Hi, I’m Claudia Barnes,

I am a Career and Life Transitions Coach and transformational programs leader dedicated to helping individuals navigate uninvited change, loss, and significant life shifts with clarity, resilience, and purpose.

I specialize in working with those in their last third stage of life -- 55 and beyond -- who are ready to explore what’s next. My clients often come to me when in the midst of a career/life transition and feel overwhelmed, stuck, off-purpose, and quietly called toward something more.  They seek to discover meaning in their transition, move beyond stuck patterns, reconnect with values and vision to create a deeply aligned and fulfilling path forward.

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Transitions are often a catalyst for discovery, growth, and new life!

I’m in my last third…a bit about my story:

After an extended season of loss -- becoming an empty nester, separation and divorce, two moves, a health crisis, my stepfather and mom passing, and turning 60, I noticed I was feeling “blah” and overall discombobulated. Grief arrived not just for the people I lost, but for the life that had quietly ended. I grieved the dreams of “what could have been” around my marriage relationship and missed my son and the daily rhythm of “mom life”.

About this time, my church offered a class based on The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Over the 12-week journey, I felt “windows cracking open” — a return of curiosity for long-forgotten delights, desires, and creativity combined with a noticing of the inner blocks that had been keeping me stuck. I realized I was continuing to approach life in the same way I had in the “middle third” with a focus on career and family, as if nothing had changed, the same routine, focused on others’ needs, goals, and well-being while neglecting my own life. Now, rays of light began reconnecting me with Self and Spirit.

A writing project that’s lived quietly in my heart for several years began to stir again — something I had honestly thought was “too late.” Much of my story and coaching work has centered on the themes of death and rebirth, following the arc of the Hero’s Journey. I often use the “Wheel of Life” to help others (and myself) reflect on where their energy is focused — and where they may be out of alignment with their needs, values, or Soul purpose.

From this, The Last Third: Create It! was born -- transformational training content designed for those entering this phase of life. It’s about discovering meaning in change, reclaiming personal power, and embracing the last third with purpose and intention.

In full transparency, I see this work as a journey I’m still on. Each day, I aim to stay present, listen for Spirit’s quiet nudges, and honor what intuition reveals. My life’s work has always been rooted in transformation — and I’m deeply honored to have you here, and I look forward to walking this evolving path with you.

Here’s What I Know About You…

You are naturally ambitious, curious, spiritually oriented, life-long learner, (authentic), and full of well-earned wisdom.  And you may be tired and thinking, I’m not young anymore and it is only downhill from here  – NO!

This is not the beginning of the end, but instead the beginning of the beginning!

Not simply Surviving, but Thriving!

Here’s what I want for You..

The Last Third holds so much potential and a powerful invitation  - to reconnect with yourself, rediscover what you truly desire, and consciously create your Last Third. To live this next chapter with intention, clarity and Soul.

Make the Last Third Your Best Third!

Why Work With Me?

I’ve walked this path, too.

I’ve coached hundreds of women and men through major life transitions.
I know clarity isn’t just intellectual -- it’s spiritual, intuitive, embodied.

 My Coach approach includes:

  • Intuitive insight to help you hear what’s underneath the surface.

  • Integrating tools such as mindfulness meditation, contemplative practices, dreamwork, journaling, and Reiki that lead to real, grounded movement.

  • Sacred space—holding space for who you’ve been and who you are becoming. 

Fun Facts About Me:

I love playing outside, whether taking a hike in nature, walking my dog Alfalfa, gardening, or quietly reading or meditating on the patio.

I love being a mom to Spencer and Alfalfa.

I am a life-long learner.

I love travel, adventure, and exploring new places and cultures.

I am grateful that I get to work with so many amazing clients doing this fulfilling work.

Work With Me
 

Professional Credentials

With 20+ years’ coaching experience in corporate, consulting, and private practice settings…

  • Master of Arts Degree Counseling

  • Bachelor of Arts Degree, Business Administration / Marketing

  • Associate Certified Coach (ACC), International Coach Federation (ICF)

  • Coach U International Graduate Coach U

  • Member, International Coach Federation (ICF)

  • Duke Integrative Health Coach Training

  • Mindfulness - Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) UMass Center for Mindfulness (online)

  • Mindful Self - Compassion (MSC) Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (online);

  • Enneagram of Emergence, The Inner Critic Workshop The Enneagram Institute

  • Reiki 1 and 2 Certified

  • Dream School, Haden Institute