AstaraCoaching – Inspiring Transformation

HomeOksana Maradyn2026-10-03T03:47:45+00:00

MISSION

To optimistically empower people to confidently express their voices and take actions so their diverse perspectives impact how the world transforms.

VISION

Astara offers an unorthodox approach to coaching and workshops for individuals and teams that delivers rapid transformative results and sustained behaviour change by blending International Coach Federation (ICF) best practices with somatic self-discovery.

VALUES

We work with people and organisations who:

Value human potential
Operate with integrity
Are willing to commit to the process

“Words hardly feel adequate in trying to express the experience I had working with Tarra, or the enormous gratitude I feel for her transformative, inspirational and powerful coaching. From the moment we began working together, I received nothing but standing ovations and the most glowing of reviews. I give Tarra credit for it all!

Tarra’s rich, extensive experience and capacity for focused teaching, coupled with her warm, engaging, professional approach made working together a truly amazing process. It would not be an overstatement to say that working with Tarra was life-changing…in the best possible way!”

Beckie ScottOlympic Gold Medalist 2002

“The investment I made in working with Tarra Riley has led to long lasting and significant transformation.

I first engaged Tarra to facilitate ‘presentation skills’ workshops for a group of employees in several departments over a decade ago. I was so encouraged by the positive feedback and immediate results, I contracted her again to work with me individually to prepare for a major presentation.

One of Tarra’s gifts is to help people build from their individual skills and strengths for greater confidence and proficiency with a minimum of stress and effort. After participating in her customized workshops, my team and I experienced a noticeable shift in the proficiency and comfort levels of our presentation skills. We began to deliver targeted presentations with optimal impact.

Over the years, I have re-engaged Tarra for specific issues and continue to recommend her to others as a presentation skills specialist.”

Alice ReimerCEO & Tech Entrepreneur

“Tarra has an ability to understand quickly who her clients are on a deep basis. Through her creative (and sometimes unexpected) coaching methods, the approach I now take to team leadership, presentations to City Council, and strategic planning is much more in alignment with who I am on an authentic level.

This has led to greater insights and clarity, plus stronger action plans in critical aspects of my work.”

Andrew MalcolmUrban Revitalization Manager at Opportunity Lethbridge – City of Lethbridge

“After my experience with Tarra’s public speaking workshop, I decided to work with Tarra for 1:1 Business Coaching. These sessions were clarifying and rewarding. Like a compass guiding me to a path in the right direction.

Tarra’s methods showed me how I can overcome mental and physical obstacles and techniques, resulting in feeling joy and a sense of accomplishment within my career (and life!).

During our sessions we worked through a personal goal to better set boundaries. The techniques discussed resulted in better time management, expectation setting ,as well as solid communication with both colleagues and clients.

I became more mindful of my interactions and continue to use suggestions in my daily life allowing me to create and achieve personal and professional goals that are achievable.”

Kristin BakkerCRM Business Consultant at KPMG Adoxio

“From working with Tarra, I have a better sense of how important it is to be ‘present’. During her coaching, I was led through exercises which energized me and transformed how I saw myself. She helped me to build confidence by imagining myself as the leader that I truly want to be. Using her extensive theatre background, (of which she has some fantastic stories!) Tarra applies similar principles to leadership. I also found that Tarra can be a great sounding board, with words of encouragement at every turn. She works with leaders to navigate tricky situations and turn those situations into positive learning experiences.”

Dave SandyDirector Exploration – Crescent Point Energy

“One of the best things about working with Tarra is how quickly she was able to shift my limiting mindset. Tarra helped me to move beyond my previous comfort level to achieving career accomplishments I would never have expected. She transformed my belief in myself at a rapid pace, so that I was able to become a Senior VP at my company, a sought after panelist for women in business and was even nominated for a prestigious award in a short time.

Although I have worked with other coaches, this is the first time I have been able to achieve the mental shifts that allowed me to reach these external accomplishments.”

Natalie CoppageSenior Vice President, Head of PMO – Colmore Finance – England, UK

“Over the past year I have had the privilege of working with Wilma and Tarra as part of my professional development. Their two very complementary skills were a perfect match for me and what I was trying to accomplish. Wilma provided exceptional guidance and coaching and Tarra exceled at working on my executive presence and presentation skills. As a result I was able to achieve all my professional development goals and people have noticed a positive change in me. I can’t thank the two of you enough and I look forward to working with you again in the future.”

Rob PalmerVice-President, Commercial, Strategy & Chief Financial Officer – YYC Calgary Airport Authority

“Tarra is a highly intuitive coach who has really helped me shift some old patterns as a person and as an artist. She has been a safe place for me to fall and her excitement for my growth is genuine. I have so much gratitude for her love and support. I always look forward to our time together.”

Deanne MatleyJazz Vocalist

“Tarra’s ‘down to earth’ communication style is well balanced with candor and professionalism. Her observations, insightful questions, suggestions, and challenges have helped me see more objectively and understand that there is nothing more powerful than clarity and accountability in becoming a better version of myself.

Our work together has stimulated deeper reasoning and understanding of myself and has had a positive impact on me and (to my surprise) those around me. She is a powerful tool and a trusted advisor who has been a source of growth and optimism in my personal and professional lives.”

Dr. Susan Graham

“I first worked with Tarra close to a decade ago, resulting in life-changing success. Since then, whenever I’ve felt myself stalling with a project or on a career path, Tarra has been the one I’ve turned to. Every time we’ve worked together, she has helped me trust my own abilities, to see more clearly, and to forge onward with confidence. The results have been extraordinary and true to who I am.”

Laura LamontMSc, Poet and Directrice de Bureau, Saint-Boniface – Saint-Vital

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