Testimonials | Mysite

"Mary’s easygoing yet professional style makes the training experience comfortable for all levels of staff. Mary provided individual coaching as well as leadership development training for managers and supervisors in our office and is currently preparing to provide similar training for lead staff. Our team appreciates her friendly style and people-oriented approach to training. I appreciate the time Mary takes to understand the training needs of her clients and her evaluations prove that she always gets it right."

-Lori A. Cruz, Director Contra Costa County Department of Child Support Services

Strategic Planning and Leadership Retreat - 2023

"Overall experience was informative and engaging. I learned a lot about the team and their different strengths they bring to the organization. The consultant did an amazing job with keeping everyone engaged."

- Director, Yvonnia Brown, Ed.D, MSW, Director, Merced County, Human Services Agency

"I am the Assistant Director and Supervising Attorney for the Contra Costa County Department of Child Support Services. I was able to participate in both individual coaching and classroom training with LTJ Consulting. As a coach, Mary was very attentive to what my challenges were and recommended multiple solutions and support for my growth. As a trainer of Team Building and Leadership, Mary was able to quickly gain the respect of the group, conduct a needs assessment and walk the team through to agreement. Her ability to incorporate our needs seamlessly into the materials she used and then to adapt to the needs of the group mid-training demonstrated her skills as a coach, trainer and facilitator."

- Matt Brega, Esq, Assistant Director, & Supervising Attorney, Contra Costa County Department of Child Support Services

“I had the privilege of being under the mentorship of Mary Lawrence-Jones for approximately 8 months and it was like non other. I learned leadership and mentorship strategies that I have utilized in my further career endeavors. Mrs. Lawrence-Jones is both highly professional and personable. Her leadership style is exemplary, and I highly recommend her leadership coaching. Mary Lawrence-Jones delivered new ideas, provided insightful feedback, and genuinely invests her care and time into each of her mentees. I admire her work and her passion for helping others achieve their career advancement goals.”

- Dr. Brittney Gandy-Knox

“Mary was an exemplary partner in our work together for Sacramento County. Not only was she fun to work with, but she understood the organizational dynamics and knew how to get various stakeholders engaged and involved so ultimate ownership was taken. Mary has a positive and contagious presence and leadership style as she connects with others and makes everyone feel valued. Mostly, I have appreciated Mary's non-judgmental style in bringing others into dialogue vs. making them feel wrong or even worse, bad. This is particularly important as we introduced challenging topics around diversity, inclusion and belonging. For all these reasons, I have no doubt that I will reach out to Mary when I need coaching.”

- Kori Czasnojc, Owner, Leadership and Organizational Development Consultant

“Awesome coach! Observant, informative, insightful, exceptional leader that is easily able to assist professionals of any level toward defining and achieving career as well as personal goals. I highly recommend Mary Lawrence-Jones for any coaching or leadership needs.”

- Michelle Longmire, (Retired) Program Manager, Sacramento County

I received individual leadership coaching from Mary Lawrence-Jones with LTJ Consulting recently. I truly benefited from our one-on-one coaching sessions, as I was able to bring current situations to the table to discuss and receive real-time practical feedback. It never seemed like enough time once we got going on a topic, which made the experience very natural.

- Child Support Supervisor

I received individual coaching session with Mary Lawrence Jones. Mary was beneficial in my professional growth, by assisting me in setting obtainable goals, suggesting books and other tools to be used. Mary assisted in helping me to navigate through supervising with a co supervisor. She was very respectful, insightful and knowledgeable. I enjoyed my individual sessions with Mary and would recommend her coaching services and abilities to anyone looking for personal or professional growth.

- Child Support Supervisor

As a relatively new Supervisor, I was struggling with a great many issues. Before I got to know Mary and her coaching style, I was nervous to meet with her. After working with her I became excited knowing our coaching sessions were coming up. I truly felt she was there for me and I never felt judged. The space she created during our conversations felt safe which allowed us to come up with constructive solutions to the issues I was dealing with. With her help I created healthy boundaries with my team, and learned how to utilize the tools I had within myself. After establishing boundaries this allowed me to be able to concentrate on my responsibilities as a supervisor. I will always be grateful to Mary for her words of encouragement and kindness. Thank you Mary.

- Child Support Supervisor

"Our Executive Leadership Team had the privilege of engaging in coaching services tailored specifically to our collective goals and individual aspirations. With Mary’s guidance, we embarked on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Mary's personalized approach to coaching ensured that each member of our team received tailored support and guidance aligned with their unique strengths and development areas. Through insightful sessions, Mary helped us uncover hidden potential, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate a shared vision for our organization's future."

- Child Support Services Administrative Services Officer

"I received both Individual and Team Coaching which included Executive Leadership Team Building, and 5 Dysfunctions of a Team Training. I strongly recommend Mary as an Executive Coach. She is a careful listener, and incredibly effective at identifying areas where I could improve myself as a leader and to grow as a team by focusing on what is most important. Mary provided a safe space to think, to talk openly and to consider different perspectives. Some of the leadership activities included Honoring the Past, Creating the Future, Building Trust, Emotional Intelligence, Psychological Safety and Courage in the Workplace. I greatly benefited from our coaching experience."

- Child Support Program Manager

“ As a new manager I had many doubts and fears while transitioning into my new role. My coaching sessions with Mary have been invaluable, and have provided timely support and guidance. Mary is an excellent listener, and provides great feedback. I especially appreciate that her insight/advice is practical, and clearly comes from her own real life work experience. I would highly recommend Mary as a coach.”

- Sara S, Administrative Services Officer, Sacramento County

“Mary worked with me over the course of several months while helping to develop my personal and professional goals. Her guidance and insight were integral to my success and development. The entire process has really helped me learn how and where to focus my efforts. Mary has a true gift that I admire – understanding people! She is an exceptional coach and mentor!”

- Erik Farahmand, Program Manager, Sacramento County

- Child Support Supervisor

“I recently attended the two-day Team-building-5 Disfunctions of a Team course, and I am currently receiving individual coaching sessions from LTJ Consulting. Mary Lawrence-Jones has been a huge help to me as a new manager as I've navigated the senior leadership path. She listens and offers direction when I am creating action plans. With all her years of executive management and leadership expertise, Mary has offered insightful observations and guidance. I truly believe I will be a better leader because of the services I have and will continue to receive from LTJ Consulting.”

- Child Support Program Manager