Hope's Open Door Coaching

Step into a future you love

About

Hello, I’m Hope Dolan, a retirement life coach dedicated to helping individuals and couples step confidently into fully experiencing the life they truly want.

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 specialize in guiding people through this transition so they can create lives filled with purpose, connection, and joy. Retirement life coaching also supports those who have already retired but find the experience isn’t as fulfilling as they imagined—and are ready to explore what’s missing to create more meaning, balance, and satisfaction.

Together, we’ll design a clear and personalized roadmap for your next chapter—one that allows you to move forward with confidence, clarity, and excitement. As your coach, I’ll walk beside you every step of the way.


📩 Questions? Reach me at [email protected]

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.

My Story
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.

These diverse experiences have shaped the way I coach: with empathy, practicality, and a deep understanding of transitions, identity, and growth.

Credentials

  • 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

Curious about what's possible for you in your next chapter? Let's talk!
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Discovery Session

A one-time, 75-minute deep-dive session designed to give you immediate clarity and direction as you begin thinking about retirement.
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Planning for Your Next Chapter

For individuals or couples just starting to plan — or already retired and seeking clarity.
Gain focus, identify priorities, and take your first steps toward a meaningful next chapter.
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Design Your Roadmap

Explore your identity, routines, relationships, and passions while building a customized roadmap that ensures a confident, joyful transition or even a rerouting.
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One Year of Coaching Support

For individuals or couples who want long-term support.
Stay accountable and confident with year-round coaching that helps you adapt, grow, and thrive through every stage of retirement. 
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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?
Retirement coaching is a personalized process that helps you prepare for and navigate the next chapter of your life. Unlike financial advisors who focus on money, retirement coaches focus on the emotional, social, and lifestyle aspects of retirement—such as identity, purpose, relationships, and day-to-day fulfillment.
Who can benefit from retirement coaching?
Retirement coaching is for individuals or couples who are:

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?
Financial planning answers the question, “Do I have enough money to retire?”
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?
Topics vary by client, but may include:

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?
Yes! Retirement impacts both partners, and coaching can help couples align their visions and expectations for their next chapter together.
How many sessions will I need?
That depends on your goals. Some clients benefit from just a few clarity sessions, while others prefer a coaching package to guide them through the full transition. We’ll decide together what makes the most sense for you.
Do I need to know what I want from retirement before starting coaching?
Not at all—that’s exactly what we’ll explore together.
What will I gain from coaching?
You’ll walk away with:

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?
Not at all. Coaching sessions are offered virtually via phone or video, so we can work together no matter where you live. This flexibility allows you to receive support from the comfort of your home, whether you’re across town or across the country or even in a different country.
Is coaching confidential?
Absolutely. Coaching is a safe, judgment-free space. Everything we discuss remains private and focused on your growth.
How do I get started?
The best first step is to schedule a complimentary consultation call. This gives us a chance to get to know each other, explore your goals, and see if coaching feels like the right fit.
How do I contact you?
You can reach me directly at 📩 [email protected]
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What is your refund and cancellation policy for unused sessions?
If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please give at least 24 hours’ notice. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice are considered used and will not be refunded.

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.