For most of my life, I planned everything. Then life reminded me that even the best-laid plans don't always work out. After a hip injury and a six-week road trip through the West, I discovered that some of life's greatest adventures aren't the ones we carefully plan—they're the ones we never see coming. Chasing Waterfalls is a reflection on recovery, uncertainty, and learning to leave room for the unexpected.
Returning to a place that once felt like home after the end of a relationship forced me to confront more than memories. It challenged my identity, my confidence, and the stories I had been telling myself about who I was on my own. This isn't just a story about whitewater kayaking—it's about grief, healing, and learning that sometimes growth isn't about feeling stronger. Sometimes it's simply about having the courage to keep showing up.
We recently finished reading The Rock Warrior's Way by Arno Ilgner as part of our ACE CoLab Community Book Circle. Although the book is written about climbing, I found myself highlighting passages and reflecting on lessons that apply far beyond the rock face. In many ways, the book isn't really about climbing at all. It's … Continue reading The Rock Warrior’s Way Mindset
I don't view coaching, guiding, or personal development as products. I view them as partnerships. At ACE CoLab, we believe meaningful change happens through exchange. For most of my career, I have worked in spaces centered around education, leadership, personal growth, and adventure. I've taught skiing, coached athletes, guided in the mountains, facilitated wellness practices, … Continue reading ACE CoLab Exchange Philosophy
There’s a well known saying, "Travel is the one thing you can buy that makes you richer." While it may sound cliché, I believe there is a profound truth hidden within it. The richness that travel offers has very little to do with luxury hotels, first-class flights, or checking destinations off a bucket list. The … Continue reading Travel Is the One Thing You Can Buy That Makes You Richer
I'm excited to share that I have officially earned my Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). While the letters after my name don't change who I am as a coach, they do represent years of training, practice, supervision, reflection, and a commitment to providing my clients with the highest level … Continue reading Why Earning My ICF ACC Credential Matters
After a hip injury forced her off the mountain for the first time in 35 years, Allie found herself facing more than just a physical recovery. What began as chronic pain and surgery became an unexpected invitation to slow down, reflect, and rediscover who she was beyond skiing. This personal story explores identity, healing, resilience, and how one of life’s hardest moments became a profound awakening.
At ACE CoLab, coaching is designed as a professional partnership rooted in curiosity, reflection, and intentional growth. This post explores three coaching areas—Life Transformation, Mindset & Performance, and Health & Wellness—showing how each supports clarity, resilience, and sustainable change through a grounded, real-world approach.
TRE® (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) is a body-based practice that helps release stored stress and regulate the nervous system. By activating the body’s natural tremor response, this gentle somatic approach can reduce anxiety, improve sleep, release muscle tension, support recovery, and promote a greater sense of calm and balance.
A Grounded, Human Approach to Change Starting something new can feel exciting — and uncertain. If you’re considering coaching, you might be wondering: What actually happens in a session? Will I know what to talk about? Is this about goals, emotions, action… or all of it? Do I need to have everything figured out first? … Continue reading What to Expect from Coaching with ACE CoLab
