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You are not Alone in this season
If you are a woman feeling the shifts of change that come with the different stages of life, you are not alone.
Maybe your body is changing and it doesn't feel like your own anymore.
Maybe you're successful, but something feels missing.
Maybe your children are growing up, and are becoming independent.
Maybe you simply feel a quiet nudge that it is time for something more aligned and you are wondering what comes next.
This is not about starting over. It is about moving forward with intention, growth, and with Grace and Gravitas. You are exactly where you are meant to be.
I help women navigate not only the physical changes of menopause, but also the identity, career, family and wellness transitions that often arrive at the same time
About our Founder
Ardahlia (Dale) Short
"Our mission is a true dedication to supporting women across all stages of life—from career advancement and executive leadership to wellness, nutrition, and navigating menopause. We aim to be both a strategic partner and a compassionate resource, providing an understanding, non-judgmental environment where women are empowered to thrive in their professional and personal lives."
My Journey to Grace and Gravitas
For over three decades, my life moved at a relentless pace. I began my federal career at an entry-level position and, through grit, strategy, and determination, climbed the ranks to retire as a senior leader at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Along the way, I spent the last 15 of 33 years as a licensed professional and certified coach, mastering the intricacies of Human Resources, leadership development, and organizational strategy. I loved guiding people through the high-stakes complexities of corporate and professional Advancement.
But my resume only tells half the story.
Parallel to my professional rise, I was living a deeply human life. I navigated the intense demands of single parenthood, raising my son into adulthood. I experienced the unpredictable physical and emotional shifts of perimenopause and menopause while balancing senior-level responsibilities. Eventually, I welcomed the joy of grand motherhood and, ultimately, made the monumental decision to retire from my 33-year career with intention rather than just drifting into the next phase.
When the dust of retirement settled, I realized something profound: midlife is not a single transition. It is a collision of many transitions at once.
I saw brilliant, capable women feeling lost in the silence of an empty nest. I saw high-achieving professionals realizing their careers no longer fit who they were. And I saw countless women feeling blindsided by the physical and mental toll of menopause, trying to sustain wellness without a roadmap.
I founded Grace and Gravitas Coaching because I realized my life’s work hadn’t ended with retirement—it had simply evolved.
I wanted to build a space where executive strategy meets personal wellness. A space where women don't have to choose between professional excellence and physical alignment. Today, I combine my 15 years of coaching expertise and HR foundation with dedicated specializations in wellness, nutrition, and menopause support.
My mission is to ensure that you do not have to navigate this layered season alone. This chapter isn’t about starting over, and it certainly isn't about shrinking. It’s about leveraging your hard-earned wisdom—your gravitas—and moving forward into sustainable wellness and clarity with absolute grace.
Our Services
How We Work Together
Pick Your Path
Coaching Packages
Change takes consistency. These packages are designed to build real momentum and measurable progress, with pricing that reflects both the value of the work and the realities many women are managing.
Clarity Package 6 sessions
For Focused goals and immediate traction
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Onboarding Session
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60-minute sessions, in-person or video coaching calls
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Assessment Center Tools
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Text support between sessions
Recalibration Package
6 month Engagement
For clients who have been referred by a licensed medical professional who needs intense work in the area of life, wellness, and career coaching.
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Onboarding sessions
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60-minute sessions in person or video coaching calls
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Unlimited Assessment Center Tools
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Unlimited text support between sessions
Yetunde O, Washington, DC “Working with Dale as a Life Coach was a valuable experience. She helped me identify areas of my life I wanted to improve, uncover the deeper reasons behind those changes, and create a clear, realistic action plan. Dale held me accountable to the commitments I made to myself and encouraged me when progress felt difficult. What I appreciated most was her ability to adapt when my priorities changed and help me adjust my goals while continuing to move forward.
Kellie B, MD
"Over the years, Dale has been an invaluable source of wisdom, perspective, and guidance in my life. One of her greatest strengths is her ability to help people navigate difficult situations with clarity and grace. Dale has helped me identify unhealthy behaviors , recognize where stronger boundaries were needed and approach difficult conversations with confidence and compassion. Anyone looking for guidance, accountability, or a fresh perspective would benefit greatly from working with her"
Sonja W, DE
When I started working with Coach Dale, I honestly didn't know what to expect. I don't want to oversimplify the process, because that would be a disservice to the work involved. However, what surprised me most was that by the end of the process, not only was I back on track, but I had also accomplished goals and completed tasks that had been sitting on my to-do list for years.
The best part is that Coach Dale is incredibly relatable and realistic. Her approach just makes sense. Each accomplishment - whether big or small - creates momentum for the next one, and before you know it, you're making meaningful progress.
Call to Action
You do not have to navigate this season alone.
If you’re ready to move forward with clarity and confidence, schedule a complimentary consultation. We’ll discuss where you are, what’s shifting, and whether working together is the right next step. We’ll also explore what feels realistic for you financially and review available payment options. My goal is to make coaching more accessible for everyone.
Midlife is not about shrinking.
It’s about strengthening.
Book Your Consultation