About Dr. Donna

For over 20 years, I’ve been working with high-performing individuals, teams, and families—using my years of experiences in human potential, transformational change, and positive psychology, as well as my own intuition—to make meaningful change for them and their paths forward.

When I’m speaking to them, I’m able to capture words and phrases, read between the lines, and understand what a person is really saying. My brain takes what might feel like a pinball machine to someone else and connects all of those dots—doing so in a way they haven’t quite been able to do on their own.

I relay what I’m hearing back to them, and that’s when the realizations begin. Armed with a new level of understanding, they realize that some of the well-worn patterns in their head—many of which have been ingrained for many years—are editable. They can be changed.

It’s incredible to witness—and seeing these powerful connections happen in minutes is one of the best parts about being an executive coach.

High performers: It takes one to know one

The reason I know—and coach—high performers is because I am one. I grew up on Long Island as part of a hardworking, blue-collar family: My father was a second-generation electrician who helped to build the Twin Towers; he followed in my grandfather’s footsteps, who did the electrical work on the Verrazano Bridge. My siblings and I were raised with such a strong work ethic that “lazy” was the ultimate insult.

My siblings and I were among the first generation in our family to go to college—and we all pursued that goal with relentless enthusiasm and drive. We believed that anything was possible. When I called my father the day I got into my Doctoral program at the American School of Professional Psychology, he knew before I did. “What’s up, Doc?” he said. The pride he had for me and for pursuing my education to the level I did is something I will always remember.

Women in blue dress with necklace and dark hair smiling

Psychologist, or coach? How about both!

I spent the first part of my clinical psychology career working with children and families. After several years, however, I sensed a shift in myself. I went through a year-long positive psychology training, and it made me realize I wanted to help humans flourish. I knew my psychotherapy work was impactful and important, but I felt like there was something more I could be doing to truly make an impact.

That impact comes from my focus on family business, leadership teams, and executives. My love for my family and the way I was raised, paired with my psychology expertise, means that I’m uniquely positioned to help families and ensure they create successful companies through clear communication, strong relationships, and necessary boundaries. The driven, high-achieving youngster I was as a child and young adult can be seen in the coach I am now—helping individuals and teams find the answers within them. I’m excited to be the one chosen to help on your journey—and it’s a privilege I take very seriously.

Interested in learning more about working with me one-on-one or in a team setting? Book an Introductory Call with me below or send me an email — donna@drdonnamarino.com.