If you are in search of a high energy, thoughtful speaker who understands the "why", then look no further than Leah Jantzen. Leah's background as a high school counselor, coach, and athlete enables her to engage with high school student-athletes in order to help them find their "why". As a mental health coach she encourages adolescents to find that important balance of mental wellness and mental toughness.

- Chris SchmidtCMAA, Director of Athletics, Nipmuc Regional High School, Upton, MASS

I was pleasantly surprised last spring when Ms. Jantzen scheduled a meeting with my daughter’s sports team unexpectedly. In the 3V district, which I've been a part of since I entered Kindergarten back in 1976, and my 4 kids have been blessed to be a part of since 2005, I am truly impressed that they recognized the need for a Mental Health Coach!!! Overburdened schedules and stress levels have been climbing for most teens and college students since the Pandemic. They really need to learn how to survive AND succeed during these stressful times. She met with my daughter and her teammates and showed them that they were NOT ALONE with their feelings! High school is stressful to begin with – but when you add the physical and mental fatigue that they must endure while playing a sport – it can easily overwhelm them. Ms. Jantzen reviewed techniques with them on how to remain calm in stressful situations and really extended a helpful hand and a warm hug. She also fostered an environment filled with camaraderie. Ms. Jantzen really helped my daughter and teammates overcome many of their fears and frustrations and enabled them to play and FEEL their best. Can’t thank Ms. Jantzen enough for being there for her student athletes. Keep up the great work, Ms. J!!!

- D.P.Parent of student athlete

This year we were introduced to Coach Leah during both my volleyball and basketball season. She helped us learn the different aspects of maintaining a good mental health while being under the pressure of varsity athletics. One of the main things I learned was to control the controllables. For example you can’t control the other team and how they act or the crowd in the stands. But you can control how you fuel your body before the game and your effort levels. This allowed me to focus more on how to prepare myself before a game, rather than worrying about what was going to be happening on the other side of the court. Right before volleyball playoffs started we sat down with Coach Leah and she told us to write down three things we envisioned ourselves doing in the game. We were then told to put those post-it’s on our mirrors in our room. Every morning I woke up and read those goals that I had for myself and they became something I repeated in my head. Having these goals at the forefront of my mind while playing helped me remember what I wanted to achieve and I saw significant improvements in my own game knowing that I had these goals.

- G.H.Senior, Varsity Volleyball and Basketball

Mrs. Jantzen has put all of her time, effort and focus into creating a space for Ward Melville’s student athletes and their programs to be successful on and off the field. Talking about team and individual goals, mindset, attitude and commitment to one another is what she specializes in. Both myself and Mrs. Jantzen can agree that the conversations we have with one another allowed me as a leader to create the best environment for those I was leading. Having Mrs. Jantzen in our corner allowed our athletes to be better at our respective sports and overall as young men and women.

- R.L.Senior, Varsity Baseball

Working with Coach Leah allowed us to enhance practice time and get the most out of our bodies and minds. It helped us come together, identify our goals, raise our standards, and reach a higher level of performance.

- Coach PeragalloVarsity Girls Lacrosse

Never in my life did I think that I would have an adult in school who understood how difficult it was to be a student-athlete. Teachers and Coaches don’t get it because they are only on one side of things but you get it. You speak to me through my viewpoint of life. You not only helped me understand my feelings but you helped me embrace my feelings. As student-athletes there are so many things going through your head at all times and you helped us control the controllables. The difference you made to my softball team is unbelievable. The game of softball is mental enough on top of being a teenage girl. You gave us a safe space to truly feel comfortable with each other. You enabled us to realize that as a team we need to be whole in order for all of us to succeed. You are the best asset Ward Melville has ever brought to our program. So thank you!

- E.P.Sophomore, Varsity Softball

As we reflect on the amazing year with our baseball players, I wish to thank you for your amazing work with our student - athletes. I appreciate how much you went beyond the scope of your professional role to help our players enjoy an incredibly rewarding and fun experience on Old Town Road. The players loved every one of our three meetings. Not only was your passion for education in full force, but your knowledge of sports and how athletes need to manage their time and stress levels impressed everyone who was listening. A.N.T.s and Green Lights took center stage when the game reached stressful levels. Charlie West pitched a no- hitter with 16 strikeouts and the players were reminding him of how much his teammates supported him and appreciated him from our meetings.

Your appearances at our games reinforced all of your dedication to your mental health coaching. Your batting practice performance showed the players that you care. Your commitment and powerful voice showed the players that you care. Your energy taught the players that you care.

Thanks for caring, Leah...

You made our team better and you made me a better coach...

Thank you so much Leah for making our season even more memorable.

- Lou Petrucci

As an athlete, mental health gets overlooked because we’re so focused on putting 100% effort into how we play but some days are harder than others; from losing games to long practices, and having Coach Leah there just to open up a different perspective on the things that get overlooked really makes a difference. She gives you the ability to open up and gives your mind a fresh perspective on how you view yourself in your sport, and what to focus on when you’re very lost in thought and worried about what the next practice will be like. Everything helped me out so much with not even just one sport but continuing into college I still use some of the tactics that I learned with her. I always felt comfortable and just relaxed when I would talk to her about what was going on and just having that support to know that everyone feels like this is so helpful. That athletes around the world not only struggle physically but mentally as well. As a college athlete I still do the exercises that we did in high school when Coach Leah was helping and I noticed how much of a difference it has made. I play more relaxed and have less stress on my mind knowing what my goals are. It really helps me focus and be able to play multiple games at a high level. Coach Leah was my coach for many years and we have done this for a long time and looking back when I did not have this ability to sit and talk about how we felt about a game, or a practice really just shows me the difference in how I played and the intensity that I brought–how I was so much more focused.

- K.S.Class of 2022

I believe that during last season the time the team reserved to spend with Coach Leah directly resulted in our league championship; through the creation of a stronger team mentality. The mindset focus Coach Leah presented to the team allowed me to make it through the strenuous season, keeping me grounded, focused, open to the bigger picture, and most importantly, lowered my daily stresses. Not only did the skills taught to me during these sessions cause a noticeable improvement in my mental health, but also on my performance on the court. I still use these skills today in order to design personal goals which are achievable yet ambitious. One of my favorite messages that Coach Leah praised was to focus on the controllable aspects of life. This allowed me to avoid the trap of stressing on factors I could not change. Thank you Coach Leah!!

- S.H.Class of 2022

Coach Leah was always in my corner. Especially as a captain trying to figure out the right way to lead, her team exercises and self reflection journaling really helped me organize my thoughts. Outside of sports I really started to struggle as I learned how to be the author of my own story. But, Coach Leah was always there to help me navigate it all. I think it was really beneficial to me that as a guidance counselor Coach Leah was always easily accessible during the school day if I needed her.

- E. S.Class of 2022

Coach Leah always told me to envision myself completing different tasks. She would tell me to envision my serve going over the net or in my approach as I went up to swing. This helped me achieve the goals I wanted, not only in volleyball, but in my everyday school, home, and work life. It gave me the confidence I needed to improve in volleyball. I always hear her positive voice while I am on the court or when I am struggling at something. I was fortunate to have Leah as my coach for the past 4 years. Her encouragement and positive energy impacted my volleyball career and life!

- B.W.Class of 2023

I remember listening to the girls one morning, at their usual breakfast at my house, fondly talking about their volleyball team coach, Leah. The lively conversation caught my ear because it was so refreshing to hear such wonderful feedback from young girls about a coach. They were recalling all the positive mantras, exciting activities, and talks they’d shared throughout the years, both on and off the court. My daughter still says that coach Leah brought the most positive energy to every practice and game

- Denise WilliamsParent of athlete

December 11 2012 was the day my life changed, that was the date of my first brain surgery. After recovering the only residual effect I had was double vision when I looked straight down which made it extremely difficult to do the one thing that I loved and had done my entire life…..play golf. As a type A personality I looked for a new challenge and came to running, never a runner a day in my life I took the challenge on aggressively. Running 13 half marathons in a 24 month period and finally stepping up to the marathon distance in 2016 at the NYC Marathon. Again, my type A personality kicked in and I was looking for my next challenge and a friend turned me onto triathlon. Unfortunately, 3 months before my first triathlon I learned that I needed a 2nd brain surgery, no big deal I’ll just set my sights on something bigger for 2018. I did just that completing my first half ironman 13 months after my second surgery. Always looking for the next big challenge I set my sights on a full Ironman in 2020, but Covid had other plans. Along the way I developed panic attacks in the water and was fortunate enough to find Leah during the lockdown. In working closely with her through meditation and visualization techniques I was not only able to overcome my panic in the water, but I was able to become a more confident athlete. I completed a homegrown Iron Distance race in 2021 and in 2022 on the 5 year anniversary of my second surgery I crossed the finish line at Ironman Lake Placid. The tools and techniques that Leah taught me played a huge role in my success. I never felt like I wouldn’t complete my goal and actually felt comfortable and confident in my abilities throughout the day as I had visualized every single moment of that incredible day.

- Jonathan Schwartz2016 NYC Marathon Finisher, 2022 Ironman Lake Placid Finisher

As a coach, Leah brings out the best in you, not just one time but consistently. She has empathy and a deep understanding of what it’s like to be a busy, successful human who wants to do more. She provides a guidepost of consistent small steps that lead up to big wins. She coached me through one of the best years of my life, which included completing a rigorous half-marathon even though I wasn’t a runner. She’s great at listening and finding the opportunities to push you a little farther towards your goals every day.

- Farrah Haidar

Running the NYC marathon has always been on my bucket list. My dad ran this marathon in 1989. At that time we lived in Russia and not a lot of people had a chance to travel outside of the country. Some charity groups sponsored 5 Russian athletes to come to New York. They did not have a lot of money, so they brought Russian souvenirs to sell at NYC gift shops. I think that trip planted a seed in my dad’s mind to move to the US one day. Thirty years later, as an American citizen now, I will be running the NYC marathon in honor of my dad and giving back to a charity. I am not a runner yet and this adventure is definitely out of my comfort zone, but I’m relying on Leah’s expertise to guide me through this experience and help me cross the finish line with a smile on my face.

We started our coaching with her painting a picture of my race. I was able to visualize my success and energy of the event. We are also playing with my diet to get the best results from my body. Leah is guiding me through recovery and how to be tuned in to my body more. Her passion for running and positive attitude is very contagious and I am super excited to share this experience with her.

Thank you!

- Ksenia Bocharova

Working with Leah has re-energized my Ironman training by bringing more intention to my workouts and daily life. Leah has helped me navigate a time of uncertainty by sharing skills to build up my mental toolkit and continually become a better version of myself. I am so excited to continue this journey with her and can't wait to see the continued growth!

- Tristan LindfeldtIronman, Mom of 2

Even though Leah and I never met in person I felt like she knew me right away. This was very important to me because I started to work with her at a time that I really needed someone who could help me sort through some major life changes I was embarking on. I knew immediately after our first conversation that I would benefit greatly from working with her and I did. Leah and I set out clear goals from the beginning and we looked back at them throughout our work. At the conclusion of our work together I was able to move confidently and peacefully ahead on my new path. Something that I never expected I could do. Thank you SO much Leah!

- Carla TanzYoga Instructor, Mom of 2, Manhattan

“Our readers need information and inspiration and I know I can always turn to Leah to provide it in equal doses. She’s not just a great talker—she’s been there and speaks from experience—and has been a highly-valued contributor over the years. Her message transcends age, gender, and cultural boundaries—which is a necessity because we publish worldwide. Moreover, interviewing Leah is always a shot in the arm for me personally; when I’m done speaking with her I’m thinking bigger and want to achieve greater things. Sharing that feeling with our readers is one of the great pleasures of my career—and I look forward to doing it for many more years to come.”

- Matt TuthillEditorial Director of Robert Irvine Magazine, formerly editor of Muscle & Fitness and Men’s Fitness magazines

"Leah has a true gift. She sets lofty goals for herself and lays out a plan to accomplish those goals. She wears many hats (athlete, mom, wife, career-woman) though she's never stressed or overwhelmed. She tackles her goals, with a smile on her face, though deep down she is laser-focused, possessing a true grit and determination. Leah is a wonderful example for women in all facets of life!”

- Danielle SullivanTriathlon Coach, Iron Fit Endurance

Leah has a wonderful energy about her first of all, which is truly contagious, even over the phone. She is a wonderful listener – you really feel that she cares about your problems and genuinely wants to help you meet you get a plan in place to meet whatever challenge or challenges you might have. Often times in life we get so caught up in trying to accomplish a million different things that we can become discouraged at the sheer number of challenges we face or the enormity of one particular challenge. Leah does a great job not only helping you break down your challenges (“divide and conquer”); she also is great at helping you to figure out what it is that might be holding you back from getting what you want.

- Lincoln GaffneyWriter/Consultant, Washington, D.C.

From the moment I started working with Leah I experienced immediate positive results. Her warmth, keen insight, and excellent coaching ability have helped me gain clarity on what I want to accomplish in my life. Her ongoing support and encouragement have been invaluable. I am so grateful for how quickly my life has changed for the better since I started working with Leah and I highly recommend establishing a coaching relationship with her if you are looking for a shift in your life, you are certain to get results.

- Kerry TurnerLife and Leadership Coach, Manhattan, NY

Thank you for helping me change the story I have been telling myself for 48 years (yikes I didn’t realize it was that long!). You are an amazing lady and I love your insight. Thanks for seeing things through a different pair of eyes. Anyone who wants to work on themselves would be grateful to have you as a coach.

- Laura Kavanagh

Thank you for the amazing coaching that I received from you. Not only are you a beautiful person on the outside, your inside SHINES and the wealth of knowledge you share does wonders! I was struggling in my life with time management BIG TIME. With 4 kids and building a very successful business, I was so out of balance. This affected my business, my family and ME. While being coached by you, I was able to SET BOUNDARIES. It feels so good to say that! As my father in law always reminds me, I COME FIRST, I HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF ME. I feel so great as I am back in the gym at least 4 days a week, I have set “working” hours, as this is why I got involved in my business – I wanted to be able to be there for my family and take care of ME too!

- Debi Sudaley

Even though Leah and I never met in person I felt like she knew me right away. This was very important to me because I started to work with her at a time that I really needed someone who could help me sort through some major life changes I was embarking on. I knew immediately after our first conversation that I would benefit greatly from working with her and I did. Leah and I set out clear goals from the beginning and we looked back at them throughout our work. At the conclusion of our work together I was able to move confidently and peacefully ahead on my new path. Something that I never expected I could do. Thank you SO much Leah!

- Carla TanzManhattan NY

My recent coaching experience with Leah has been extraordinary. In just a short couple of months, Leah has helped me become a more confident and poised leader. I truly looked forward to speaking with Leah during our once a week sessions. So much, that I’ve decided to continue working with her once a month to stay connected! She has become a good friend…someone who I trust deeply and would highly recommend to anyone who has the desire to develop as an individual and enhance their life. When I first began working with Leah, my calendar was extremely full. So full, that I was having trouble deciding what I should tackle first. Leah taught me to take large tasks and break them down into small steps. In turn, this freed my mind and allowed more creative ideas to flow into my business and into my life. I went from feeling overwhelmed and swamped to feeling on top of things and in control. I now make time in my calendar for me first, and in turn, I am able be to live a life of abundance, be fully present for others, and properly prioritize my daily activities. Thank you so much, Leah, for your guidance and support! I am grateful that we crossed paths and look forward to continually growing with you.

- Krista PerryCumberland, RI