If you would ask Vicki, “What’s your life purpose?” she would answer something like this: “I’m here to encourage others towards knowing who they really are, what matters most to them, and what their purpose is”.  This passion to encourage has been a consistent theme throughout her life.  She loves doing it.

life coach background Des Moines Iowa, life coachingVicki has enjoyed expressing this passion in a wide variety of settings over the years. She  worked as a Mental Health Therapist with individuals, couples and families at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in Iowa for 15 years, and as a Medical Social Worker at Mercy Hospice-Johnston, an inpatient facility in Johnston, Iowa, for 5 years. Prior to this, she worked  as a  Social Worker at various other organizations in a variety of locations.

Her dream though, perhaps because she is a home-body at heart, was always to offer a cozy home setting for individuals to talk about and move forward in their lives. This dream became a reality in 2012 when Vicki became a Life Coach and opened a private coaching practice out of her home. To prepare for this, she completed the core coaching courses offered by Coaches Training Institute (CTI),  a coach training organization accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF) as well as the Co-active Coach Certification Program also offered by CTI. In addition, she became credentialed as Associate Certified Coach (ACC)  through ICF. As a Certified Professional Co-active Coach (CPCC) and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) she has enjoyed offering a quiet relaxed space out of her home, for individuals to explore their lives. She also coaches by phone if preferred by a client, or if necessary due to geographic location, schedule or other circumstances.

In order to enhance her private coaching practice and to more intentionally address the spiritual well-being of her clients, Vicki completed Prairie Fire, a two year spiritual formation program offered by Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center in 2018. She went on to complete Prairie Fire’s optional third year Spiritual Direction Practicum and received a Certificate in Spiritual Direction in 2019.

As a well-respected, seasoned mental health professional also trained in coaching and spiritual direction, Vicki is well prepared to work with you. Her professional background and life experiences provide an excellent backdrop for her current life coaching practice.

Vicki graduated from University of Nebraska-Omaha with her MSW in 1992 and has been a Licensed Independent Social Worker  (LISW) in the state of Iowa since 1993. After moving from Iowa to Michigan in spring 2019, she is obtained licensure (LMSW)  in the state of Michigan as well.

Vicki’s other passions include running marathons, biking, camping, hiking,  reading, working with glass and volunteering in various capacities that align with her values.  Her volunteer efforts have been primarily relational in nature, in areas that maximize her professional background and interests.

Vicki currently lives in Maple City, Michigan with Lloyd Vanderkwaak, her husband of 42 years who recently retired from 27 years as President/CEO at ChildServe in Johnston, Iowa. Together they have 4-7 children and 9-15 grandchildren (depending how you count them)  who live in various states and Canada. Vicki and Lloyd love them all dearly, visit them regularly and as you might guess, encourage them to live lives that reflect what they are passionate about.