PERSONAL GROWTH COACH KURTIS VANDERPOOL
Helping you build confidence, direction, and balance one step at a time.
Hey, I’m Kurtis — a personal growth coach and counselor who helps college students and young adults figure out how to live with more purpose, confidence, and peace.
For more than 15 years, I’ve worked as a personal growth coach with people in the middle of life’s messiest transitions: starting college, finishing college, or simply trying to feel like they’re not falling behind in their young adult years.
My coaching philosophy is simple: lasting change doesn’t come from pressure or perfection; it comes from clarity, compassion, and small, consistent action.
Whether you’re a freshman trying to get your feet under you, a recent grad wondering what’s next, or a parent hoping your student finds their rhythm, I help people slow down, breathe, and build a life that actually fits who they are.
My Philosophy
Most of us were told that success means getting the right grades, job, relationship, or job, but no one really taught us how to manage the growing stress, set boundaries, or feel confident in our own skin.
That’s where I come in.
My goal as your personal growth coach 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 and steady, personal growth.
WHO I WORK WITH
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. Working with a personal growth coach 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:
- My clients gain confidence and independence because the guidance isn’t coming from mom or dad.
- Communication improves: my clients open up more and take responsibility for their choices.
- Stress decreases for everyone: because there’s a trusted adult in your child’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.
A personal growth coach lets you step back without stepping out.
My Background
I’ve spent over 15 years as a personal growth coach in non-profits, businesses, and higher education, including 5 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 It’s Like Working With a Personal Growth Coach
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 benefit from a personal growth coach. 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 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!
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. If you yourself would benefit from working with a personal growth coach, I would love to coach you too to help you learn how to best support your kids while also growing in your 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 through your goals, your challenges, and whether working with a personal growth coach like me is the right next step.
“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.”