Abby Keller

"I can't express how helpful it was to work with Abby before and after my surgery. I had so many questions and a lot of anxiety surrounding my first-ever surgery. She had amazing expertise, from exactly which questions I should ask my doctors about the procedure to help me understand the process to what foods I should eat after the surgery to help recover with less pain; since my bladder and bowel were involved in the surgery. My doctors were even impressed by my understanding of the procedures and asked me how I knew to ask the questions that I asked! Knowing exactly what was going to happen helped decrease my anxiety and feel empowered. Abby was thoughtful and understanding, a guiding beacon through the medical process which can be so confusing! She took great care to also create a list of all the supplies I would want to have for my time just before and after the surgery at a hotel. She knew all the tips and tricks to help me feel comfortable while I prepped and healed. I would recommend Abby's support for anyone navigating a health challenge."
-C

"I reached out to Abby a couple weeks before an anxiety causing event. I am a cancer survivor and, even though it has been several years since treatment, I knew I needed help to prepare for my semi-annual scan. My conversations with Abby were really amazing. She listened to me rehash the worst parts of my experience and provided validation for my deep, physical reactions. She suggested techniques for before, during, and after that could help me through the upcoming scan. In the follow up, we were able to talk about the future and her questions challenged me to make some honest observations about myself, my strengths, and my weaknesses. Above all, Abby cared about me in THIS moment. Her background in oncology care allowed us to speak the same language, but what was really impressive was her ability to see the cancer history (and anxiety) within the context of my family life. It's all interconnected. Abby is knowledgeable, compassionate and authentic. I would highly recommend working with Abby."
-M

"When Abby first asked me if I would be interested in doing some one-on-one health coaching sessions, I was both very excited and very nervous. Since being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in November of 2017, I’ve often rejected support and opportunities to connect over my experience. To articulate my new life with diabetes felt like an impossible task, and I thought that if I could ever commit to improving it, I would have to be really “ready” to take it on. However, upon our first meeting, Abby took away this pressure. Unlike other coaching models I’ve seen, Abby didn’t want to “whip me into shape.” Her support came from a place of love, and the foundation that, all on my own, I was already enough. It was our regular meetings, though, that showed me what it could be like to live openly with it, free from guilt and fear. We would look at my blood sugar charts and brainstorm ways to keep track of my diabetes equipment, how to write notes to my doctor advocating for what I need, or just rant about how annoying it is to have to feed yourself 4+ times a day. Abby listens to you with the type of neutrality and compassion that grants this vulnerability, and then comes back with wisdom and insight to come up with real tangible plans. Through Abby’s thoughtful listening and encouragement, we explored many different areas of my life- some clearly relating to diabetes and others seemingly random- to gain a realistic perspective on what life looks like now with a chronic illness. I’ve done so many incredible things since our sessions, like walking El Camino de Santiago with my mom and learning to be easier on myself, and the confidence that Abby instilled in me has helped me get there."
-N