Your Coach

My name is Valerie Shaw-Gavel, and I am a survivor. I have navigated some incredibly difficult experiences in my life, and each one has shaped me into the person I am today—a compassionate, intuitive, and gentle resilience life coach, dedicated to helping others tap into their strength and find their path, just as I have done and continue to do.

As a very young child, I faced the trauma of sexual abuse at the hands of one uncle. Then, a few years later, at the age of 7, I found myself grappling with the devastation of losing a very loving and safe uncle to suicide. I was fortunate and very grateful to be raised by two very loving parents. However, my dad battled severe alcoholism my entire life and until his death in 2022 (shortly after he lost the love of his life and my mama to a short battle with metastatic lung cancer). These hardships, along with severe bullying over the course of many of my school years, pushed me to tap into a well of resilience I didn’t even know I had.

Through these challenges, I learned early on how to rise above, find my inner strength, and keep moving forward. This resilience became the foundation of who I am, and I have spent my life learning how to turn pain into power, loss into growth, and hardship into hope.

In 1998, I graduated with a BA in psychology, and my journey of learning and working to understand people from all walks of life began. Since then, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from all ages and backgrounds, helping them navigate their own unique struggles and/or blockers (anxiety, ADHD, lack of motivation, confidence, direction, etc.) and guiding them to access their inner gifts and resilience.

When I’m not coaching, I find joy in spending time with my husband, kids, grandkids, furbaby, and close friends. I’m most at home outdoors—whether I’m listening to music, working out, relaxing on the water, or planning my next adventure (or already off on one!). I embrace the small wonders of life and believe in living mindfully and fully engaged. My passion for connection, resilience, and joy is woven into both my personal life and my coaching philosophy.

Most recently, I became a certified youth resilience coach through the Youth Coaching Institute and International Coaching Federation. I am committed to continually learning, evolving, and growing so I can offer the best support to those who are ready for it. Through my life experience and ongoing education, I have come to a deep understanding that I am exactly where I am meant to be.

I created Ginkgo Tree Coaching with the knowledge that EVERYONE has the power within them to grow and transform. Just like the Ginkgo Tree, which has been here since the beginning of time and continues to not only survive but thrive through the most difficult conditions, you too can grow strong and resilient despite what you’ve been through or where you are currently.

Thank you for being here. I would be honored to travel with you on your journey to uncovering the life you want and deserve. Together, we will find your path forward.

With Gratitude,
Valerie Shaw-Gavel
Founder of Ginkgo Tree Coaching