Testimonials

Individual Coaching

Mary helped me develop a road map as I thought through a major life transition. Her approach is incredibly creative-she developed personalized systems that ensure my ideas didn’t just stay as wishful thinking but actually translated into concrete, manageable steps forward. 

Mary went far beyond what I expected. She helped identify resources that could support my journey, became one of my biggest cheerleaders, and created a space where I could explore possibilities honestly. --Marcia 

I had the privilege of learning from and being mentored by Mary O’Neill during my time at Western Connecticut State University. Initially, she was my philosophy professor, but she quickly became much more than that—my life coach, mentor, and a guiding force in my career development.

Mary’s passion for empowering young professionals is truly unparalleled. She is not only deeply knowledgeable, but also genuinely invested in the success of her students and clients. Her “Building Your Career” course was one of the most impactful experiences of my academic journey. Through her thoughtful assignments—like the goal-planning and life-overview systems that helped us envision the three directions we can take ourselves and careers—she opened my eyes to the opportunities already within my reach and how to prepare to reach for more. She taught me how to capitalize on my strengths, trust my ambitions, and strategically build on my personal and professional growth.

From building a resume that is true to your professional strengths and strategically highlights where you hold value, to passionately determined to help you tap in to your vast personal development, Mary O’Neill is the person to guide you. I am forever grateful for her mentorship and the impact she has had on my personal and professional growth. -- Jomar

I graduated from Fordham University in May 2024, and when it came time to apply for master's programs, I reached out to Mary O’Neill for help with writing samples, resume building, and career coaching. From a writing standpoint, Mary’s expertise and experience is unmatched, as she helped me turn writing samples that I lacked confidence in into well-rounded writing submissions. Mary is extremely insightful in resume building, and she helped me fine-tune my resume, tailoring it for master's programs and job applications. 

If you are looking for help with career coaching, I highly recommend Mary O’Neill. When meeting with her, she is approachable and relatable. All in all, Mary is great at what she does, and she seamlessly makes the daunting process of applying for school and jobs manageable. In the fall, I'm attending the program of my choice at the University of Pennsylvania and have an internship lined up at a DA's office this summer.  

- - Gabriele

Mary O’Neill is more than just a professor I had at Western Connecticut State University—she is my biggest cheerleader and a dear friend of mine. Her dedication to her students and community is unmatched, as she consistently goes the extra mile to uplift those around her.

I had the privilege of taking two Design Your Life classes with Mary, and before those courses, I struggled to envision what my future could look like. Through her coaching, she instilled a deep belief in me that the best was yet to come. She equipped me with practical tools and the confidence to turn this belief into reality.

When I was uncertain about my next steps—debating whether to pursue a master’s degree in public health—Mary was the first person to support me. She guided me through that period of uncertainty and played a crucial role in helping me secure my current AmeriCorps position as a health professions pipeline coordinator in Northwest Connecticut.

Mary isn’t just someone who offers words of encouragement—she takes action. She radiates enthusiasm and leads with passion, kindness, and integrity. She stands firmly by her values and genuinely wants the best for everyone around her. I am beyond grateful for her mentorship, support, and unwavering belief in me! --Marcela

Dr. O’Neill quietly mentored me through my undergraduate degree at WCSU and cheered me on as I studied for my masters. Never pushy but always present, she listened and asked questions to help guide me to finding answers for myself. She taught me to trust myself and go after what made sense for me regardless if it was norm. Should I choose to take on more education I know she’d be there for me but I also know she is rooting for me no matter what I’m doing.  -- Briana

Mary is the epitome of what an inspiring mentor should be. She is an influential and forward-thinking leader who motivates students and clients to achieve beyond their perceived limitations. Her ideas shatter the walls of the proverbial box, and she encourages her audience to think freely and progressively, focusing on the trees, while embracing the forest. On multiple occasions, Mary has been my sounding board. She has challenged my ideas and encouraged me to think and reflect. Her feedback has always been empathetic, and her delivery is exceptional. I hope to collaborate with her again in the future. -- Pano

Mary meshes Life Design curriculum with her own experiences to help clients reach their full potential. Life Design was the most relevant, important course I took in college to set me up for the rest of my life. Mary connected me with a local magazine that publishes my written work! She taught me how to take my life by the reins, plan for what's before me, and execute a plan to make it all come to pass. Work with Mary!-- Gabrielle

Organizational and Educational Workshops and Presentations

I’ve had the privilege of working with Dr. Mary O’Neill for many years and was pleased to have hired her to teach our first ever life design and workforce professionalism courses at Western Connecticut State University. Her classes were consistently among the most creative and impactful offered—most students billed them as life-changing. Mary’s brings deep compassion, creativity, and wisdom to her work, creating transformative experiences for those she serves. With her extraordinary insight and heart, Dr. O’Neill is a powerful guide for anyone ready to design a more intentional future.  Kathleen, Director (former), Career Success Center, Western Connecticut State University 

Mary was instrumental in a very important point of my career.  We had worked together for several years as I was navigating Salisbury Bank’s Leadership Development Program.  Although we had a series of discussions in the early years of the program my time working with Mary was most valuable in my graduating year.  She was very helpful in guiding my peers and myself through the necessary thought process to life mapping, self-reflection, and goal setting.  Mary’s attention to all the details of my specific situation were clear, concise, and focused on granularity.  Mary’s approach to dissecting our individual SWOTs was most valuable.  With a keen importance on short-, mid-, and long-term goals Mary helped guide me team through “unraveling” all the various attributes that differentiate us as professionals. 

Mary was very helpful in bringing our strengths to light, providing resources and opportunities to build upon our weaknesses, as well as creating a clearly defined path to our longer-term goals.  I have a true value in leading a group of high performing individuals in the future and each day I reflect on this value and what I can do to make it a reality.  Mary was instrumental in my early years of my career with Salisbury Bank and I am happy to share that as of this week I have been notified of my promotion to an AVP position which has been a significant short term focus for myself.  To anyone that can work with Mary, listen… think …. and really consider her opportunities as what they are for you which is likely much more than you can see on the surface of yourself.--Michael, AVP, Business Banking Officer, NBT Bank 

I was part of a leadership development program through my employer. Mary met with our leadership team several times where she provided insights, strategies and techniques to navigate challenges and achieve success in not only the workplace, but also our home life. The interactive nature of these lessons and Mary’s wealth of knowledge on the topic were invaluable. Her lessons are extremely relatable and tailored to fit the exact needs of the group or even career goals on an individual level. She makes everyone in the group think outside the box and she left me with lessons that will last for my entire life both inside and outside the workplace! I would highly recommend Mary at every level! --Kevin, VP NBT Bank

Mary O'Neill's three-day workshop at Western Connecticut University was a truly inspiring experience. As a career counselor and HR Manager, I have attended many workshops, yet I have never attended a workshop that examined the individual from so many perspectives. If you're hesitant about pursuing your true calling, this workshop will gently but firmly guide you to confront your fears and emerge ready to embrace your full potential. Mary's expertise as a professor commands respect, while her compassionate approach makes her message resonate deeply. I highly recommend spending as much time as possible with Mary to benefit from her wisdom and guidance. Every conversation I have had with Mary has challenged me to be my best self. --Joanne, HR Manager Certified Career Counselor (CCC)

Dr. O’Neill is a great guest speaker, and has a way of working with college-age students. I asked Dr. O’Neill to work with my cohort of 30 students who all face various barriers. After a few initial conversations, Dr. O’Neill presented various structured workshop models that were clear, concise and met all of my needs. She provided all materials needed and had amazing time organization skills; specifically, she provided materials days in advance so we were prepared for her. When with the students, Dr. O’Neill was engaging, and my students responded very well to her teaching style. I found that her experience and mastery knowledge of the Odyssey Plans was exactly what my students needed to help them think about their next steps in life! Jessie DePonte, Program Director, Team Success Scholars, CT State: Northwestern Community College

I attended Dr Mary O'Neill's three-session workshop, Designing a Life at Any Age, and found it useful and thought-provoking. So interesting to be in a class with 20 other people and still feel like you are getting a very personal experience. Through instruction, small group work, and individual homework and reflection, I came away with a better understanding of my values and motivators and, ultimately, how to bring those together for a vision for my future.
Sara C.

I had a great time at your workshop. At some moments, I was pushed out of my comfort zone, but it felt good. Even though it was only three sessions, I will miss starting my week off in that positive atmosphere. Your workshop inspired me to find or even create a community where people support each other and hold each other accountable. --Steve

I cannot tell you enough how much I enjoyed this class! You lived up to your bio on the OLLI website/class description--you were engaging, forthcoming with your own Life Designs, and enthusiastic for all of us! --Yvonne

Thank you so much for a wonderful course on Life Design at BCC/OLLI.  You are an inspiring teacher and I learned a lot. It was helpful to walk through the exercises and get feedback from people who are not connected to me and can give unbiased advice.  --Anonymous