I’m Ali, a Personal Growth Strategist.

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My path to this work hasn’t been linear. And honestly, that’s what makes it meaningful.

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At 17, I traveled solo to Brazil, which taught me independence, adaptability, and courage early on. Not long after, my parents divorced while I was just starting college, an experience that shaped how I understand relationships, emotions, and the complexity of being human.

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I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Acting, where I developed strong communication skills and a deep ability to connect with others. After working as a nanny in Chicago, I spent nearly a decade in Los Angeles pursuing a career in film and television, building resilience, discipline, and the ability to keep going even when things didn’t work out.

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Later, I went back to school and earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with plans to become a therapist. But life shifted... I became a mom at 33, and everything changed. I now have two sons, and during their early years, I navigated some of the most challenging seasons of my life, including my youngest undergoing brain surgery as an infant, and becoming a single mom after my own divorce.

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With no financial support, I had to figure things out quickly. I took on delivery jobs with both of my boys in the backseat just to make ends meet. That chapter of my life built a level of resilience, resourcefulness, and determination that no classroom ever could.

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From there, I rebuilt, beginning in personal training before transitioning into education. I served as a college adjunct professor, teaching psychology, social psychology, and group dynamics, and later became a high school teacher, where I taught life skills and wellness. Over time, I moved into leadership, taking on administrative roles that allowed me to support both students and staff on a broader level. I eventually became a Program Manager for an outpatient eating disorder treatment center, which deepened my compassion and strengthened my ability to support others through difficult experiences.
 

I took a leap into business development, only to be laid off due to budget cuts, and in between, I even worked as a fire chaser, which pushed me to develop mental toughness and quick decision-making in high-pressure situations.

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Through all of it, one thing kept coming up... I was meant to build something of my own.

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Gage Goals is the result of that.

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This work isn’t just based on what I’ve studied, it’s built from what I’ve lived. I bring an authentic, grounded, and compassionate approach to personal growth, meeting you where you are and helping you move forward with clarity, confidence, and intention.

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If you’re here, I’m really glad you are.

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And if you’re ready to explore what growth can look like for you, I’d love to connect.