Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Rapp.
Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age I was always the “secret” keeper, the person whom others felt safe and comfortable sharing their secrets and stories with. I studied psychology at the University of Kansas and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree. From there I was lucky to have an opportunity to move home, save money, travel to different locations in the US and abroad and eventually settle into a job doing marketing and business development for a large engineering firm. This was my path for many years, safe, comfortable and traditional. I got married, had two children and quit my corporate job to do the most challenging job on the planet, be a mom. As my children grew, my oldest began to struggle. Little did I know that she had some serious learning differences which led to a lot of mental health challenges. My youngest also struggled with high levels of anxiety but the truth is, I did not realize how much she suffered until her middle school years. My oldest required an immense amount of energy from me, my husband and any other adults around her and my youngest was less heard or understood.
Spring of 2020 was hard for all humans on the planet as the pandemic settled upon us. For my family it was a gift in some ways because the kids were doing some semblance of school online at home. Getting my oldest to school had proven to be incredibly challenging leading into the pandemic and not having to fight getting her into her school building was one less stressor. I knew we were missing a piece of information about her and took her to a psychologist for testing to better understand her. Turns out she is on the autism spectrum. She had previously been tested at younger age and the results showed her to be neurodivergent with ADHD and dysgraphia. Then in Fall 2020 when both kids had to go back to school, my youngest would vomit multiple times before school and getting her there was a monumental task. She entered middle school as my oldest entered high school, both incredibly hard transitions under normal circumstances, let alone during the uncertain times of a pandemic. Somehow we made it through that first year of the pandemic and middle and high school.
Fall of 2021 proved to escalate my oldest child’s mental health. She had struggled for most of her life, seen a variety of therapists, we had done a multitude of programs as a family and while each helped to a degree, none prepared us for the three emergency department stays at Children’s Hospital or the subsequent inpatient stays and then intensive outpatient stays that ensued. In spring of 2022, we could no longer keep our oldest safe at home, she was in her third psychiatric hospitalization and we made the incredibly hard decision to send her to a higher level of mental health care, out of our home and out of state. She spent three months in a wilderness therapy program and a year in a residential treatment facility.
During her time at Open Sky Wilderness Therapy, my husband and I attended weekly parent meetings, attended a weekend parent workshop and went on the land with our younger daughter to meet up with our oldest for a Family Quest. Open Sky’s approach was very family system oriented and this and being on the land with my family sparked a fire in me to deepen my own work and transformation as a mom, wife, daughter, friend and human.
My time on the land, reconnecting with myself, the natural world around me and attempting to heal from the crisis that we have lived in for all these years sparked a calling to pursue something that felt purposeful for my own growth and transformation and for me to get to guide others to do the same. I enrolled in a Nature Connected Coaching program based out of Boulder, Colorado, Earth Based Institute. I work with families as a whole system, helping to create growth and connection using nature’s healing wisdom to guide my practice.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
If only it had been a smooth road! The struggles I encountered were self doubt, learning (still working on this) how to partner with my partner in doing this parenting and marriage thing, taking a leap of faith to try some new learning as I become a coach and leaning into the unknown of starting a business. Weave in the challenges of being a parent of two teens who have different needs, taking care of my two miniature poodles and learning how to partner with horses and some days it feels like a lot!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
As a Colorado native and a mom to two teenagers, I’m a passionate advocate for families navigating the complexities of mental health and learning challenges. I’m also a proud ally to the LGBTQ+ community, dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for all families to thrive.
What I Do and Specialize In: I specialize in family-centered coaching. I bring a unique blend of expertise in psychology, family systems, professional coaching, and nature-connected coaching to my work. My approach is to meet families exactly where they are—whether that’s in-person, virtually, or outdoors. This flexibility allows us to create a comfortable and supportive environment tailored to your needs.
I’m known for focusing on the entire family system, not just one individual. The conventional mental health system often concentrates on “fixing” one person, but I believe true healing and growth happen when the whole family receives support, tenderness, and connection. This holistic approach helps families build stronger, more resilient relationships.
What Sets Me Apart: What truly distinguishes my coaching is the integration of nature as a powerful tool for healing. I believe that nature is our guide to fostering learning, growth, connection, and compassion. By incorporating nature-connected coaching principles, I help families find their own path to transformation. This unique blend of family systems work and nature-based practices, combined with my personal and professional experience, provides a powerful framework for change.
What I’m Most Proud Of: I am most proud of my commitment to helping families find their strength and rediscover their connection to one another and the natural world. My brand is built on the principles of compassion, inclusivity, and empowerment. I am proud to create a space where every family member feels seen, heard, and valued.
What I Want You to Know: Melissa Rapp Coaching is more than just a service—it’s a partnership. My goal is to guide you and your family toward lasting transformation by focusing on what truly matters: your relationships and well-being. My offerings are designed to provide the support and tools you need to navigate challenges, strengthen bonds, and create a healthier, more connected family life.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Be Patient: Building a successful business takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Celebrate small wins and understand that growth is a gradual process.
Ask for Help: You don’t have to do it all alone. Reach out to mentors, friends, and family for support and guidance. Most people are happy to help and share their experiences.
Invest in Support: Don’t hesitate to hire professionals when you need them. Business coaches, like the ones I’ve used, can provide invaluable insights and strategies to help you navigate challenges and accelerate your growth.
Embrace Mistakes: Mistakes are part of the learning process. They provide crucial lessons that help you refine your approach and improve your business. Be human and allow yourself the space to learn and grow from your experiences.
Trust Your Gut: While it’s important to listen to others, also trust your instincts. Your unique perspective and passion are what will set your business apart.
I wish I had fully understood the importance of patience from the very beginning. The pressure to achieve instant success can be overwhelming, but focusing on sustainable growth and enjoying the journey is what truly matters.
Pricing:
- I offer free consultations
- I ask for a 6 month commitment
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melissarappcoaching.com
Image Credits
Pika: https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/206037574/richardseeley?load_type=author&prev_url=detail
Wolves: https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/208610759/danita-delimont?load_type=author&prev_url=detail
Ren Overmeyer took the photo of me.
