What is an “Encounter Coach”?

Glad you asked. Here’s what it’s not: counseling, mentoring, medicating, preaching. I’d love to come alongside, hear your heart, listen to what’s going on and then partner with you to discover lasting change and healing. It’s possible. I know because I’ve experienced it. Family trauma and abuse. Rejection, betrayal, depression, anxiety, fear. Estrangement and reconciliation. We invite Jesus into the conversation and experience delight as we have an encounter with the lover of our soul.

Life transitions are difficult.

I’m here to listen, understand, and help.

How can I help?

  • We live in a world where anxiety is not only prevalent but also provoked by our surrounding culture. Freedom from anxiety is possible. Imagine saying goodbye to anxiety and instead embracing adventure.

  • Life can be really tough. Especially the transitions. I come alongside to coach you through and get perspective that brings joy and freedom.

  • (or, No One Ever Told Me They Were All Gonna Leave Someday!) This one’s a doozy and a fierce battle I personally have recently come through. Victoriously. A challenge to identity. A kind of loss there aren’t many books or sermons about. I will come alongside to help find a way through the loss and grief by encountering Jesus together, discovering beautiful new identity (at no additional cost we’ll also find new purpose!)

  • This one’s accelerating faster in our culture than you can imagine. A recent study estimated that prior to 2020, 1 in 8 families were affected by parent/adult child estrangement. It’s boomed now to 1 in 4. Since COVID. Rejection by a family member is devastating. It doesn’t have to be. Reconciliation isn’t always possible but a life of meaning, purpose, and belonging can be found. I can help.

  • God is always good and His love is perfect and abundant. The church…eh, not always so much. A place that should be welcoming and healing can often feel like hurt, rejection, disappointment. I’ve been through it and have found a Jesus sweeter than I ever thought possible. Aaand…I still go to church. But now with a perspective of delight.

  • Divorce, death, rejection, a bad report. There is One who understands completely the devastation you feel going through grief and loss. I will sit with you to discover His presence, make sense of His process, and find healing in the pain. Let’s discover hope and a envision a brighter future.

Testimonies of the Goodness of God

“Michelle took good care in helping me uncover my own story and inviting Jesus there. She helped give me language to my experience and a real knowledge that Jesus loves me even in my painful areas. I’d recommend her coaching to my closest friends. It’s really special.”

— Brian J.

“I have known Michelle for quite some time now. She and I have both grown and sought resources to help us work through hurts from our past that shape our lives in negative ways. When Michelle started this coaching program, it was evident that she was a natural at helping people. People always say “hurting people hurt people” but Michelle is evidence that hurt people help people because she has helped me by just talking through situations and helping me understand that God doesn’t want me to stay stuck and that He used our experiences for His glory. Anyone who has the privilege to be coached by Michelle will flourish because she understands and she’s been there herself.”

— Mary

“If I’m stuck on something and can’t seem to find a way out, Michelle is there to help me find new perspective and find the perfect question for Jesus that brings freedom. Recently I was gonna serve at church all morning and felt really insecure and anxious about it. I found myself comparing myself to others that looked like they were just connecting really well and were confident and at ease. She had me ask Jesus some questions that took me back to 4th grade and a very specific memory of rejection.  She masterfully helped me gain a perspective of Jesus being with me in that moment.  Comforting me with a vivid realization of his presence.  I went to church the next day filled and confident that he was with me.  I wasn’t insecure or feeling inadequate. I ended up having a blast and making great connections.”

— Joey

“Michelle has been instrumental in my life over the last 6 years. She first started as a mentor for me as a newlywed. She helped give guidance for different situations that came up in our marriage and she always brought everything back to Jesus and biblical truth. In any situation, she could bring a different perspective which was refreshing and always inspired hope. In dark times, she brought light. Over the years we have stayed close and I will always consider her a spiritual mother to me and my family. She takes care of those around her and meets you where you are without shame or judgement. Even recently, I was having a hard time and she stopped what she was doing to pray for me right then and there. She is a PRAYER WARRIOR. I will forever be grateful for her wisdom and love— she gives both freely. She is a beautiful example of who Jesus is and how he wants us to live our lives. ”

— Quin