As a coach who has overcome a massive stroke, I'M BACK!

Today, I empower other post-stroke survivors over 50
find their footing, break free from shock, overwhelm, and despair,
and recover into a stronger, more fulfilled version of themselves
through personalized coaching.

Hi, I’m Maureen!

My background in psychology, life coaching, and years in the fast-paced corporate world taught me a lot about pressure and perseverance.

But nothing could have prepared me for the life-altering stroke that changed everything.

Now, I’ve turned my personal experience into a mission to help fellow stroke survivors not just survive, but thrive.

Let me share with you the story of how I rebuilt my life and how I can help you do the same.

Maureen O’Sullivan

Stroke Upgraded:

The Story Behind My Mission to Empower Survivors

Before the Stroke: A Life in Overdrive

I was the epitome of success on the surface. 

Growing up on the East Coast, my life was a whirlwind of relocations, prestigious schools, and eventually a degree in psychology from Boston College. 

My professional journey began in San Francisco, where I plunged into the high-octane world of advertising, marketing, and technology sales. It was exhilarating but relentless.

As the years flew by, I earned multiple certifications and transitioned into life coaching, helping others elevate their lives. But when the recession hit, I found myself pulled back into the corporate grind as an Executive Recruiter for a startup agency.

The Glamorous Yet Hollow Lifestyle

Despite my 40 years of experience and a solid reputation, I was working 80-hour weeks, battling imposter syndrome, and feeling increasingly disconnected—from my manager, my family, and most alarmingly, from myself. 

My life was a glamorous blur: client meetings, luxurious vacations with my boyfriend, and living in a chic 2-bedroom apartment, driving an Audi convertible.

Yet, beneath this glossy exterior, I was in debt, out of touch with my true self, and caught in a relentless cycle of fight or flight.

The Turning Point: A Stroke of Fate

Then, on July 18, 2016, everything changed. 

At 5:30 PM, the fast pace I was so accustomed to came to a screeching halt.

I suffered a catastrophic stroke. 

The whispers urging me to slow down were no longer whispers—they were a deafening roar. 

Thanks to immediate and exceptional care, I survived, but my life was irrevocably altered.

After the Stroke: A Journey of Transformation

Eight years later, the transformation I’ve experienced is nothing short of remarkable.

My recovery journey has been filled with countless challenges, moments of doubt, and a relentless determination to rebuild my life.

I’ve learned that recovery is not a straight path—it’s a journey with its own unique twists and turns, requiring immense patience, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement.

In the early stages, I focused on regaining my physical strength and mobility through rigorous physical therapy, which involved relearning basic movements and gradually increasing my endurance.

Occupational therapy played a crucial role in helping me regain independence in daily activities, from dressing and cooking to managing more complex tasks like driving.

Speech therapy helped me recover my communication skills, allowing me to reconnect with others and express myself with confidence.

While physical, occupational, and speech therapy are critical components of recovery, they’re just the beginning of the journey.

These therapies help regain basic functions, rebuild strength, and relearn essential skills, but recovery is about more than just physical rehabilitation.

Thriving is about reclaiming your identity, rebuilding confidence, and finding a renewed sense of purpose in life.

That’s where I come in.

I dive into the emotional and mental aspects of recovery, focusing on the often-overlooked but equally vital areas of healing.

But physical recovery was just one part of the equation.

As I progressed, I realized that the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery were just as important, if not more so.

I faced feelings of fear, frustration, and even anger as I adjusted to my new reality. It took time to come to terms with the changes in my life, and I sought out support to navigate these complex emotions.

This journey of recovery, with all its setbacks and triumphs, inspired me to found "Stroke Upgraded," a coaching business dedicated to helping other stroke survivors reclaim their lives.

I’ve channeled the hard work, perseverance, and insights gained from my own experience into a mission to support others through their recovery journeys.

From Surviving to Thriving

I guide others through the complex emotions that follow a stroke—feelings of fear, frustration, and uncertainty—and help them move beyond merely surviving to truly thriving.

I believe in empowering stroke survivors to rediscover joy, rebuild their self-worth, and set new goals that align with their transformed lives.

Volunteering at California Pacific Medical Center’s Stroke Recovery Center has been a deeply fulfilling part of my journey.

I share hope and resilience with newly diagnosed patients, offering them not just advice, but a living example that recovery can lead to a life filled with meaning and purpose.

Embracing a New Chapter

My life has taken a new direction that brings me true joy. 

I run a pet-sitting business, caring for everything from dogs and cats to birds and even chickens. Working with animals has been a healing experience, offering companionship and a deep sense of fulfillment.

Gone are the days of fearing job loss or running from life’s challenges. 

Today, I’m embracing the adventure of dating, caring for myself, and managing my daily life with newfound independence. 

Through daily meditation, a commitment to a healthy diet, and regular exercise, I’ve transformed my well-being—losing 40 pounds by cutting out processed foods, sugar, flour, and alcohol.

A New Life with Purpose

My days are filled with walks, weightlifting at the YMCA, and the tranquility of living in beautiful Half Moon Bay, surrounded by a supportive circle of close friends and a roommate who has become a dear friend. 

My focus now is on making the stroke recovery process smoother for others.

Helping Others Thrive

I coach clients over the phone, in person, and via Zoom, sharing the tools and strategies that have not only helped me survive but thrive. 

Life after the stroke is about so much more than recovery—it’s about living fully, with purpose, joy, and a heart that sings.

What I never could have imagined is all the many ways my life is actually BETTER than it was before.

And that’s what I want for you, as well.