Hello, I’m Sara Smeaton.
I’m a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), writer, and facilitator who works with people in midlife to help them grow, thrive, and reconnect with themselves personally and professionally.
My passion lies in creating spaces where people can slow down, reflect, and gain new perspectives—ultimately helping them find more of whatever it is they want in their lives.
How I show up in my work
Clients often describe me as warm, calm, intuitive, and deeply connected to what’s happening beneath the surface. Some have called me a “feelings detective,” a “magician”, and “witchy,” others say talking to me is like talking to a friend you’ve known all your life. What they recognize is my ability to listen deeply, trust my instincts, and hold space for them to discover truths they might not have fully articulated before.
I’ve learned how to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. My strength lies in helping others identify what truly matters to them and guiding them as they shift gently toward living from that place. After our sessions, clients often tell me they feel more like themselves—lighter, clearer, and more inspired to engage with life meaningfully.
Who I work with
Photo by Marina Dempster
The people I work with are typically highly successful by society’s standards, yet they come to me seeking more—more clarity, connection, and meaning. They are self-aware, have a sense of humour, and feel things deeply, whether about the state of the world or their private experiences. Some are already using their creativity professionally; others are just starting to realize the full scope of their talents.
Many of my clients feel like they've lost themselves along the way, caught up in the multiple roles they inhabit and the demands placed on them. They come to me ready to reconnect with the parts of themselves that have been put on hold. Whether they’re seeking personal clarity or at a professional crossroads, they’re driven by a desire to live intentionally and authentically.
What it’s like to work with me
In my coaching practice, I draw on everything I’ve learned and experienced. I trust my intuition, hold a vision for my clients until they’re ready to step into it, and use humour, metaphors, and embodiment practices to shift perspectives. I am certified in the Co-Active Coaching model, which explores the interplay between who you are being (Co) and what you are doing (Active). Together, we uncover new insights, make intentional choices, and move forward in a way that feels aligned and meaningful.
The transformations I witness are often subtle but profound. Clients gain access to a deeper pool of creativity, compassion, and curiosity, which allows them to try new things and find fulfillment in both big achievements and small changes. Over time, these shifts create a healthier, freer, and more satisfying way of being in the world.
Why I do this work
I’ve had a quiet but persistent desire to work with people since I was in my twenties. My mother became a therapist in her forties, and I always knew I’d be good at supporting others too. But I wanted to work with people in the present and future—focusing on who they are now and the choices they can make to create the life they want, without needing to dwell on why they are the way they are.
It wasn’t until I reached my own forties that I found the courage to pursue this work—finding the bravery to pursue writing, another long-held dream came first and that set the stage for other possibilities. Midlife, I believe, is the perfect time to let go of old stories about why we can’t do the things we want and instead try something new.
Each of us is an artist of our days; the greater our integrity and awareness, the more original and creative our time will become.
– John O'Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings
My life experiences and perspective
I’ve lived a life that has taught me the importance of embracing paradox, self-expression, and compassion.
- Family influence: I grew up not knowing my maternal grandmother, who passed away at 49, while my paternal grandmother is now nearly 100 years old. These contrasting experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the fact that life can be both short and long, reminding me to make the most of it.
- Redefining my story: As a teenager, I dropped out of high school briefly, only to return and graduate as valedictorian. This experience taught me that we are never locked into a single story about ourselves—we have the power to change course.
- Navigating loss and new beginnings: After surviving a rare ectopic pregnancy that threatened my life, I went on to have two children. This experience has given me an appreciation for my life, my body, my family, and an ability to see beauty in the mundane that I’m not sure I would have had without it. It also taught me great patience with uncertainty and not knowing.
- Professional life: I have always followed my values professionally and that has taken me on a winding and interesting journey from film distribution to advertising, to writing and content creation to coaching. I embrace that I have many talents and interests and highly value variety in my work.
These experiences and many others have shaped how I show up in my life and work, reinforcing my belief that the stories we tell ourselves can change—and that self-work is, ultimately, world work.
Outside of coaching
When I’m not working, you’ll often find me walking in the woods, talking with a close friend, or taking photos of the nature around me. I love listening to podcasts and reading and my husband and I enjoy exploring Toronto’s many neighborhoods, farmers markets, galleries, and cafés.
Recently, I’ve been diving deep into dream work, both for myself and with my clients. It’s another way to tap into the subconscious, uncover hidden insights, and explore the possibilities waiting to emerge.
How we can work together
If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to connect. You can book a free call to see if we’re a good fit or dive right in with an intake session. Together, we’ll uncover what’s most important to you and take meaningful steps toward creating the life you want.
If you’re a journalist, collaborator, or need a bio for any reason you can find that in the media kit.
What people say about working with Sara
Pam H.
“After spending many, many years in the large corporate realm I was completely hollowed-out when my job was eliminated. Sara listens with empathy, care, and wisdom. She helped me rediscover what has real meaning and value — and how far I had strayed from my true self. The notion of “what’s next?” is still very much out there for me but I now embrace it with a sense of optimistic possibility; clarity of my personal values and truths; and the confidence that everything really is going to work out just fine…”
– Pam H.
Johanna Reynolds
“Sara Smeaton is masterful with her coaching. After ten sessions, I feel stronger from a very deep place. For me, it’s been about building emotional resilience. This has felt like a missing piece for years now — and Sara’s line of questioning combined with her gentle guiding has allowed me to find my way to filling in this gap. I’m so grateful to have had this time with her.”
Photo by Marina Dempster
– Johanna Reynolds
Alan Dilworth
“Sara is an extraordinary listener and thinker, and is deeply insightful. Her coaching is both big picture and practical. It is always applicable. Sara was an indispensable coach for me in one the most challenging periods of rapid growth in my journey as an artistic and institutional leader, as I was called on to step in and successfully lead a large arts institution through a major unprecedented crisis. She was a true partner in this challenging but defining time. My work with Sara continues to be highly relevant in my latest artistic leadership adventures with Necessary Angel.”
Photo by Dahlia Katz
– Alan Dilworth Artistic Director, Necessary Angel Theatre Company