Colleen McKay – Youth Coach based in Chilliwack, BC
My goal is to walk beside you as you discover your strengths and maximize the awesome in your life.
When I’m not working with clients, you’ll find me playing hockey, coaching youth sports, indulging my insatiable curiosity with an audiobook, or exploring the beautiful mountains, lakes, rivers and forests I get to call home with my dog, Kaya.
Colleen is honoured and grateful to live, work and play on this beautiful, traditional, ancestral, and unneeded territory of the Stó:lō peoples.
The Coach I am Today
You might have certain ideas when you hear the term life coach; maybe you think life coaches are supposed to have your answers or tell you how to live your best life. However, that is not actually the role of a coach.
As a coach, I am here to walk alongside you, helping you see your blind spots, catch your balance, and uncover the vibrancy in your life that might be hidden beneath the surface.
My coaching is grounded in trust and curiosity. I believe curiosity is underrated—it’s what drives me to ask the deep questions that help uncover the “why” behind thoughts and behaviors. Together, we’ll explore the patterns and possibilities that might be holding you back or could serve as the rocket fuel for your success.
I believe in starting slow to go fast—taking the time to truly understand why you’ve stepped into coaching and what you’re looking to achieve. My approach isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about lasting change, creating a space where you feel seen, heard, and excited about the possibilities ahead. We’ll lean into discomfort when necessary, always with the intention of growth and self-discovery.
Curious about how coaching can support your journey?
Happy Clients
My ‘Why’
Coaching is in my bones – it’s something I’ve done for as long as I can remember, whether in my entrepreneurial journey managing a thriving business or leading youth in sports. I’ve always been passionate about helping others understand themselves and those around them, so they can move through the world more effectively and, hopefully, with a bit more joy.
I know firsthand the importance of having someone to talk to, someone who isn’t a parent, to help you make sense of the chaos in your mind and the world around you.
That’s why I’m here – to be a fresh person and space supporting young people as they navigate the often confusing transition into adulthood.
My Mission: Empowering t(w)eens and supporting their favourite adults
I’m here to help young people cultivate self-belief, embrace their sense of self, and see the value they bring to the world.
One of the most powerful ways to support youth is to also support the amazing adults in their lives, creating a ripple effect that helps everyone thrive. We are all doing our stage of life for the first time, and having someone to process, brainstorm, and expand our perspective can be super helpful.
You are smarter than you think, braver than you imagine, and stronger than you feel! I love spotting and highlighting the glimmers in others that are often hard for them to see in themselves.
Ready to Get Curious? Let’s Connect
If you’re ready to explore your “why” and lean into the incredible person you are, I’d love to connect. Let’s make the tough stuff less scary and the good stuff even better.
Colleen’s Journey: From Corn Sales to Coaching
Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings:
Childhood
I grew up in a large family, as the middle of 6 kids on a small farm in Southwester Ontario. I was homeschooled through grade 8 where I developed a deep love of learning!
8 Years Old
Started an entrepreneurial journey selling sweet corn on the side of the highway. It all started with a table, umbrella, Fisher Price cash register and maybe $100 profit. This venture eventually grew into a larger business known as “Your Farm Market (YFM).”
Tween Years
As business picked up, other fruits & veggies were brought in and my sisters jumped on board to help serve the growing customer base.
Business Development
2007
This was the moment it went from a summer hobby to a REAL business I was all-in for! Serving my team, customers, farmers, and community became my why for that period of life.
I registered the business as “Your Farm Market,” (YFM for short) and took on the slogan, “We Gather Farm Fresh for You!”
We had outgrown the corn-stand label years ago as we added more and more local produce, preserves, and baked goods.
2018
By this time, I had developed the team and grown YFM into a thriving and steadily growing business. With a seasonal staff of 25-30, we had achieved 7-figure sales for the past 3 years!
After a truly amazing season in 2018, where we reached $1.8 million in sales, I realized it was time for a change. Feeling burnt out, I decided to pivot and successfully sold YFM. The business had become a staple in the community, and I’m proud that its legacy continues to serve and support the people it was built for.
Life Transitions
2019
With equal parts gratitude, exhaustion, and grief I had said goodbye to YFM and embarked on a 4-month adventure! I set out in my SUV and camper, GPS set for peace & adventure. I found both on the West Coast and had moved out by the fall
Post-Move
Now settled on the West Coast and working as an employee, I expected life to be a slower pace and less stressful. I joined a women’s softball and co-ed hockey team to find community, yet soon found myself burning out again. I realized that entrepreneurship wasn’t the cause of my burnout—it was my approach to work itself. This realization led to a profound shift.
2020
I recognized the need to learn about my energy levels; what creates, preserves and zaps my energy so I could move through the world more intentionally and less reactively.
I began exploring my motivation and approach to different kinds of work, and how that impacted my energy.
Through this time of self-reflection, I discovered the thread woven through all of my most meaningful experiences was the desire to help others be their best. As I explored where I could use that gift, I found and fell in love with coaching.
My absolute favourite part of running YFM was hiring and training youth in their first job, finding them the right-fit role, and coaching them to build skills for success on the job, AND that would stretch far beyond their time at YFM.
It became clear that coaching was my happy place, where my natural curiosity had space to thrive and create value, and where my love of learning could be leveraged for a greater good.
Coaching Certification & Training
2020
Completed Klemmer Coaching Academy 1:1 Life Coach training.
2021
Completed The 6 Types of Working Genius Facilitator training.
2022
Completed The Sparketype Advisor training.
2023
Completed Youth Well-Being & Resilience Coach training.
2024
Completing final stages of Associate Certified Coach (ACC) training with the International Coaching Federation (ICF)