The Story Behind the Work
From Surviving to Deeply Living
My path has taught me that lasting change is possible—even when life feels overwhelming, painful, or impossible to navigate alone.
Shelby Shankland
I began my own personal-growth journey as a young adult who was suicidal, stuck, deeply sad, and carrying an inner world shaped by self-hatred and relentless judgment. On the outside, I knew how to perform, achieve, and keep moving. Inside, perfectionism, fear, and overwhelm left little room for ease, trust, or self-compassion.
Through years of therapy, coaching, spiritual exploration, and intentional practice, I gradually rebuilt my relationship with myself. I learned to soften the harsh inner voice, respond rather than react, and make space for the wisdom of my heart, body, and soul alongside my mind. What once felt like a life driven by urgency and impossible expectations became a life I could consciously shape—grounded, purposeful, joyful, and human.
That transformation did not make life free from grief, health changes, marriage challenges, or demanding seasons. It gave me the resources to meet those experiences with more compassion, choice, and resilience. Today, I bring that lived understanding to my work with women who are ready for more: more joy, more honesty, more connection, and a life that reflects what matters most. I am a coach, Reiki Master, lifelong learner, devoted partner, and mother of two teens—and I believe you already carry the wisdom needed to create meaningful change.
The Experiences That Shaped My Work
My approach to coaching has been shaped by lived experience, professional leadership, deep study, and a continuing commitment to becoming more compassionate, whole, and alive.
1995
Discipline, Achievement & Perfectionism
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Music with a focus on flute performance. Classical training strengthened my discipline and dedication, while also revealing the perfectionism and self-criticism I would later learn to transform.
2004–2014
Building a Life of Care and Service
Marriage, motherhood, and work supporting families expanded my understanding of care, connection, and resilience. I became a postpartum doula and lactation educator, then completed my LifeWorks Life Coach certification in 2014.
2015–2022
Integrating Energy, Values & Leadership
As a Usui Reiki Master and values-based leadership practitioner, I deepened my ability to support whole-person transformation. My corporate leadership experience and Barrett Values Centre certification strengthened my practical, compassionate approach to growth.
2023–Present
Creating The Well-Resourced Woman
Through Acceptance and Integration Training, wisdom teachings, Nonviolent Communication, Integral Coaching, and embodied practices, I continue refining a coaching space where women can access their inner truth, build self-trust, and create lives rooted in compassion, fun, and purpose.
A Life Resourced From Within
Transformation is not about becoming someone else—it is about returning to yourself with compassion, courage, and trust. Shelby’s work supports the meaningful shifts that make life feel more grounded, joyful, and authentically your own.
01
Self-Compassion & Acceptance
02
Emotional Freedom
03
Embodied Inner Trust
04
Purposeful, Values-Aligned Living
Growth That Honors Your Whole Self
Practices for Whole-Person Transformation
Cultivating Stillness & Space
Make space for the truth beneath the noise through simple, accessible practices that quiet the mind and reconnect you with your own inner wisdom.
Wisdom Teachings & Nonduality
Draw on timeless wisdom to move beyond fear-based patterns, remember your inherent wholeness, and access a deeper perspective on life.
Integral Coaching & Nonviolent Communication
Build practical self-awareness, meaningful goals, and communication skills that support authentic leadership, clearer boundaries, and resilient relationships.
Aligned Goal Setting & Momentum
Craft inspiring, purposeful goals grounded in small, measurable actions, building the momentum you need to move forward without leaving yourself behind.
Shelby Shankland
Life Coach, Reiki Master & Leadership Consultant
Phone: 415.596.3664
Email: shelby@shelbyshankland.com
Location: Physical office located in Knoxville metro area, Remote appointments via Zoom.
About Shelby
Shelby Shankland brings nearly three decades of results-focused corporate leadership to her work as a life coach, Reiki Master, and guide for well-resourced women seeking a more meaningful, aligned way forward. Her approach blends practical leadership insight with deep inner work, creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for women to reconnect with the wisdom beneath stress, overwhelm, uncertainty, and self-doubt.
Grounded in Acceptance and Integration Training, Nonduality and other wisdom teachings, Nonviolent Communication, Integral Coaching informed by Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory, and Energetics of Success Coaching rooted in chakra energy systems, Shelby meets each client as a whole person. Her work also draws on her Barrett Values Centre consultant certification, Usui Reiki Mastership, and years of supporting women through life transitions as a certified life coach, lactation educator and counselor, and postpartum doula.
As a Curvy Yoga Teacher and Turn Up Dance Fitness Teacher, Shelby honors the body as an essential source of information, healing, expression, and joy. Whether you are navigating a demanding career, longing for more authentic leadership, or feeling called toward a deeper life, she helps you access your truth, trust what arises, and take grounded action toward what matters most.
Skills & Expertise
Life Coaching & Personal Growth
Reiki & Energy-Based Support
Leadership Development & Values Consulting
Postpartum, Lactation & Family Support
Professional Experience
2023 – Present
Acceptance & Integration Training Practitioner
The Well-Resourced Woman
Guides women through compassionate, whole-person coaching that supports self-trust, emotional resilience, and intentionally designed lives.
2022 – Present
Values Consultant & Leadership Coach
Barrett Values Centre Certified Consultant
Supports leaders and ambitious women in aligning their values, strengthening effective leadership practices, and creating sustainable success.
1996 – 2024
Results-Focused Corporate Leader
Corporate Environments
Built extensive leadership experience while integrating coaching, communication, and people-centered approaches to achieve meaningful results.
"I believe women deserve lives filled with compassion, fun, and growth—and the confidence to trust themselves as they create what feels deeply fulfilling."
— Shelby Shankland
