Lee works with those who know how to care well for others, but now recognize the need to put themselves first. With a commitment and compassion, Lee works as a private coach for individuals and a consultant for organizations to assist with increased productivity and performance. Before returning home to Northern New York, Lee worked and studied in Los Angeles, Berkeley, California and Brooklyn.
Lee Michael Wellness Coaching & Consulting, LLC
Owner: Lee Vance
Year Established: February 2021
Website | Instagram
About the owner. I grew up in Lowville, NY and I have a background in Clinical Psychology and mental health work. I live with my partner, Jessica, two daughters, and two dogs.
Describe your start-up story. I began this practice to improve lives, families and systems in the North Country. Having never run a business before, there has been a lot to learn but I am blessed to have a balanced life and am having fun with it. I work with clients over zoom and, as the pandemic situation improves, will see them at my home office in Lowville. My individual clients typically come to me stressed and in pain, but ready to make life changes.
Improving relationships within local businesses and organizations is all about improving relationships. Through interventions, trainings, and consultations, I am looking forward to sharing my expertise in Mindfulness, Non-Violent Communication and Stress Reduction. I’m looking forward to creating relationships with local groups so that they can improve their functioning and efficiency.
I have paced myself in getting started. Up until recently, my primary roles have been one of father and spouse, as I have supported my wife’s return to work as a teacher and my children in returning to public school after a year of home-schooling. Now that those transitions are complete, I am looking forward to a transition of my own - to scaling up and figuring out how I can best serve relationships in the North Country.
“Your mind, if it’s anything like mine, can develop wild adventures. Sometimes exciting, sometimes a nightmare, but always a thought. We can practice and become skilled at seeing these thoughts as simply that: just thoughts. This will open us to freedom and serenity.” - Lee Vance
Why did you choose to do business in Lewis County? Lewis County is home to me and to my family. The advantages of our home are our closely interconnected lives and I see opportunity to grow and deepen our understanding of one another. The stressors of life and relationships do not need to be experienced alone or without relief.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business in Lewis County? Do not simply work and build leads online. Lewis County residents generally need to meet you face to face in order to establish trust. Be patient; Lewis County moves at a pace that is not fast but is conducive to rewarding long-term trust.
What are some of the current projects you are working on and what are you looking forward to in 2021-2022? Over the next year, I am looking forward to increasing to a full client load and keeping my practice at a manageable level of clients so that I may offer commitment and compassion. I am excited to design courses and consultation packages that will support working personnel and organizations. Additionally, I am looking forward to speaking engagements where I can teach about wellness and promote my services.
Are there any local partnerships or organizations that have helped you along in your business journey? The team at Naturally Lewis has helped from the beginning. Christie Andrus-Nakano at Human Factor Leadership is in a similar line of work, so I look forward to learning from her.