Noel McLellan
Awake Youth Coaching Mindfulness & Education Writing
Coaching and personal development for young people and those who work with youth. Meeting challenges with a calm, deep, and kind presence is my superpower. Unconditional trust in your inherent goodness is a given. 
About me
I have a passion for helping people—especially youth—discover the best in themselves. My inspiration sources from meditation and Buddhism, which I’ve practiced for most of my life. I’ve taught middle and high school for over 20 years, and am the Dean of Mindfulness at the Hydrostone Academy. I teach meditation to youth, adults, and teachers. As a certified coach I work with young people and adults, helping them move forward in life. I write stories and nonfiction about things like contemplative education, Buddhism, and society. I also drink tea, hike, and ride my bike. I have two children and a partner and I live in Kjipuktuk, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Fear Is A Stepping Stone ໒ Bravery Is Being Who You Are ໒
Fear Is A Stepping Stone ໒ Bravery Is Being Who You Are ໒
My services
Awake Youth Coaching
I work with youth (15-25ish) helping them to find direction and reach their goals. It’s tough growing up in the world today. This is a space where young people can work on their life, mental health, and social concerns with a wise, impartial ally.
Mindfulness & Education
For teachers and youth workers, personal development is professional development. I provide coaching for youth work professionals to cultivate resilience, and to work toward your goals in a holistic manner. I also offer meditation instruction and professional development workshops on mindfulness and contemplative education for groups.
Creative work
Writing
I’ve written two books:
Teaching With Bravery; Meditation and Heart Advice for Teachers is an inspiring guide for teachers who are interested in working with their inner life as the key to a meaningful experience in the classroom.
Emily & the Deepest Memory is a middle grade adventure novel that I wrote with the help of my daughter Esmé when she was 10. It’s a weird and wise story about a girl on a quest to find her lost memories.
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Vision
&
Balance
Growing up in the world today can be overwhelming, but anxiety shouldn’t rule our lives. We can move forward with genuine confidence and joy.
Awake Youth Coaching
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Growth
Positive
Healthy
Loving -
Decision Making
Unstuck
Fearless
Forward -
Relationships
Family
Friends
Teachers -
Life Management
Planning
School
Money -
Self Awareness
Mindfulness
Spirit
Bravery
Youth Coaching is…
a process in which the young person (ages 15-25ish) meets with me in a series of 45 minute sessions. We talk about their life, and I help them identify and achieve their goals related to personal growth, school, the future, well being, or whatever is important to them. As a coach, I am on their team. By taking steps toward their vision, they discover confidence and a sense of ownership of their lives.
“By participating in youth coaching with Noel, I was able to open up about my thoughts and feelings without feeling nervous or judged. It was an opportunity to get feedback and advice from a trusted mentor.”
– Olivia, age 15
Frequently asked questions
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Coaching is great for folks who feel “good enough” but would like to move toward thriving, creating new habits, and meeting goals. If mental health challenges are causing an inability to function in your life, therapy is a better fit.
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The first session is free so we can see if coaching is a fit. If so, we’ll have a series of 4 sessions. See my sliding scale rates for details. After the series is complete you can keep going at either a single session rate ($50) or in another block of 4.
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We can meet in person (Halifax) or on Zoom. In our first session we take a holistic look at your life and identify some areas that you’d like to work on. Each session after that, we identify actions that you feel motivated to take that will move you toward your goals. I can also provide a range of activities for fostering reflection and mindfulness if that’s what the session calls for.
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I am a Youth Well Being Coach, Certified by the Youth Coaching Institute, which is accredited by the International Coaching Federation. I’ve also worked with youth for over 20 years as a middle and high school teacher of English, History, Health, and Mindfulness. I’ve been Head of Discipline and am experienced in Restorative Approaches, Nonviolent Communication, and group facilitation such as Circle practice. I’ve been a meditation instructor for 30 years, and have also led summer camps. Oh, and I have two teenage children of my own.
Mindfulness and Education
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Calm
Clear
Healthy
Ease -
Resilience
Flexible
Resourceful
Fun -
Presence
Genuine
Awake
Open -
Compassion
Heart
Self care
Empathy -
Awareness
Mind-body
Feelings
Life
Workshops, Retreats, Personal Coaching…
I offer meditation and mindfulness workshops for individuals and groups. Professional Development days, Work retreats, or guidance for any group that wants to foster well-being and infuse deeper meaning and awareness into your work and life. From an hour-long intro to a week-long intensive, I’ll tailor an offering that fits your interest.
I also offer Coaching for adults! Rooted in mindfulness and positive self-regard, we work together to help you move forward in your personal and professional lives.
“Working with Noel was a truly supportive and empowering experience. His coaching style is both soothing and empathetic, while also being encouraging and insightful. He creates a safe, calm space for growth and helps bring clarity to goals in a way that feels deeply affirming.” —Ronicka Hamilton, MA, LLPC, ACC
Reach out to schedule Coaching, Teaching , Meditation Instruction, Professional Development
