Hope's Open Door Coaching
Step into a future you love
About
For many, retirement marks an exciting new beginning—but the roadmap often feels blank. Too often, we focus only on the financial side of retirement, leaving purpose, identity, and fulfillment unexplored. That’s where retirement coaching comes in.
I will create a customized coaching package to meet your needs.
Current government employees and those impacted by events in 2025 and 2026 can reach out to me for discounted rates.
After serving 12 years in the Federal government as a Leadership Coach, Training Manager, and Program Manager, I decided to start my next chapter. Through that process, I discovered a great need: while people spend decades planning financially for retirement, very few prepare emotionally, socially, and purposefully for this major life shift.
Drawing on my leadership and life coaching background, paired with specialized training in retirement coaching, I founded Hope’s Open Door Coaching to provide the support I wish more retirees had access to.
Before my federal service, I spent 26 years in the U.S. Navy, with leadership roles in recruitment, education, and training. I also worked five years in the private sector supporting IT systems for government clients, giving me a unique ability to bridge technology, strategy, and people across different environments.
- Executive Certificate in Leadership Coaching – Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies
- Certified Professional Retirement Coach (CPRC) – Retirement Coaches Association
- Professional Certified Coach (PCC) – International Coaching Federation
Packages
Door Opening Conversation
Discovery Session
Planning for Your Next Chapter
Gain focus, identify priorities, and take your first steps toward a meaningful next chapter.
Design Your Roadmap
One Year of Coaching Support
Stay accountable and confident with year-round coaching that helps you adapt, grow, and thrive through every stage of retirement.
Testimonials
I reached out to Hope to help me prepare to transition my identity and purpose as I neared retirement from my corporate career.
At the tail end of the Boomer generation, I was a divorced, empty-nester, whose identity was tied to my corporate role.
While I had prepared for retirement financially, I had not prepared for the impact to my identity and sense of purpose.
Hope provided the coaching, frameworks and tools that I needed to clarify my post-retirement identity, purpose, and direction.
With her help, I created a tangible Personal Action Plan that helped me to transition smoothly into my next phase.
I whole-heartedly recommend Hope’s Open Door Coaching, LLC!
- Theresa G., Phoenix
I was happy to get retirement coaching, because I knew I really needed it. It seemed retirement happened to me suddenly and I didn’t have a plan or any idea what retirement would look like. I had a lot of fear around the idea of retirement. I went to Hope carrying a lot of anxiety. Hope helped me realize that retirement could look like many things. Hope asked me great questions and she had great worksheets to help me visualize what retirement could look like. After a while, the fear went away.
After the sessions, and with Hope’s encouragement, I could see that I would be able to do what I wanted to do — which was to work periodically for now. She even helped me with some good professional explanations for my resume for time lapses between jobs.
I would recommend Hope’s Open Door Coaching because she is so helpful and sincerely cares for her clients. She is very patient and calm, and asks great questions to help you evaluate what you want and what would work best for you. She also comes up with some great ideas that I had never thought of.
- Elena G. Phoenix
With all the uncertainty around working for the federal government, I sought out retirement coaching to help me shift my thinking about the next chapter of my life. Although I hadn't planned to retire for another year or two, it seems that now might be the right time to separate, but where to go next? Hope helped me sort out what I wanted and what I no longer want to create a purpose-driven next chapter. With her help, I was able to motivate myself to step into the unknown and shed some long-held beliefs about what I "should" do professionally, since I no longer need to think about building a career the way I always had. She helped me consider possibilities while letting go of the constraints I had put on myself so I could "try on" directions I never could have entertained previously. She kept things realistic and helped me move back and forth between action and reflection. For anyone who is in that transition space and needs support to see the way forward, I strongly recommend Hope as a retirement coach.
- Susan C., Arizona
My time with Hope helped bring clarity and focus to my next steps. Not knowing what to expect from this coaching approach, I was somewhat reserved at first. Hope’s thoughtful questions and ability to listen deeply helped me better understand how I want to be in semi-retirement — yes, semi-retirement.
Hope supported me in seeing more clearly how I can continue doing what I love while envisioning a future that balances meaningful work with the joy of easing up on my workload.
The tools she shared were also instrumental in helping me gain clarity. Seeing all the things I want to do affirmed that the time once filled with work will now be replaced with “joy time.”
- Barry C.. Maryland
I cannot express enough how transformative my experience with Hope Dolan has been. When I first reached out to her, I was overwhelmed by confusion and uncertainty about my retirement. I felt conflicted about leaving my career as a lawyer and manager while grappling with questions about purpose and fulfillment in this new chapter of my life.
Hope’s warmth and insightful guidance helped me navigate through those feelings. She listened intently, asked the right questions, and encouraged me to reflect deeply on what I truly wanted. At appropriate times, she challenged me. Through our sessions, I began to clarify my goals and aspirations, shifting from a place of doubt to one of excitement and passion.
Now, I feel empowered and focused as I embark on this journey. What stands out the most is the newfound clarity I’ve gained—the ability to envision my retirement as an opportunity rather than an end. I’m proud of the actionable steps I’ve taken, including pursuing hobbies I once set aside and volunteering in my community.
I wholeheartedly recommend Hope’s Open Door Coaching to anyone facing uncertainty about their retirement. Her expertise and genuine care make a significant and positive difference, and I believe she can help others find the same confidence and joy I have discovered.
- David Campbell Albuquerque, NM
Free Discovery Call
Let's chat about how retirement coaching can help you find joy in your next chapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is retirement coaching?
Who can benefit from retirement coaching?
starting to consider what they want their next chapter to look like and want to prepare for the transition, or already retired and seeking clarity, purpose, or support in shaping their new chapter.
How is retirement coaching different from financial planning?
Retirement coaching answers the question, “What will I do with my time, energy, and passions once I start my new chapter?”
Together, they create a complete picture of retirement readiness.
What topics are covered in retirement coaching?
Discovering new purpose and passions
Building meaningful routines
Strengthening relationships and social connections
Exploring part-time work, volunteering, or hobbies
Managing the emotional side of leaving a career
Staying mentally and physically active
Do you work with couples?
How many sessions will I need?
Do I need to know what I want from retirement before starting coaching?
What will I gain from coaching?
A clear roadmap for your next chapter
Greater confidence in navigating change
Tools and strategies for maintaining joy, connection, and balance in retirement
Do I need to live in the same state as you to work together?
Is coaching confidential?
How do I get started?
How do I contact you?
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What is your refund and cancellation policy for unused sessions?
I understand that emergencies happen. I offer one emergency last-minute cancellation that can be rescheduled without losing the session. After that, any additional late cancellations will be considered used sessions.
If unexpected circumstances arise, I’ll review refund requests individually and do my best to find a fair solution.