My RISE Story - Bio

My RISE Story

For much of my life, I asked a simple but powerful question: Who am I—beyond the roles, titles, and expectations placed on me? Like many of us, I learned early to define myself through responsibility, achievement, and resilience. Over time, I discovered that true growth begins not with labels, but with awareness, choice, and intention.

I am a human-centered leader, wellness educator, and advocate with more than two decades of experience working at the intersection of behavioral health, leadership development, and holistic wellbeing. My work is deeply informed by both professional expertise and lived experience—by what it means to lead, to care for others, and to rebuild from adversity.

RISE was born from my personal and professional journey. Growing up amid significant challenges shaped my understanding of how early life experiences, chronic stress, and social conditions influence long-term health, performance, and quality of life. It also showed me the power of protective factors—supportive relationships, movement, purpose, and community—in shaping a different outcome.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving under-resourced youth, building organizational wellness and DEI initiatives, and supporting leaders and teams in creating healthier, more psychologically safe workplaces. I have seen firsthand how burnout, high stress, and misalignment erode both personal wellbeing and organizational effectiveness—and how intentional, strength-based approaches can restore clarity, energy, and resilience.

My second personal “RISE” came later in life, during a season many high-performing professionals recognize: outward success paired with inner exhaustion. Through movement, reflection, and intentional practice, I rebuilt my relationship with my body, my work, and my purpose. Running taught me discipline and self-trust. Yoga taught me presence, regulation, and restoration. Both continue to inform how I live and lead.

The RISE Method emerged from this integration—uniting evidence-based practices, ethical leadership principles, and holistic wellness frameworks into a practical, human-centered approach. It is designed to support sustainable growth, deepen self-awareness, and help individuals and organizations move forward with integrity and intention.

At its core, RISE is about agency. It is about remembering that even after challenge, loss, or burnout, we are capable of renewal. Like the phoenix, resilience is not about avoiding adversity—it is about rising with wisdom, clarity, and purpose.

I look forward to supporting you on your own RISE journey.

Monica J. Stout