her soul—she enjoys photography, sewing, baking, designing, and decorating. Above all, she treasures her role as a mom, cherishing the conversations, challenges, and profound love.
Professional Accreditation
Experience
Deena has been a professional coach since 2017 and deeply values the trust her clients place in her. She approaches their inner experiences with profound compassion and respect.
“I was so fortunate to learn the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model at the outset of my coaching journey. The idea that we all have different parts—sometimes with conflicting strategies (e.g., a part of me wants to stay, another part wants to go) or extreme behavior (‘I don’t know why I reacted like that!’)—made so much sense to me. It illuminated the stuckness many people feel—knowing what they want but not understanding why they can’t quite get there.”
As a coach, Deena finds joy in helping clients uncover what lies beneath the surface. Often, it’s the neglected, vulnerable parts of us that block progress until they are acknowledged and given a voice. Through this work, lasting change becomes possible.
Deena offers ongoing coaching through her private practice, both in person in the foothills of Alberta and virtually.
Is Professional Coaching right for you?
- Are you navigating a difficult relationship and want to approach it with greater ease?
- Finding yourself at a crossroads or want to make a significant (or even small) life change?
- Seeking to understand why you do what you do?
- Are you looking to achieve a greater sense of wholeness, well-being, and vitality, possibly addressing a persistent physical symptom?
Education & Accreditation
Coaching Certifications & Programs
- PCC, ICF Professional Certified Coach (500+ hours)
- Mentor Coach, Institute for Healing and Awakening
- Coaching for Self-leadership (Levels 1–5) based on the IFS model, with Guthrie Sayen, 2016–2019
- Coaching for Transformation, Leadership That Works, 2017
- The Power of Embodied Transformation, Coaches Rising
Nutrition & Wellness
- C.H.N., Certified Holistic Nutrition, CSNN, 2019
- Certified First Line Therapy Consultant, Metagenics Canada, 2019
- Constitutional Iridology & Body Systems Herbology, Judith Cobb
- Women’s Health Herbology, Judith Cobb
Meditation & Mind-Body Practices
- Meditation Teacher Program, Yoga Alliance, 2018
- Add Heart Facilitator, Heart Math Institute, 2018
- ALFCA fitness certification, YogaFit & PilatesFit
- CPR & First Aid
Mentorships & Specialized Training
- Mentoring program with Mark Wolynn, The Family Constellation Institute
Academic Background
- B.Ed. in Secondary Math and Science (with Distinction), University of Calgary
- Art & Design, University of Alberta, Mount Royal University, Alberta College of Art & Design
- Diploma in Public Relations, Mount Royal University
In addition to her certifications, Deena has also explored numerous creative and practical fields, including interior design, photography, home renovation, and software training.
“I’ve always been a Mom first. There’s no accreditation for that, but it’s been an education! My children have been my greatest teachers and a window into myself.”