

The courses offered through Viva Institute cover a wide variety of topics, all carefully designed to assist you on your path. However, over time, I have received requests from people who are seeking a more personalized opportunity to work with me privately. Private Coaching is for you if you’re interested in quality one-on-one engagement, in-depth conversation, personalized connection and motivation, and a plan for taking action. Choosing to invest in yourself and your personal vocation is a big decision, and our commitment is to create a personalized plan for advancing your dreams and goals.
“Vocation is the place where our deep gladness
meets the world’s deep need.” ~Frederick Buechner
I’ll meet you where you are, answer your questions, and help move you forward so that you can leave your own unique mark on the world. It’s the best of you―seen through an observer’s, bird’s eye view lens. I don’t make claims that this process will “fix” your life; I believe I will bring something much more valuable: a fresh, new perspective.
I will be a mirror for you in order to create a “moving snapshot” of your life right now—today.
If you know that you’re someone who benefits from direct, personal interaction, Private Mentoring is an opportunity to have a one-on-one instruction session, which provides you with perspective about your current place, and a plan for moving your ideas forward.
“I love my life, and experience has shown me that there are infinite possibilities for designing a life. Your life can be as exciting and fulfilling as you make it, and what fulfills you today may very well change throughout your lifetime. Actually, I believe there is an essence to who we are that runs through all that we do, but how your essence is expressed in the world may change every 5-10 years—and that’s a good thing.” – Leigh Hopkins
Wondering if working with me is right for you? Individuals who work with me see results. Here’s what a few folks have to say about working one-on-one with me:
“Following my work with Leigh, I was surprised to discover that everything that I am doing, every conversation I have, every book I read, every person I encounter has a connection to my ultimate goal; the big picture. Leigh helped me to realize this. Every single thing in life is significant. Sometimes we are blind to these tiny yet important details. Leigh brought the importance of these instances into perspective…
..when working with Leigh, I didn’t expect to have such personalized attention and a detailed plan with step-by-step information to help me achieve my goals. I have just successfully launched a website that contains my spiritual-based artwork. I received an offer to have a solo exhibition of my work, and the exhibition proved to be very fruitful!
I would recommend one-on-one instruction with Leigh if you feel stuck and are unsure about what direction you need to move in; if you have many ideas but need help organizing them and coming up with a plan of action; or if you feel as if you need a new perspective on what your life purpose is about.” – Danielle
“Leigh is a very special woman and her willingness to share her light with the rest of us is a priceless gift.” ~Sue Ellen, Arizona, Author and Director of Reinventing Reentry
“Leigh provided a clear format for taking an idea/dream/hope to the next level and making it real. I feel validated and more ready to begin this work. I realized my fears were unfounded and that the cost was well worth it for the take away.” – Ruth
“Leigh is the most all-encompassing teacher I have met thus far….I am doubtful I will find anyone with her skills on this plane. She is exceptional.” – Chris
“Leigh is very encouraging and positive and has a way of making a person feel very worthwhile and capable of doing something good with their life.” – Kit
“Working one-on-one with Leigh allowed me to refine my gifts, remove blocks that were holding me back, and fully embrace what I love to do.” ~Karen Ritsche, Minnesota, Owner, Starlite Crystals and Reiki
“I highly recommend Leigh Hopkins for any class or opportunity that calls forth your curiosity, invariably you will thank yourself for honoring the seeker within you.” ~Karyn, Washington
“I really like how encouraging and direct Leigh Hopkins is in her approach, charismatic and anecdotal – but not waffling or spouting platitudes. You really feel her enthusiasm.” ~Sue, Nova Scotia
In your private one-on-one session with me, I will:
Schedule your session today, and we should be able to make your first appointment within the next 10 days.
The Tree of Life’s labyrinth, Patagonia, Arizona
My life’s “deepest gladness” has always been through service. I love teaching, I’m passionate about learning and endlessly curious about the way things work. As a result, my vocational path has included everything from working as an elementary classroom teacher to launching a private tutoring company; to directing, fundraising, and developing literacy programs in the nation’s most challenged communities. For many years, I worked with policymakers in the U.S. Department of Education and members of Congress, working with five hundred education programs across the country.
This work was fulfilling but the constant travel took a toll on my body. After a near-death experience, I discovered how to take control of my health, developed my new-found intuitive abilities, and went on to run a vegan retreat center—something I did because it intrigued and excited me. Today, as the Director of Viva Institute, I am the designer and developer of virtual learning spaces for learners on 6 continents.
I have been able to reinvent my life multiple times through intentional practice, by paying attention to what interests me, and by discovering (and rediscovering) what brings me “deep gladness.” I believe that it is entirely possible that what challenges us the most, when worked through, can bring us the most joy. With courage and attention, our deepest gladness may even fulfill an important need in the world. Register today to begin working with me.
Through these diverse experiences, I know what it means to live your deepest gladness. I also know that what may drive you during your 20s could very well change by the time you’re thirty, and that this could very well happen again at forty, fifty and sixty! That’s why I believe in embracing momentum and change. As a result of my own path, I am passionate about helping others to identify what gives them purpose.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC
If you’re someone who is on the verge of something new, and you think it needs to be a concrete idea (like a new business, a concept, or even a book), I get it! Viva Institute is the third successful business I’ve launched, and I know the call of the entrepreneur. I’ll take on your life’s passion (your deepest gladness) as my part of my own personal purpose.
Amitabha Stupa, Sedona, AZ
I believe that feeling frustrated and stuck is actually one of the most important parts of the creative process. That moment when you say, “I give up, I don’t have a clue!” is often the moment when your thinking mind can step out of the way, and allow inspiration to come through.
Don’t have a “vocation?” That’s where you’re wrong. I’m not someone who believes that your job is what defines your life purpose. How you live in the world, the relationships you make, the challenges you experience—these are all critical indications of your unique contribution to the world.
If you’re in the midst of challenge, we’ll work together to bring greater meaning to your current experience, because I believe that there’s meaning in all of it.
You do not have to be “ready” for this—you already are. Wherever you are today (which will be different six months from now!), Private Instruction is about helping you to more fully become yourself.
Amitabha Stupa, Sedona, AZ
Private Instruction includes a single 1-hour one-on-one Private Instruction session, but it is a multi-part, comprehensive process:
Private Mentoring includes your completion of a short survey, a 1-hour in-depth Private Mentoring Session, and a plan for moving forward. The investment for these services is a one-time payment. Ongoing Private Instruction sessions will be a separate offering available upon request after completing the initial offering.
You will come away with specific, actionable methods and strategies tailored to you to help you move forward in your life. Regardless of your starting point, and no matter what your goals are, we will work out a plan to help you move towards where you aspire to be. I look forward to sharing with you what I know and love about this journey we share as human beings.
Register now to secure your spot. For this offering, I’ll be working with a limited number of applicants.
I look forward to working with you soon.
P.S. Choosing to invest in yourself is a big decision. Feel free to email me at leigh@vivainstitute.com with any questions.
When the sweet ache of being alive,
lodged between who you are
and who you will be,
is awakened,
befriend this moment.
It will guide you.
Its sweetness is what holds you.
Its ache is what moves you on.
~ Mark Nepo
Leigh Hopkins received her Bachelors in Elementary Education and Music and a Masters in K-12 Reading Education. She has a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University, and is a certified Usui Reiki Master. To read more, read Leigh’s full bio in the About section.