About Me
Hello, I’m Anna Kashner, a youth and young adult life coach who believes every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported as they find their own way forward.
For more than two decades, I have worked alongside youth, families, and educators as a teacher, youth development leader, consultant, and auntie. Across every role, one truth has remained constant: young people thrive when they have caring adults who listen without judgment and help them uncover their own strengths.
My passion is helping youth and young adults build confidence, strengthen executive function and communication skills, and create a life that feels authentic and meaningful. I bring warmth, curiosity, and humor to my coaching sessions, creating a space where clients can explore who they are, what they value, and how they want to grow.
My approach is grounded in trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and equity-centered leadership. Coaching with me is both practical and reflective, combining evidence-based tools with deep listening to support skill-building, resilience, and self-trust.
The ampersand (&) has become a personal symbol for me. It represents connection, possibility, and the belief that life is not linear. We are always growing, learning, and evolving, often holding multiple truths at once. The ampersand reminds me, and my clients, that life is not a destination or a checklist. It is a journey filled with “and’s” challenge and joy, uncertainty and growth, struggle and strength. And we can have the life we want even though it might not happen the way we think it should.
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I live in Seattle with my daughter, who has been showing early “fun teen” traits since preschool, my partner and our partime dog, Nash, who we share with grandma. I am also the proud aunt of a crew of incredible nieces and nephews. Supporting young people through these beautifully complex years is one of my greatest privileges and joys.
Qualification
Academic and Professional Background:
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​10 years as a high school teacher
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15 years leading youth development and youth leadership programming
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Significant professional experience with the topics of sex education, puberty, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
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Certified Youth Resilience Coach
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​Trained in the Seeing My Time® Executive Function curriculum
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Multi-Subject Teaching Credential
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Master’s in Public Health
My Values
I bring my life values to my coaching practice:
Unconditional positive regard for all young people.
Fierce acceptance and support for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Unequivocal respect for people of all races, nations, religions, and languages.
Commitment to authenticity and integrity in all relationships.
Belief that we learn and grow. Life is a journey, not a destination.
"The single most powerful force for adolescent mental health is strong relationships with caring adults. We need to meet teens more than halfway."
- Dr. Lisa Damour