My Story

I am the founder, Dr. Katie T. Larson

I've worn many hats and shown various faces to the world.

Wife. Mother. Educator. Scientist. Mentor. Consultant. Author. Researcher. Storyteller. Coach.

Each of my Quests brought me personal Growth and closer to building GrowthQuests...

I Love Growth (well...most of the time)

Once a friend called me a "Renaissance-Woman" because I am "always trying to Grow more and more". It's true -- I have an insatiable desire to Grow just beyond my comfort zone by trying new things, pushing my boundaries, and reinventing myself.

That doesn't mean some of this Growth didn't hurt. I have had my fair share of pain, desperation, anxiety, and failure too...but on the other side of these hurts is always a wiser, stronger, more whole version of me.

There are deep, meaningful lessons packed into the most challenging times, and it's this potential for growth that I like to explore ...

Speaking of exploring...

I Love Quests (well... most of the time)

I've been a journey-woman since childhood. I blame National Geographic magazines for this one! I found my bliss whenever I embarked on an adventure -- no matter how big or small -- and dreamed of seeing the world one day!

When I was 22, I idealistically spun a globe and told myself I would live wherever my finger landed. After ending up in the Pacific Ocean (!), I slid it south to New Zealand... and moved there shortly after! That changed the trajectory of my life forever...

Soon I reached far beyond my backyard as a scientist and international educator, I worked with locals in the rain forests of Costa Rica and Borneo, mountains of Peru, and the Mongolian and Kenyan grasslands. Later, I consulted NGO clients in South Africa, Cambodia, and Hong Kong. My dream of seeing the world came true!

These Quests were fun and exciting, but also very challenging. Navigating foreign lands and cultures can be confusing, lonely, and exhausting (especially as a HSP!). But each adventure brought me tools for adaptability and creative problem solving. Traveling the world brought me more wisdom than any book could...

Speaking of books...

I Love Learning (well... most of the time)

National Geographic magazines evolved into university research (!) and two graduate degrees: a Master's in the Art of Teaching and a PhD in Leadership and Change focusing on Transformative Learning.

My studies have always been closely aligned with understanding how individuals can use their growth to better themselves and their community. My research was diverse and holistic ranging from neuroscience to philosophy and mythology.

There were plenty of times I wanted to quit my higher education, but I knew my journey was never meant to be easy and I learned just as much through my persistence as the degree themselves.

Additionally I became a TEDxSpeaker, published author, Certified JourneyCircles™ Facilitator, and Creative Depth Coach through JourneyPath Institute. I'm also a certified Hypnotherapist, Transpersonal Wellness Coach, and Spiritual Emergence coach (I am also writing my next book "The Sensitive Journey")!

I Love all things Weird (well... most of the time)

From a young age, I was not only interested in the metaphysical but I also had direct experience with clairvoyance, seeing ghosts, reading people's auras, and having past-life memories. I believe being a Highly Sensitive Person influences these experiences.

This has given me an even wider understanding of consciousness, reality, and what is possible in this world. I continue to have these unique experiences because when you look into weirdness, it tends to look back.

However, the esoteric and metaphysical realm isn't a playground of rainbows and "love and light". I have also learned the hard way that there are forces we do not understand that deserve reverence and respect.

Needless to say, because I have nearly an encyclopedic knowledge of paranormal, supernatural and esoteric weird stuff, nothing a client brings surprises me anymore. I have even begun training as a Spiritual Emergence Coach to help others who are going through similar experiences.

OK, I Love Life (well... most of the time)

Of course I am also a daughter, sister, wife and mother. I enjoy creating communities online and offline because as an HSP, I crave authentic connections and lasting relationships.

Honestly, I love exploring deep, meaningful expressions of what it means to be human. But this means understanding both the light and the shadow sides, so when I feel the world around me too intensely, I need to take a break here and there. I remind my clients to trust their instincts when they need to recharge as well...

I can't be your guru, but I will be a trusty guide for your own explorations. All of my coaching approaches have been profoundly influenced by my diverse cultural exchanges from around the globe, rigorous professional and academic career, and my personal spiritual and contemplative practices.

For the most realistic video of who I am (EVER!)

watch me trying to balance being a coach and a mother!... Enjoy!