Hello
I'm Merly, a HCANZA-Accredited Health and Wellness Coach and certified Career Development Practitioner who's passionate about supporting women (especially mums) to reclaim their energy, confidence and purpose in work and life.
With over 15 years of experience in coaching, career development, and workplace wellbeing, I’ve seen how burnout can quietly erode your confidence, relationships, and sense of self.
As a mother, a coach, and a former high achiever who’s hit burnout more than once, I get what it feels like to want more, more peace, more clarity, more you, without sacrificing everything to get there.
Through my 1:1 and group coaching programs, I support women to rebuild resilience, regulate their nervous systems, and recover sustainably.
My approach is holistic, compassionate, and backed by science, but always led by what you need.
My Story
You can do meaningful work and still prioritise your wellbeing.
I know this because I had to learn it myself after years of helping others navigate their careers while quietly battling my own exhaustion and misalignment.
For close to two decades, I’ve worked in the world of career guidance and occupational rehabilitation, walking alongside people as they rebuild their lives after injury, burnout, or big life changes.
I’ve seen firsthand how the wrong work can drain us and how aligned, purposeful work can heal.
But my story isn’t just professional.
Like so many women, especially mothers, I’ve felt the pull between ambition and rest, between who I used to be and who I’m becoming. I’ve experienced burnout, career pivots, identity shifts and the deep desire to live and work in a way that feels true, sustainable, and nourishing.
That’s what led me here.
My Misson
I help women leaders (especially mums) build careers that feel aligned, energising, and meaningful without burning out.
Whether you're returning to work after a break, feeling stuck in a soul-sucking career, or craving more purpose, I offer a space for realignment.
Together, we blend strategy with self-care, clarity with compassion, and ambition with nervous system support so you can move forward with confidence and calm.
My Professional Background
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Certified Career Development Practitioner (over 15 years of experience in career coaching, occupational rehabilitation, and employment services)
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HCANZA-Accredited Health & Wellness Coach, graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition
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Specialist in Burnout Recovery, Career Transitions & Women's Wellbeing
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Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Training & Certified Professional Health Coach with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition
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Experienced in digital coaching platforms and holistic mental health
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Trauma-aware, heart-led, and client-centred in my approach
If you’re ready to create a career that feels like home, where your health, purpose, and identity can all belong, I’d love to walk with you.
Learn more about my burnout recovery coaching program, The Nurture Ambition Pathway here.
15+ Years of Experience Supporting Life & Career Transitions
Before launching Nurture Ambition, I spent over 15 years working as a Career Transition Specialist, guiding thousands of individuals through complex work and life transitions. My experience spans corporate, government, and community settings, often supporting professionals and leaders after burnout, redundancy, or injury.
As an independent contractor and Career Transition Specialist & Career Coach, I’ve partnered with some of Australia’s leading occupational rehabilitation and career services organisations, including Workers Health Centre, Prestige Health Services Australia, EASEC, Workcom, Prudence Rehab, Skilled Health, Rocket Rehab, Direct Solutions and Hellomonday (by Hudson Recruitment).
These roles deepened my understanding of how stress, identity, and career intersect and what people truly need to recover, reset, and rebuild meaningful work lives.
Today, I bring that experience into my private coaching practice, blending evidence-based career strategies with a deep commitment to mental wellbeing.
I’m especially passionate about supporting career mums because I know first-hand the challenges of balancing ambition, identity, and motherhood.