ABOUT KURTIS
Helping you figure out life without burning out in the process
Hey, I’m Kurtis — a life coach, counselor, and all-around believer that your 20s (and college years) don’t have to be so overwhelming.
For the last 15 years, I’ve worked with students and young adults who are trying to figure out how to do life well — without losing themselves in the process. I’ve coached everyone from first-year college students learning how to manage their time, to recent grads who feel completely lost and unsure of what’s next.
If that’s you, I get it.
I’ve been there.
And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
My Philosophy
Most of us were told that success means getting the right grades, job, or relationship — but no one really taught us how to manage stress, set boundaries, or feel confident in our own skin.
That’s where life coaching comes in.
My goal isn’t to tell you what to do. It’s to help you discover why you do what you do, what actually matters to you, and how to build a life that feels balanced, meaningful, and genuinely yours.
We’ll talk about habits, mindset, emotions, and purpose — but always in real, practical ways. No fluff. No hype. Just honest conversations that lead to growth
College Students
who want to succeed academically and personally.
Recent graduates
trying to figure out their life, purpose, and direction after school.
Young adults
who feel stuck, lost, or ready for change but don’t know where to start.
Parents
who want to support their students or young adults without doing everything for them.
IF YOU ARE A PARENT
If you’re a parent reading this, you probably see your son or daughter struggling — maybe they’re homesick, unmotivated, anxious, or unsure of themselves — and you’re trying to figure out how to help without overstepping.
That’s exactly why I work with parents, too.
I know how frustrating it can be to watch your student stumble through challenges you know they could handle with the right mindset or structure. Coaching gives them the tools to figure things out on their own while you get to step back, breathe, and actually enjoy seeing them grow up.
When parents partner with me, here’s what typically happens:
- Students gain confidence and independence because the guidance isn’t coming from mom or dad.
- Communication improves: students open up more and take responsibility for their choices.
- Stress decreases for everyone: because there’s a trusted adult in your student’s corner helping them navigate life.
Sometimes I’ll meet with parents once at the beginning to align goals and expectations, then focus the ongoing coaching directly on the student or young adult. You stay informed, but they stay empowered.
You don’t have to carry the whole load of helping your student succeed.
Coaching lets you step back without stepping out.
My Background
I’ve spent over 15 years working in personal development, coaching, and higher education — including years as a university life coach helping students adjust to college life, discover their strengths, and find purpose.
I’m also a certified professional coach (PCC with the International Coaching Federation) and a licensed counselor-associate, so my approach blends the best of both worlds: coaching for motivation and action, and counseling-level insight into mindset and emotional health.
My style is casual, real, and full of “aha” moments that stick. I’m not here to lecture you; I’m here to walk with you.
What Coaching with Me Feels Like
It’s less “sit down and get fixed,” and more “let’s figure this out together.”
You can expect:
- Honest, non-judgmental conversations
- Practical tools and accountability
- A mix of encouragement and gentle challenge
- Plenty of humor and perspective along the way
You don’t have to be in crisis to get coaching. Sometimes the best time to start is when you finally realize you’re ready for more.
FAQs: Common Questions
What’s the difference between life coaching and counseling?
Good question — they often overlap. Counseling tends to focus more on healing, processing the past, and managing mental health symptoms.
Coaching is more about clarity, growth, and action — helping you figure out where you want to go and how to get there.
Because I’m trained in both, I can tailor our conversations based on what you need most.
Who is coaching for?
If you’re a college student, a young adult, or someone who just feels stuck, coaching is for you.
It’s for people who are tired of trying to figure everything out on their own — but don’t need a “fix,” just a guide and a plan.
If you are ready for change and willing to do the work, you are the perfect candidate for coaching.
How long does coaching take?
Most people work with me for 3–6 months, though you’ll start seeing clarity and confidence within the first few sessions.
Growth takes time, but it also happens faster than you think when you’ve got structure and support.
Do you work with parents?
Yes — many parents reach out first when they see their college student struggling.
I often meet with parents once to set expectations and then focus coaching sessions directly on the student so they can take ownership of their growth.
However, these seasons of transition are hard for the parents as well as their children. I am here to help the parents learn how to best support their kids while also growing in their own life so the whole family finds peace and purpose in this season.
What if I’m not sure I can afford it?
Totally fair. Coaching is an investment — but one that pays off in better habits, more confidence, and less stress.
We’ll talk through your goals and options in a free consultation before you ever commit to anything.
No pressure. No surprise invoices. Just clarity.
How do I get started?
Easy — click below to book a free consultation.
We’ll talk about what’s been going on, what you want to change, and whether coaching with me is the right fit.
Do you work with teens?
Yes I do!
I work with upperclassmen in high school preparing for the transition to college. The more work we do before they are in the throes of college life, the better they will perform in class and in their young adult life!
However, if you are looking for a quality coach who works exclusively with teens 13-17, I HIGHLY recommend Andrew Petrillo Life Coaching for Teens. I have worked with Andrew personally and seen the value he brings to teenagers’ journey and could not recommend anyone more highly than his team!
“After graduating, I felt completely lost. Everyone around me seemed to have a plan, and I was just… stuck. Coaching with Kurtis helped me slow down, figure out what actually mattered to me, and take small steps that built momentum.”
“We could tell our son was struggling with motivation and confidence in his first year of college, but nothing we said seemed to help. Working with Kurtis gave him the space to open up, set goals, and actually follow through.”
“In college, Kurtis helped me get organized, manage my stress, and remember that I’m not the only one figuring this out. Now I actually feel confident walking into class instead of panicking all the time.”