About Kim Ridley

At its core, coaching is a partnership—a dynamic relationship between coach and client where both uncover strengths, challenges, and the underlying barriers that may be holding one back. I believe in the potential of every individual to live a life filled with purpose and meaning. As a coach, my role is to create an environment where insight, clarity, and confidence inspire shifts in perspective—broadening how we see ourselves and others.

Coaching has been a transformative force in my journey as a leader and a human being. Through active listening, powerful questioning, and intentional reflection, I’ve uncovered connections that have deepened my ability to build authentic relationships and engage fully with my body and mind, creating deeper insights and shifts in how I show up as a human being and leader. I am inspired by the power of awareness that coaching offers and the small, deliberate steps it fosters, leading to meaningful transformation and growth.  I am passionate about supporting others in making critical connections, leading to more fulfillment in their working and everyday lives. 

I am honored to serve as the Head of Fayerweather Street School, a PreK through eighth-grade progressive school in Cambridge, Massachusetts. With over 30 years of experience spanning pre-kindergarten to graduate education, my journey in education has been shaped by a deep passion for learning, growth, and connection. Drawing on my background and training as a school and clinical psychologist, adjunct professor, school leader, teacher, coach, consultant, and parent, I bring a holistic and thoughtful approach to my interactions. My work experiences and these various roles have given me unique insights into the complexities of human development and the profound impact that education can have on individuals and communities. Throughout my career, I have designed workshops and presentations that lead to insights and awareness of how our multiple identities influence what we see and understand about ourselves and others.  I firmly believe in the transformational power of self-awareness and emotional intelligence as cornerstones for fostering growth, resilience, and well-being in whatever communities we find ourselves in.

Relationships are key to living a meaningful life. My relationships with my daughter, my partner in life, two brothers, my sister, nieces, nephews, cousins, and good life-long friends are where I get my sustenance and motivation to get up every morning. I love nature, particularly trees–as trees are not just individual organisms; they are part of a vast, complex web of life that sustains entire ecosystems, and their roots are the ways they communicate with each other.  Walking in nature and noticing the beauty that is embedded in all forms of life provides me with a sense of gratitude and spiritual connection.  I love to read everything, particularly books that provide a window into cultural and life experiences that differ from mine.  I enjoy games, as I am down for a fun and competitive card or word game, or my favorite, Rummikub. I am on the accreditation committee for the Association of Independent Schools in New England, and I belong to two social organizations that support African American Women. 

Kim received her BA degree in Psychology from Spelman College and her MA and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The Derner Institute of Psychological Studies at Adelphi University, Garden City,  I recently completed the Executive Leadership Coaching Program, at Teleos Leadership Institute. I am a certified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory.