Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Rausch.
Hi Michele, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey has been long and complicated, but I firmly believe that every step, from the moment I came into the world to now, served a singular, guiding purpose: to lead me precisely to this moment. It hasn’t always been pretty, and it hasn’t always felt good. There have been many moments when I have cried out loud, “I cannot believe this is my life.” But I am grateful for my continued evolution into the best version of myself. I am not “her” yet. But she is coming.
I grew up in South St. Louis, the daughter of a butcher who owned a small grocery store and a stay-at-home mom. I had a natural curiosity about people, a love for music, and a desire to write. Today, I am an author and an educator. I facilitate professional development and youth empowerment programming, primarily around trauma-informed care, building relationships, and creating communities of care.
The route here included six years as a sports writer, more than 16 years in the advertising industry, and eventually coaching and teaching in the public school system. My first day ever in the classroom was the Monday morning after Mike Brown was shot in Ferguson. Everything I learned and all of my experience did not prepare me for the pain, anger, and fear I would encounter in the classroom. I immediately learned that sometimes my students had more to teach me than I had to teach them, that every day was not going to be about English class, and that, if I was going to be successful, building relationships with my students and their families would be the key. Being a teacher was the greatest gift I have ever received. My kids made me a better person. I never could have anticipated that.
In the midst of the pandemic (Spring 2020), I left the classroom and entered the non-profit sector. I had been serving on a team of trauma-informed educators, working to change policies and procedures to be more responsive to the members of our school community. I continued that work through a couple of non-profit organizations and eventually ventured out on my own to continue conversations that would bring a greater understanding of trauma and open up the door to healing in the St. Louis community.
And that is where I am today. Still teaching, still educating, and sharing my own life experiences to help facilitate connection and healing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been many challenges along the way. In some instances, I was my own worst enemy because I struggled with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. I have always questioned my own ability. Imposter syndrome is real! Self-doubt became a thief of time and opportunity. And, to be honest, sometimes that self-doubt was reinforced when I struggled to garner support that I thought I’d get.
Aside from the internal battles, I had real life experiences that created bumps in the road. My own feelings of grief and loss, and my personal traumas often felt debilitating. Most recently, I was the primary care-giver for my mom for many years. She had Alzheimer’s and breast cancer, and she passed away on April 15, 2022. In 14 months, surrounding her death, I lost my dog, two students to gun violence, another former student passed, and a very dear friend of mine lost his life. The cycle of grief and loss is impossible to escape if you never have time to feel. And you can’t heal unless you feel.
Business-wise, I understand that trauma is a difficult topic to tackle for a lot of different reasons. I also acknowledge that in some communities, I am a trigger. So getting my foot in the door is not always easy. But, if we can find a point of common ground, I know we can work together to heal which will lead to positive changes in communities, businesses and schools.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
With a rich background spanning corporate America, the fast-paced advertising industry, and years as an experienced teacher and coach, I have a multifaceted understanding of both learning and professional environments. But my real strength lies in my love for people. My curiosity about who people are, where they come from, and what their experiences are allows me to create safe spaces for connection.
In the past, I was a great project manager and a good team leader. Today, I am known for being someone who tries to spread a little love and encouragement as well as a trainer and an educator who creates engaging and informative sessions that are laden with humanity and humor and probably a little too much information about my own life.
My diverse experience allows me to connect with people from all different backgrounds, offer tailored insights and actionable strategies for work and home alike. But also, it helps folks feel like they are seen, like they are not alone, and like change is possible.
A couple of years ago, I wrote a little book called “You Matter! And other things I want kids to know.” It was inspired by my students and the conversations we would have that weren’t on topic at all! I am very proud of that. But I feel most proud of who I am becoming as a woman, as a teacher, a daughter, a sister, a friend… I have the last 15 years of my life to thank for that.
What matters most to you? Why?
Joy motivates me. Finding joy every day challenges me to reframe my experiences on difficult days and allows me to revel in what a great life I have had on the great days. Helping others find joy or success or renewed hope matters to me as well.
Leading with love and understanding, creating healthy communities of care, finding common ground upon which we can unify, building bridges, create connection… It all matters. Selfishly, I guess I feel better when I see that others feel good. But also, I just want to do my part to make the world a decent and safe place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.micheleleerausch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micheleleerausch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormicheleleerausch
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelerausch
