who’s behind expand outdoors?

Hello. I’m Amy. I’m a professional certified life coach with a passion for the outdoors. I love working with smart, savvy people (like you) who are interested in personal growth and development.

I received my certification from the International Coach Academy after asking myself some really hard questions. (Questions like, “what do I want to do with my life” and “how can I combine my passions and create a career that I love?”).

And so Expand Outdoors was founded. I love helping women create healthy, sustainable and fun lifestyle changes through the outdoors.

I didn’t spend a lot of time in the wilderness as a child, but discovered my passion for the natural world later in life. I’d received a Bachelor’s of Music in music therapy from the University of Miami, moving to Colorado on a hunch.

I began hiking and snowboarding, falling immediately in love with the mountains. Today I’m a trail runner, climber, novice mountain biker and surfer, and have enjoyed hiking, camping, snowshoeing, snowboarding, yoga, slacklining, triathlons and stand-up paddle boarding over the past number of years—learning an abundance of life lessons with each interaction I have with Mother Earth.

Prior to becoming a life coach, my career path included a number of eclectic experiences. I've worked with adjudicated youth and Alzheimer’s patients as a music therapist; enjoyed an eight-year diversion in the corporate marketing world; and finally began life coaching. Throughout the years, my love affair with the outdoors has grown stronger and more influential.

The true genesis of this active life began in 2000 when I ran a mile for the first time in my life. Ever.

my story

2009 Pike's Peak marathon

At the beginning of 2000, I had a faint notion that I might want to try running.

My friends ran, but I'd never been good at sports. I didn't have much experience in the outdoors. I wasn't good at it and was embarrassed at my level (or lack of) fitness. Yet a seed was planted with the idea to "get in better shape" (however vague in my mind it was).

In the spring of 2000, I ran a continuous mile (without stopping or walking) for the first time in my life—ever.

That mile changed my life. Or should I say, that first mile changed my life.

Since then, I've gone from 5K fun runs and sprint distance triathlons to running my first 50-mile ultra marathon. I have explored all kinds of outdoor pursuits, including snow shoeing, snowboarding, skate skiing, rock climbing, trail running, hiking 14ers in Colorado, ocean kayaking in California, and surfing in Hawaii.

I have learned perseverance and humility. And I have gained confidence and strength—both physical and mental. I have seen my life transform over the years in ways that still surprise me (from finances and career, to my community of friends, relationships and marriage).

on the road

On the road in Bishop, CA | May 2010

In fact, just a few years ago I was working in corporate America feeling restless and dissatisfied with my life. I knew there was a way for me to make a difference, but I didn't know what that was—yet. The confidence I'd gained from my outdoor experiences allowed me to look beyond the limitations I'd set up and break through.

I quit my job in 2008 and began the journey to find my true passion. A year later I was getting my certification for life coaching. While living in Hawaii.

Yep. You read that right. Not only did I quit my job, but I got married (big life change), packed everything up into storage and moved 4,000 miles away. And then we got ready for our journey across the country in a van. Building a business on the road. Yeah... just a few changes!

Could I have imagined this back in 2000? Not a chance! Transitions are never a walk in the park (whether or not they're chosen or thrust upon us). But staying active not only saved my sanity, it gave me the tools and confidence to act on my dreams. To make them happen. Every now and again I pinch myself to remember that it's happening now! I attribute the evolution of running and the integration of fitness into my life as an integral part of my transformation.

And that's why I coach. I believe there's something extraordinary in the physical world for each of us to experience (it doesn't have to be running 50 miles). I firmly believe that we all have the capacity within ourselves to move and feel free; to feel strong and capable in our bodies. When we connect with the strength of our muscles, we connect to the power of our mind and the renewing of our spirit.