In 2001, after years of wishing and searching unsuccessfully for helping resources that assumed lesbians were whole and had unique gifts to offer the world, Barb Elgin founded Coach Sappho, a life coaching firm specializing in serving lesbian women.

In 2003, after surveying Coach Sappho’s community and seeing the world move forward in the area of marriage equality, Barb Elgin decided Coach Sappho needed to focus on serving the unique relationship needs of single, dating and coupled lesbian women. Since then, Coach Sappho’s community has grown by leaps and bounds. Today Coach Sappho’s community includes lesbian women and allies from over 45 U.S. states and 14 foreign countries.

Barb Elgin, (AKA ‘Coach Sappho’), MSW, LCSW (Florida), LCSW-C (Maryland), is a Certified Singles Coach, dating and relationship coach, and lesbian matchmaker, with over 20 years of professional experience. She has received specialized training in relationship coaching with the Relationship Coaching Institute, as well as personal, corporate and business coach training with Coachville.

Barb earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Towson University. Barb is committed to continuing to grow her skills, business acumen and professionalism by taking hundreds of hours of continuing education and earning advanced certifications.  Examples include:

• earning the Relationship Coaching Institute’s Certified Singles Coach designation
• receiving post-LCSW supervision and training in Ericksonian and Solution-Focused Psychotherapeutic Methods
• completing matchmaking training and becoming a member in good standing with Matchmaking Pro, The Professional Matchmakers Association
• personal, corporate and business coach training with Coachville
• ongoing continuing education in coaching, therapy and social work across a broad spectrum of client needs, such as grief and bereavement, aging and mental health, domestic violence, career and workplace issues, leadership, etc.

Ms. Elgin recently served on the Board of the Maryland Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.  In addition, she is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, The Executive Circle of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber’s Women’s Business Initiative and The Founder’s Circle, Echelon Magazine.

Click here to learn more about Coach Sappho’s appearances in the media.