Meet Chellie

While hanging my hammock, I glanced around at the natural beauty surrounding me. In the middle of the forest, I discovered an unexpected sense of inner peace and connection. It took only a moment, and my heart skipped a beat as my eyes locked onto the most magical tree — a twisted tree with a curvilinear path. This tree, more than any other, spoke to me. Its unique shape and defiance of convention felt deeply meaningful. To me, this tree was more beautiful than its linear counterparts.

I noticed in each outward curve its strength, persistence, and fortitude to keep growing. I sensed how firmly rooted it was to the earth, anchoring it as it pressed outward and upward to reach its full potential. In that moment, I connected with the spirit of the tree. Looking back, I realized my own life was taking the path of the twisted tree.

As I gazed at the tree, moments from my life played through my mind’s eye. From an outsider’s view, my life might seem like a series of challenges. Yet from my perspective, each trial taught me something new about myself, offered a valuable tool to move forward, and opened the door to the next opportunity for growth and enlightenment. This, I believe, is the essence of a growth mindset.

There were times in my life when I felt powerless, small, and alone. I learned to diminish myself because others couldn’t see or understand the pain I was experiencing. Yet, deep down, this feeling of powerlessness never aligned with my core belief in hope and meaning. It was in recognizing the disconnect between who I was and who I aspired to be that true growth began.

I learned to speak my truth. I aligned my values with my goals, shifting my focus, energy, and perspective. Once my perspective changed, so did my reality. Nature often became my greatest teacher, offering profound lessons in growth, change, and survival.

Living a values-centered life emerged as a priority for me. Education, once an unattainable dream, became a reality when I earned my degree in Social Work in 2017. Health and wellness also became central to my life. Yoga became a daily practice, teaching me self-love, acceptance, and resilience while fostering inner peace. Inspired by its transformative effects, I became a registered yoga instructor (RYT 200) and pursued trauma-informed certification to share the healing power of yoga with others.

Professionally, I’ve dedicated over 20 years to nonprofit fundraising, outreach, and collaboration with board members and executives. I had the honor of serving as a founding board member of a medical nonprofit and have volunteered extensively as a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem, advocating for children. My commitment to service extended to disaster response and working as an Independent Living Specialist, supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving personal and professional goals. It was through this role that I discovered my passion for coaching.

Today, I am a Certified Professional Coach, Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and COR.E Dynamics Specialist and a Distinguished Toastmaster. As a passionate public speaker, I deliver dynamic keynote addresses that inspire transformation, resilience, and authentic leadership, empowering audiences to unlock their potential and embrace their own unique paths. My unconventional path has led me to a place of purpose and fulfillment. Every day, I choose to show up fully and embrace joy.

Through this journey, I’ve learned to heal my wounds, speak my truth, and live authentically in alignment with my values. What I discovered is that the path to joy is so much easier with someone to support you. I would be honored to be that person for you—helping you plant your roots, reach toward your goals, and grow stronger in your authentic self each day.

As part of my transformation, I write about my personal experiences to process my feelings and help others. I am currently working on my memoir and share much of my writing on Substack, often reflecting on overcoming personal trauma. Additionally, I host The Bridge Writers Group, a four-week workshop where participants engage in daily writing prompts and share their raw work in supportive breakout rooms. A new session begins every four weeks, and I invite you to join.

Are you ready to stop letting circumstances define you?

Together, we can transform your life experiences into a refined vision of who you are and who you aspire to become. Let’s begin this journey of growth and empowerment—together.