My story

I’d like to say my journey began the moment I was born.

I grew up in a two-bedroom apartment in one of those stark, utilitarian-style buildings in the northeastern part of China, in a town called Qiqihar—a place where Russian and Korean cultures blend. My parents and I shared the larger bedroom, while my 80-year-old grandfather lived in the other.

My grandfather’s story shaped me. He was a refugee, escaping the wars between China and Japan, and later became a victim of the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. He had endured unimaginable hardships, yet he carried himself with a quiet contentment, a deep calm. His presence was a stark contrast to the turbulence in my own home—where my parents often fought, and the air felt thick with emotional tension. There were moments of deep distress, even suicidal threats. They were healing from generations of trauma.

As a child, I was disturbed by it all—but I was also deeply loved. To cope, I developed the habit of dreaming about the future. If only… I thought. If only I could achieve this or that, I would be happy.

If I could go to college and live on my own, I’d be happy.
So I did. I became the top of my class and earned a spot at one of China’s top universities to study marine chemistry.

If I could study abroad in the freest country—America—I would be happy.
So I bought a one-way ticket to the U.S. It was my first time leaving home. I earned my Master’s degree in Marine Sciences at the University of Georgia, where I studied how coastal wetland ecosystems help mitigate climate change.

But happiness didn’t stay.

If I could get a prestigious, well-paying job, I’d be happy.
I worked for the federal government at NOAA, for the University of California, and for the David and Lucile Packard Foundation—protecting oceans, combating climate change.

If I could get my green card, I’d be happy.
I got it. I’m a proud U.S. immigrant, and I believe that is the spirit of this country.

I had achieved everything I once dreamed of. Yet that lingering question remained: Where is happiness?

I was not only seeking happiness through achievement but also pleasure. Sometimes, my pursuit of pleasure was wholesome—found in nature, with friends, snowboarding, rock climbing, and snorkeling. I traveled across Europe, South America, and Asia, even reaching the pristine landscapes of Antarctica alongside 100 outstanding women leaders in STEM. But at times, my search for excitement became impulsive, chasing thrills through adventure. Yet, the happiness never lasted.

And then I realized: Happiness is right here, right now.

So here I am—learning, loving, and living. I’m finding joy in life, not just in future milestones but in the present moment. The journey continues, and I’m embracing it all.

My Coaching Journey

I learned that happiness isn’t something waiting at the end of a checklist—it’s something we cultivate in the present by living with intention and alignment.

This realization led me to explore what it truly means to live a fulfilling life. I started my own coaching and healing journey, diving deep into the connection between the heart and mind. I completed my 100-hour training with the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI), became a regular breathwork practitioner, and deepened my yoga practice. Through this, I began to understand that real transformation happens when we stop looking outward for happiness and start tuning in to our inner world—our desires, values, and purpose.

And through this journey, I found what truly lights me up: helping others expand into the fullest version of themselves.

I believe that you already have everything you need within you. Sometimes, all it takes is the right space—a coaching session, a pause, a deep breath—to hear your own wisdom.

As a coach, I’m here to walk alongside you. To help you explore, question, and discover. To develop action steps, remove mental blocks, and hold you accountable. I want to help you find your thing—the spark that excites you, the calling that pulls you forward.

Whether you’re seeking clarity, confidence, or connection, I’m here to support your expansion into a life that feels true and meaningful.

Let’s uncover what makes you come alive.

-with love, 💗rachel