The Team
Who We Are
Michelle Donaldson
Founder & CEO
Michelle is an inspiring life coach and founder of New Beginnings, a life coaching group that helps people overcome trauma and build self-worth. As a former teacher, Michelle realized she could teach kids to read and write, but true success comes from within.
She is the wife to her high school sweetheart, Steve Donaldson of 36 years. She's also a mother of 4, mother in love to 4, and grandmother to 8. Her family is her biggest blessing.
Her journey began in 2005 when she received life coaching certification from the Henry County Board of Commissioners. Michelle found her calling empowering others to take control of their lives.
In 2011, Michelle established New Beginnings to provide a supportive space for people to transform. Michelle and her team help clients process painful experiences like abuse, addiction, grief and depression. Through exercises in self-reflection, mindfulness and coaching, New Beginnings walks clients through life’s darkest moments into the light of renewal.
Michelle also speaks at schools, churches and seminars to teach others how to recognize their self-worth. Her gift is connecting with people from all walks of life. Michelle brings out the best in others their strength, resilience and capacity for change.
Lucy Hatmaker
Life Coach/ Operational Manager
After being a client at New Beginnings for a number of months, I realized that I was able to use my testimony and life experience to help others regardless of my past.
As a Life Coach at New Beginnings, I help families and children walk through their hardest days. I specialize in peer pressure scenarios, childhood trauma, family management, and more. I love to help my clients walk through life with intentionality, and choosing to find solutions to create abundant joy in their lives.
After applying our curriculum to my own life, I have a completely new outlook on how to take forward steps.
I get the pleasure of leading worship at much church, and I love to work with the youth ministry. In my free time, I love all things adventure and traveling. when you look for the brightest moments in life, you start to see more of them.
Carmine "Buzzy" Mastromarino
Life Coach
Carmine "Buzzy" Mastromarino comes to New Beginnings from the worlds of government and the law in Boston, MA & Miami, FL.
Buzzy holds degrees in Political Science, magna cum laude, from Boston University & in Law from Suffolk University Law School, Boston, MA.
His relevant experience includes the Massachusetts State Senate; the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, Boston, MA; the Dade County State Attorney's Office, Miami, FL.
Buzzy was the owner & president of Counterpane Consultants, a political consulting firm operating in all levels of government.
Until his retirement in 2023, Buzzy worked for 26 years in a private Boston firm, D'Ambrosio, LLP, where he specialized in Mental Health Law as well as Federal & State programs including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid & SNAP.
Buzzy has extensive experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and will zealously advocate for his clients at New Beginnings as he did in the halls of government & justice for over 40 years.
Matthew and Ariana Donaldson
Marriage Coaches
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Hey Everyone! We are Matt and Ariana Donaldson. We have been married for 12 years and have two wonderful daughters, Ava and Sophie. Marriage is not easy, but when done God's way it has a 100% success rate. We can not wait to help guide, and pray for your family through this journey. Our mission is to provide guidance, support, and practical tools that help couples grow together in harmony and understanding.
Lisa Batten
Life Coach
Lisa is a long-time resident of the South Metro area, where she has raised her children into successful adults. She has been an active member of her church and community for over two decades.
After starting her career in finance, Lisa leveraged her business insightfulness to launch her own successful cleaning company 15 years ago. Through excellent customer service and steady growth, her company continues to thrive.
For the past 8 years, Lisa has also mentored co-workers at Chick-fil-A, generously sharing her entrepreneurial wisdom. She is passionate about empowering others to achieve their full potential and make their dreams a reality. With her guidance, you can take your goals to the next level of excellence.
Lisa's lifelong commitment to her faith, family, and community is an inspiration. Her experience building a business, paired with her compassion for helping others grow, makes her a trusted advisor for achieving success.
"Piper"
Support Animal
Meet Piper Moretti aka (pie, pie baby, princess, sugar, the boss) , a 2-year-old golden doodle who brings joy and comfort to all she meets. As the resident emotional support animal at New Beginnings , Piper knows her job is an important one. She greets each child and client with enthusiasm, ready to provide snuggles, love, and a listening ear.
Piper has been part of the New Beginnings family since birth. She immediately felt at home in the office, sensing the warm and welcoming environment. Piper loves accompanying children to therapy sessions, lying quietly and offering calming support. She seems to understand the healing power of petting soft fur and giving dog kisses. Her services are an invaluable compliment to the compassionate care at New Beginnings.
Emily Pangburn
Operations Consultant
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I have been a client of New Beginnings since 2022 and have been able to use my experiences to help others and elevate myself both mentally and emotionally.
I currently have a Bachelors of Science in Business Management Administration with the concentration on Marketing and Management. I’ve been local to McDonough for 13 years and had a Dog Sitting business several years through college. I have a passion for animals, reading, traveling, and all things outdoors.
I have experience in 3PL Logistics and currently in insurance. I have a proven track record of empowering businesses to achieve goals and streamlining operations. I bring tailored strategies, designed to meet unique business needs and have experience in marketing, leadership, training, and developing others. I look forward to elevating and growing New Beginnings.
Allison Hoobgood
Content Creator
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Meet Allison! She helps us formulate social Media content here at New Beginnings. Allison has recently created "Brushed by Alli''. With a passion for makeup that transforms her clients looks, she is able to provide her clients with a new found confidence. She embodies a perfect blend of creativity and compassion. Whether she's sharing beauty tips online, or working with New Beginnings, Allison's enthusiasm shines through in everything she does. Join her on her journey of exploration, and all things fabulous!
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