Who is Dr. Aurelia VonTress?

Hi! I’m Aurelia. My students call me Dr. V, my friends call me Ari, and my camp buddies call me Sparkle. You’re welcome to call me any of those that you choose.

My story, like yours most likely, is complicated. When you were little, did you have a hard time deciding what to be when you grew up? Yeah, me too.

In past life chapters, I have been a drama geek, an obnoxious teenager, a world traveler, a campus minister in the Catholic Church, a magazine editor, a doll maker, a farmer, an almost nun, an artist, a calligrapher, a blogger, and a fountain pen addict. Today, I continue my trend of taking on way too many things but kicking ass anyway by working as an educator in English composition and literature as well as being a writer, planner addict, friend, daughter, mentor, life coach, and, most importantly, the dog mom to the best furbabies you could ask for. It may seem like I have too much going on, but that’s the way I like it.

I have accepted the fact that life may not always make sense, so I try to break the mold as much as possible. I’m a white rural Missouri farm girl with a PhD in Xicana literature, focusing my research on bridging communities and breaking boundaries. I’m a full time community college instructor and a life coach who works with people to find their favorite versions of themselves.

And how did I become a coach? I came to this place honestly. At 31, I was six years into a five year degree (it ended up taking seven) and making no progress. I was living in my childhood bedroom and working part time as an adjunct. A couple coaches later (a stellar group life coach and a fantastic writing coach) and I had my PhD, a full time teaching job in my field, and felt happier and more myself than ever before. Coaching changed my life and I want it to change yours. Work with me and we’ll explore the depths of who you are and find your favorite self. Coaching is a practice of becoming and I’m here to help you become your dreamy favorite self.

If any of that interests you, please make an appointment to meet with me.