Mother
/Scholar
Are you a woman working hard to fill both of these highly demanding roles? Are you struggling to do so without burnout, without guilt over not being present enough for your child/ren and partner, while also maintaining your professional development needs, in addition to the social expectations of your life as a professor?
Sounds like a LOT, right?
It's no surprise if you're feeling stretched thin. Additionally, you might be feeling isolated by your double role, and drained from the pressure to mother everyone—not just your own child/ren.
If any of this rings true,
you've found your place!
I've lived these experiences myself, and I'm here to help. Let's discover your unique path toward setting clear boundaries around "mom you" and "professor you", meeting your professional goals without guilt, all while feeling less alone in the process!
Join "Rewriting the Rubric" to address any or all of these issues through individual coaching, paired with "faculty meetings", in which I gather a group of women who are on a similar journey.
is a package of four 1:1 coaching sessions and two group meetings that will give you both the individual support you need to reach your goals and lighten your mental load, plus the opportunity for meaningful connection with other mothers in academia.
Rewriting the Rubric
In the 1:1 coaching sessions we can focus on anything from planning for your sabbatical, to creating focus and accountability for your projects, or balancing the insane demands of being a mother, a partner, and a scholar. If you're a mother-to-be (or dreaming of being one) we can cover the challenges and worries that come with anticipating such a huge transition. Maybe you're nearing retirement and learning to mother a young adult? We can address it all, together!
The two group sessions will be casual meetings in which we cover topics sourced from individuals in the current cohort. This is your chance to make connections with academic moms from a variety of institutions and disciplines.
Here's a summary:
-
Four 1:1 coaching sessions
-
Two group meetings with other academic moms, moderated by me
-
Weekly check-ins if desired, for accountability or just moral support!
-
All sessions and meetings will take place on Zoom
Rewriting the Rubric: $597
:
Coaching Sessions
My approach to coaching is grounded in what I describe as "creative co-exploration". I will ask you a series of open-ended questions that help you process whatever struggle you are facing. In this way you will arrive at answers or new ways of thinking that are unique to YOU. Does that sound magical? It kind of is. But I promise you it works. If you need a mentor, need advice on revamping your c.v., or want someone to tell you exactly what to do next, this program is not for you. I will hold up a light to illuminate your way, but you choose the direction and you will lead.
Virtual "Faculty Meetings"
This is an opportunity to connect with other academic moms over a variety of topics. I will base the topics on whatever interests the members in the cohort, and the meetings will be relaxed and open. Sometimes it's nice to connect with colleagues outside of your institution. I can promise you it will be more intersting and engaging than most other faculty meetings!
Weekly Check-Ins
The type of check-in (if you even want one) is totally up to you. If you need an accountability partner, I can do that! If you just need to send a quick text about your annoying colleague, or that situation with a student we discussed in coaching, I'm here for it!
Is this not in your budget? Consider applying for professional development or discretionary funds from your institution. I can even help you apply.
Do you have questions? Please reach out to me at cynthia.krenzel@gmail.com
Who am I? I’m a person still negotiating the answer to this question. I was a tenured Associate Professor. I was a wife. Then I was a single mother to a young person who is now, legally, an adult person. I was a professional clarinetist and “Doctor of Musical Arts”. I was a midwesterner.
Now I'm a retired Associate Professor of Music, an expat living with my second husband in Switzerland. I'm learning how to parent my trans daughter through every stage of her brave and beautiful life. I am also a devoted dog-mom who has found a love of hiking in the mountains, and has even adapted to a life of far too many stairs. I am an introvert who has learned the value of connection with others.
Most recently, I am a Higher Ed Coach for other women doing their best to navigate life’s twists and turns. I am infinitely curious and regularly amazed by the transformations that can occur through the coaching process. I am thankful for the fact that I can play a small role in the growth of others, and honored that people are willing to allow me to be part in such a precious and beautiful process.
I am hopeful that anyone reading this far will reach out to see if I can help you find your way through the woods…or maybe to a little cabin in the center of those woods? Only you know your best destination, but some deep questioning can help you carve your path.