Wherever you’re headed, you don’t have to go it alone.
Bi-racial, single mom, first-generation college student and now a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach. I know the effort it takes to overcome challenges and what it takes to keep going anyway.
From the first in my family to full circle
Growing up bi-racial between two very different places shaped how I see the world. As the first in my family to go to college, I didn’t have a map, so I learned to draw one.
- Duluth, MinnesotaWhere my story begins.
- Jacksonville, FloridaA love of learning that started in public libraries on hot summer days.
- First in my family to go to collegeI started at the University of Minnesota Duluth, then stepped away to work.
- Back at 24A low-income single mom with a ten-month-old, and I finished that degree. Still one of my proudest moments.
- Student Success CoachFull circle, helping students thrive in higher education.
- Gallup-Certified Strengths CoachBuilding on what’s right with people.
- Strengths4LifeCoaching & Consulting, to reach even more people in my community.
To be the person I needed
I wish I’d had someone like me to talk to when life felt overwhelming: someone deeply curious about me, who wouldn’t judge, and who could help me piece together what I was trying to say. Now I get to be that person for others. Everybody needs a coach, and coaching shouldn’t only be for people who can already afford it.
A strengths coach who lives what she teaches
These are my Top 5 CliftonStrengths, and here’s how each one shows up when we work together.
- 1
Intellection
I think deeply and ask thoughtful questions that help you reflect and discover what you already know.
- 2
Input
I collect ideas, books and resources. You’ll leave our sessions with things chosen just for you.
- 3
Learner
I’m always growing and learning, so I bring fresh tools, ideas and research into our work, and I love learning alongside you.
- 4
Ideation
I love connecting ideas and finding fresh ways to look at things, so we can find new possibilities together.
- 5
Achiever
I bring steady energy and follow-through, and I’ll help you turn ideas into real progress, one step at a time.
CliftonStrengths® and the CliftonStrengths theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc.
The values behind my work
Everyone deserves to be seen for what’s right with them.
My work is guided by justice and accessibility for all, a lifelong love of learning, and showing up with integrity, authenticity, humility and care. All identities, backgrounds and beliefs are welcome here.
- JusticeEveryone deserves a fair shot and the support to take it.
- Accessibility for allSliding scale and payment plans, so cost isn’t a barrier.
- LearningI’m always growing, and I learn right alongside you.
- IntegrityI do what I say, and I’ll always be honest with you.
- AuthenticityCome as you are. I’ll show up as me, too.
- HumilityYou’re the expert on your own life.
- CareYou’re a whole person, not a project.
Credentials & how I work
Academy for Coaching Excellence
Completed coach training courses: Mastering Your Life and Being Coach.
Trained to help people understand and use their CliftonStrengths.
Certified since 2023
Working toward ICF ACC
Currently pursuing the International Coaching Federation’s Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential.
Student Success Coach
Helping college students thrive in higher education.
Ethical practice
I follow the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics in every coaching relationship.
A little more about me
Raising my two sons is one of my greatest joys. They keep me busy, keep me laughing, and remind me every day that family comes first. My faith keeps me grounded through it all.
Self-care is how I recharge my battery, so I can show up fully for the people I coach. For me, that looks like trail running the Superior Hiking Trail with my two dogs or hunting the back country roads for agates.
At home, I’m usually curled up with a good book, working on my latest crochet project while listening to an audiobook, or playing video games. I’m a foodie at heart, and traveling gives me the perfect excuse to try something new.
What else would you like to know about me? I’d love to hear from you.
Email me a questionOr write to me at rachel.phelps@strengths4lifellc.com
Ready to talk?
Start with a free, friendly 20-minute chat. No cost, no obligation.