Gigi Da Silva

Gigi Da Silva

Founder

My name is Gigi Da Silva, and as the founder of this company, I chose a name that reflects who I am—my culture, my journey, and the values I bring into my work. I’m a proud Portuguese woman and a multilingual coach, fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. The word “Avança” in Portuguese (or “Avanza” in Spanish) translates to “moving forward,” and that meaning sits at the heart of Avansa Coaching. This practice is about progress with purpose—moving forward while staying grounded in balance, equity, and self-respect, and helping you grow into the best and most authentic version of yourself.

I’m truly honored to be your coach, your confidant, and your strongest advocate as you navigate your own path of self-discovery and self-actualization. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered—whether you’re working through a major life transition, searching for clarity, rebuilding confidence, or simply feeling ready for “more” but unsure where to begin. Through Avansa Coaching, I hope you find the inspiration, guidance, and steady encouragement you need to embrace your unique gifts, trust your inner voice, and build a life that reflects what you genuinely want—not what others expect of you.

Professionally, I bring over 30 years of experience in this field, and I’ve been privileged to support people across many stages of life and many different challenges. I’ve worked as a counselor with adults living with a wide range of mental health concerns, as a foster care social worker supporting youth and families through complex systems, and as a school psychologist evaluating neurodivergent students for special education services. Each of these roles has shaped the way I coach today: with compassion, cultural awareness, and a deep respect for every person’s story. No matter where you’re starting from, you don’t have to move forward alone, Avansa Coaching is here to walk with you, step by step.

My Story

Helping others has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I’ve dedicated both my education and my career to supporting people in meaningful, lasting ways. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a credential in School Psychology. I’m also a certified trauma-informed yoga and meditation instructor through Breathe 4 Change, which allows me to bring practical, body-based tools into the work we do together.

On a personal level, I’ve experienced more joys than I can count. I’m a single mother to a beautiful daughter, I have a supportive family, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by incredible friends. At the same time, my life has also included real challenges—and I’ve had to fight hard for the peace I have today. I’ve overcome childhood trauma, divorce, low self-esteem, and painful relationship dynamics that once left me feeling stuck and small. Where anger, anxiety, and periods of depression used to weigh heavily on my mind and heart, there is now clarity, confidence, and calm. I didn’t become strong overnight—I learned the tools, built the skills, and made the choice to take my life back, release negative thought patterns, and step away from what was toxic. Today, I’m grounded, at peace, and living the life I once only imagined.

That blend of education, professional experience, and lived resilience is what ultimately led me to start my own coaching business. It gives me the opportunity to help even more people move forward and become the best version of themselves. I transitioned from therapy to coaching because coaching is solution-focused, collaborative, and centered on measurable progress. It allows us to be more direct, more intentional, and more action-oriented—while still honoring your story. This approach also gives me the freedom to show up with warmth and authenticity, which is exactly what fuels my passion for this work.