Mary J. Yerkes

Mary J. Yerkes is a Professional Life Coach who provides transformational coaching to women and sometimes men who desire to find and fulfill their life’s purpose, the chronically ill, established and emerging women leaders, and new and aspiring nonfiction writers. She brings a passion for transformed living to every relationship through her coaching, writing, and speaking.
Like many of her clients, Mary lives with multiple chronic illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankloysing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Unable to live the life she once lived after her diagnosis, Mary combined her years of working as a communications and marketing professional in the corporate world with her extensive church leadership experience to launch a writing, speaking, and coaching business focused on helping individuals find their purpose and live their passion.
A widely published author, Mary is currently working on a book, When Life Hurts: Ten Transforming Choices Every Woman Can Make. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications, including Focus on the Family’s flagship website, Christian Coaching Magazine, the former Discipleship Journal, The Journal of Biblical Counseling, SAVED: A Multicultural Christian Magazine, and A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Women, to name a few. Her bylined and ghostwritten articles have also appeared in Associations Now, The Journal of the American Dietetic Association, PayTech, Bank Systems & Technology, and Community Banker.
Mary is also a popular speaker for church and community events. She covers diverse and multiple topics, including chronic illness management, personal development as a professional writer and speaker, calling and life purpose discovery, and more.
She is a member of the Christian Coaches Network, the International Coach Federation, the International Association of Business Communicators, and the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mary and her husband Paul make their home in Virginia, about 40 miles outside of Washington, DC. Together, they have one son Ricky and a beautiful daughter-in-law Diana. Learn more about Mary at www.NewLifeChristianCoaching.com and www.MaryYerkes.com.

Ask Adriane"You need to consider what's important to YOU when looking for a home abroad."This episode serves as an invaluable resource for those intrigued by the idea of living richly and thriving overseas. Tune in to discover how you can turn your dream of owning a home abroad into reality whi…Ask Adriane"You need to consider what's important to YOU when looking for a home abroad."This episode serves as an invaluable resource for those intrigued by the idea of living richly and thrivin…Ask Adriane"You need to consider what's important to YOU when looking for a home abroad."This episode serves as an invaluable resource for those intrigued by the idea of living richly and thriving overseas. Tune in to discover how you can turn your dream of owning a home abroad into reality while enjoying a fulfilling lifestyle in some of the world's most beautiful hidden corners.I interview Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor of International Living and author of Live Better Overseas on the nitty gritty of owning abroad and the lesser-known locales in Mexico and Ecuador to the charmi…


Ask Adriane"Our goal is to declare healthspan a fundamental human right." Bernard Siegal, Health Span Coalition Without health there is no Ageless Travel. In this enlightening episode I give you takeaways from the recent Las Vegas Raadfest Conference on healthy longevity. I interviewed two emi…Ask Adriane"Our goal is to declare healthspan a fundamental human right." Bernard Siegal, Health Span Coalition Without health there is no Ageless Travel. In this enlightening episode I give you t…Ask Adriane"Our goal is to declare healthspan a fundamental human right." Bernard Siegal, Health Span Coalition Without health there is no Ageless Travel. In this enlightening episode I give you takeaways from the recent Las Vegas Raadfest Conference on healthy longevity. I interviewed two eminent conference speakers, Dr. Aubrey De Grey on the future of healthspan, living longer healthfully and advocate Bernard Siegel, a co-founder of the Health Span Action Coalition, about consumer awareness of medical tourism and the rise of stem cell tourism for longevity. Resources:Dr. Abrey De Gr…


By Linda Ballou, NABBW's Adventure Travel Associate A moisture-laden, bone chilling wind funneled up from the canyon as I stood on a vista point on California’s Highway 1, aka the Pacific Coast Highway or PCH. The aquamarine sea laced in frilly white, lapped at the rocky cove below. Formed …By Linda Ballou, NABBW's Adventure Travel Associate A moisture-laden, bone chilling wind funneled up from the canyon as I stood on a vista point on California’s Highway 1, aka the Pacific Coast…By Linda Ballou, NABBW's Adventure Travel Associate A moisture-laden, bone chilling wind funneled up from the canyon as I stood on a vista point on California’s Highway 1, aka the Pacific Coast Highway or PCH. The aquamarine sea laced in frilly white, lapped at the rocky cove below. Formed by relentless energy crashing on its shore for millennia, the rugged coast of Big Sur remains free and wild. Humans have tried to bend this beauty to their will, but thankfully, Big Sur remains unconquered. Presently, a six-mile portion of the highway from one mile south of Esalen to two miles nort…


Ask AdrianeDiscover the transformative power of travel with the author of Places I Remember, Lea Lane! Join us as we explore her incredible adventures across over 100 countries and the lessons learned along the way. From her enchanting honeymoon in Europe to her unforgettable encounter with gorilla…Ask AdrianeDiscover the transformative power of travel with the author of Places I Remember, Lea Lane! Join us as we explore her incredible adventures across over 100 countries and the lessons learned…Ask AdrianeDiscover the transformative power of travel with the author of Places I Remember, Lea Lane! Join us as we explore her incredible adventures across over 100 countries and the lessons learned along the way. From her enchanting honeymoon in Europe to her unforgettable encounter with gorillas in Rwanda, Lea reflects on the awe and joy of travel. With stories that span decades, she highlights the importance of curiosity, the thrill of exploration, and the transformative power of travel experiences. Lea Lane's journey is a testament to the power of travel to transform lives. Her sto…


Ask Adriane"The day felt like 'a fever dream." Our guest's daughter describes the feeling of a long climb.In this episode, we capture the magic of adventure through climbing, as we reconnect with travel enthusiast Benjamin Epstein, who shares his recent hike at the iconic Half Dome in Yose…Ask Adriane"The day felt like 'a fever dream." Our guest's daughter describes the feeling of a long climb.In this episode, we capture the magic of adventure through climbing, as we reconnect…Ask Adriane"The day felt like 'a fever dream." Our guest's daughter describes the feeling of a long climb.In this episode, we capture the magic of adventure through climbing, as we reconnect with travel enthusiast Benjamin Epstein, who shares his recent hike at the iconic Half Dome in Yosemite. Adriane includes hints and tips on two of the world's bucket list climbs: Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, and Mt Fuji in Japan.Hear the step-by-step story of the Half Dome climb and gather inspiration for your next outdoor adventure! This episode showcases the thrill of climbing and emph…


Ask Adriane"Aging is the greatest medical unmet need and the biggest killer on the planet."In this episode, I interview Elizabeth Parrish, the CEO of BioViva, known as Patient Zero. Elizabeth was the first person to have gene replacement therapy and traveled to South America to do so. Years later, s…Ask Adriane"Aging is the greatest medical unmet need and the biggest killer on the planet."In this episode, I interview Elizabeth Parrish, the CEO of BioViva, known as Patient Zero. Elizabeth was the …Ask Adriane"Aging is the greatest medical unmet need and the biggest killer on the planet."In this episode, I interview Elizabeth Parrish, the CEO of BioViva, known as Patient Zero. Elizabeth was the first person to have gene replacement therapy and traveled to South America to do so. Years later, she looks and feels like thirty at age 51.Sharing her groundbreaking journey into gene therapy and its implications for aging, Parrish discusses the controversial nature of this field, the science behind gene therapy, and the potential for longevity travel outside the USA.This podcast is my prelude t…


Ask Adriane“Traveling is a way to find your smile again." Irvina Lew It’s the most delicious episode yet, as I interview culinary travel writer, author of Forays in France, Irvina Lew on the joys of eating in France. With over 40 years of experience in the travel writing industry, Irvina shar…Ask Adriane“Traveling is a way to find your smile again." Irvina Lew It’s the most delicious episode yet, as I interview culinary travel writer, author of Forays in France, Irvina Lew on the jo…Ask Adriane“Traveling is a way to find your smile again." Irvina Lew It’s the most delicious episode yet, as I interview culinary travel writer, author of Forays in France, Irvina Lew on the joys of eating in France. With over 40 years of experience in the travel writing industry, Irvina shares her favorite destinations, culinary delights, and tips for making the most out of travel experiences. She recalls her own adventures, including renting an apartment in Cannes and exploring the vibrant culinary scene of Paris. From Michelin-starred restaurants to charming bistros, Irvina provide…


Ask Adriane“Traveling is a way to find your smile again." Irvina Lew It’s the most delicious episode yet, as I interview culinary travel writer, author of Forays in France, Irvina Lew on the joys of eating in France. With over 40 years of experience in the travel writing industry, Irvina shar…Ask Adriane“Traveling is a way to find your smile again." Irvina Lew It’s the most delicious episode yet, as I interview culinary travel writer, author of Forays in France, Irvina Lew on the jo…Ask Adriane“Traveling is a way to find your smile again." Irvina Lew It’s the most delicious episode yet, as I interview culinary travel writer, author of Forays in France, Irvina Lew on the joys of eating in France. With over 40 years of experience in the travel writing industry, Irvina shares her favorite destinations, culinary delights, and tips for making the most out of travel experiences. She recalls her own adventures, including renting an apartment in Cannes and exploring the vibrant culinary scene of Paris. From Michelin-starred restaurants to charming bistros, Irvina provide…


Ask Adriane"Simple quality ingredients that go well together are the trend right now."Ready for a culinary adventure? Join us in our latest episode featuring John Fritsch, the executive chef and owner of Elevated Experiences. Learn about the breathtaking dining options at Peaks Restaurant, Pines Caf…Ask Adriane"Simple quality ingredients that go well together are the trend right now."Ready for a culinary adventure? Join us in our latest episode featuring John Fritsch, the executive chef and owner…Ask Adriane"Simple quality ingredients that go well together are the trend right now."Ready for a culinary adventure? Join us in our latest episode featuring John Fritsch, the executive chef and owner of Elevated Experiences. Learn about the breathtaking dining options at Peaks Restaurant, Pines Café, and Lookout Lounge, all accessible via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Discover how the journey to these stunning mountaintop eateries is as exciting as the meals themselves, with seasonal menus, breathtaking views, and a commitment to local, organic ingredients. "Agriculture is the great unif…


Ask AdrianeIn this episode, I take listeners on a captivating journey through the vibrant streets of New York City alongside freelance journalist Jamie Ballard. As a seasoned traveler and writer, Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge about the city's hidden gems and culinary delights that…Ask AdrianeIn this episode, I take listeners on a captivating journey through the vibrant streets of New York City alongside freelance journalist Jamie Ballard. As a seasoned traveler and wri…Ask AdrianeIn this episode, I take listeners on a captivating journey through the vibrant streets of New York City alongside freelance journalist Jamie Ballard. As a seasoned traveler and writer, Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge about the city's hidden gems and culinary delights that even long-time residents may not know. From the National Museum of the American Indian to the Immersive Labs Museum, and the South Street Seaport Museum. Food enthusiasts will delight in Jamie's culinary recommendations, including her favorite pizza spot, Bellucci's. Finally, the epi…


Ask AdrianeThis week's podcast features a potpourri of five unique topics that capture the spirit of ageless travel: safe solo travel, transformative outdoor adventures, immersive sightseeing, and voluntour opportunities. The Solo Travel Blueprint with Pamela HoltHost of "Me, Myself &…Ask AdrianeThis week's podcast features a potpourri of five unique topics that capture the spirit of ageless travel: safe solo travel, transformative outdoor adventures, immersive sightseei…Ask AdrianeThis week's podcast features a potpourri of five unique topics that capture the spirit of ageless travel: safe solo travel, transformative outdoor adventures, immersive sightseeing, and voluntour opportunities. The Solo Travel Blueprint with Pamela HoltHost of "Me, Myself & The World," Pamela shares what you need to know about staying safe, meeting people, and building community as a solo traveler.Spa & Culture at Malta’s Top HotelRobyn shares the inside scoop on Malta’s burgeoning food scene (six Michelin-starred restaurants!), unique spa culture, day trips …


By Linda Ballou, NABBW's Adventure Travel Associate Nestled in the heart of the fertile Willamette Valley, Corvallis, Oregon is located just forty-five minutes from the Oregon coast. It enjoys mild temperatures year-round, without the dense fog and blustery winds of typical coastal towns. It …By Linda Ballou, NABBW's Adventure Travel Associate Nestled in the heart of the fertile Willamette Valley, Corvallis, Oregon is located just forty-five minutes from the Oregon coast. It enjoys mi…By Linda Ballou, NABBW's Adventure Travel Associate Nestled in the heart of the fertile Willamette Valley, Corvallis, Oregon is located just forty-five minutes from the Oregon coast. It enjoys mild temperatures year-round, without the dense fog and blustery winds of typical coastal towns. It is also just far enough off Hwy 5, the main artery from Portland south, to avoid industrial development. Corvallis offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown. In addition, a tapestry of organic farms as well as vineyards that…
