About Kris Risley

I live and work in Chicago and coach individuals across the country. I have 10 years of experience, post-doctoral training, in the fields of public health, coaching, personal leadership development, and emotional and kinesthetic intelligence. I became a certified profesional co-active coach (CPCC) in 2005; my training was provided through a California-Based coach training program called The Coaches Training Institute. I maintain a private coaching practice that includes a blend of leadership and personal coaching.

I have both BA and MS degrees in psychology as well as a doctoral degree in public health/maternal and child health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). I am also the Continuing Education Director for the Maternal and Child Health Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health. In 2007, I developed a year-long coaching and leadership development program for our graduate students receiving an MPH in Maternal and Child Health. This is an ongoing program available to our students. I also co-developed a personal leadership development program for maternal and child health professionals working in state and local health departments, community-based organizations, and other not-for-profit and government agencies/organizations. Additionally, I coordinate an annual Materanl and Child Health Leadership Retreat called Leadership, Legacy, and Community: A Retreat to Advance MCH Scholarship and Practice.

I provide leadership training and coaching at the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) annual conference. In 2009, I will provide coaching services at the American Public Health Association (APHA) annual conference.

In 2006, I completed a 10-month, intensive, residential leadership program focused on personal leadership development. In 2009, I completed a two-year training program that focuses on kinesthetic (body) intelligence. This work enhances my coaching practice by helping individuals tap into their body wisdom to engage their leadership strengths and manage daily challenges/stressors.

On a personal note, I am a life-long learner. I love to travel and am always exploring new adventures and activities. I also love spending time with my family including two beautiful nieces and one very handsome nephew!

For more information about my training & certification, click here.