ABOUT ME

My Vision - The Future I’m Working Toward

My vision is a world where leaders, teams, and communities remember that they are already whole—where we belong to ourselves first, so we can truly belong to each other.

I imagine workplaces and organizations where people are not just surviving staffing shortages, conflict, and constant change, but meeting those realities with presence, courage, and a playful, curious mindset. Places where leaders see their people as humans first and resources second. Where “I am enough” isn’t a poster on the wall, but a felt experience in the body.

Through coaching, workshops, and keynotes, I’m here to unlock that kind of aliveness—one person, one team, and one audience at a time—so more of us can move from “I can’t” to “I can,” and from burned out to grounded, connected, and fully here.

Why Helping You Unlock Your Power Matters to Me

I do this work because I know what it feels like to question your place at the table—and to stay anyway.

I’ve been the new leader, the only queer person in the room, the first-gen kid figuring it out, the professional holding teams together through chaos, the starry-eyed kid with a dream. I’ve seen how quickly brilliant, caring people can forget their own power when burnout, perfectionism, and old systems pile up.

My why is to help you remember that power. I’m here to unlock childlike energy, grounded courage, and self-belief in people who are ready for a breakthrough. Because when you feel connected to yourself, you don’t just lead better—you live better. And that ripple matters.

MORE ABOUT ROACH

The Fun Stuff

I’m originally from Detroit, Michigan and still have a soft spot for Motown and Detroit sports. For a short stint my family lived across the street from Eminem—yes, I’m serious, and no, I’ve never met him.

Growing up, I spent most of my time training and traveling as a competitive artistic roller skater and organizing ridiculous amounts of fun for my friends and older brothers: pick-up hockey games, all-day rollerblading trips to Metro Beach, and outings to the “cheap show” ($1.50 movies forever). All that playing and practicing paid off—I became a national champion roller skater at age eight.

After retiring from my 12-year skating career at the seasoned age of 14, I traded in sequins for marching band and high school sports. In college, I played club volleyball and decided to get over my hatred of running by…running a marathon. It still makes me laugh, but it worked. Later, while rehabbing an injury, I fell in love with cycling, which eventually led to a cross-country ride from Yorktown, VA to San Francisco, CA with my friend “Hoog.”

These days, I’m no longer a competitive athlete, but I’m still very much in motion—trying not to injure myself mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking. A year living in Oregon after college cemented my love for the outdoors and the kind of presence, courage, and play it brings out in people.

Now I live in York, Pennsylvania with my wife, Kirstin, and our rescue pup, Luna. Fun fact: I only have one quarter of my left kidney and I’ve never tried coffee…but I love tea.

None of this is required for coaching or speaking—it just explains a lot about my playful, curious mindset and my belief that life is meant to be experienced, not overthought.

Side note about my nickname: Most people who know me personally or professionally call me “Roach”(like the bug). It’s an old high school nickname that has followed me for decades. When I started coaching, “Coach Roach” emerged naturally!

The Professional Stuff

Professionally, I’m a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation, with over 20 years of experience in training, development, and leadership. In 2025, I completed the intensive 10-month international Co-Active Leadership Program, deepening my capacity to lead boldly, coach deeply, and create truly transformative experiences for individuals and teams.

I’m a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in Campus Recreation Leadership from James Madison University, along with mountaineering training through NOLS. Over the past two decades, I’ve held roles across campus recreation, outdoor leadership, and higher education—including serving as Director of Campus Recreation at York College of Pennsylvania and adjunct faculty at multiple institutions. No matter the title, my favorite part has always been the same: developing people and watching individuals and teams expand their capacity.

I’ve also been deeply involved in the collegiate recreation profession, serving twice on the NIRSA Board of Directors, chairing the NIRSA Annual Conference Program, and contributing to numerous committees focused on leadership, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Along the way, I’ve been honored with several awards, including the NIRSA National Service Award, Central Michigan University’s Outstanding Alumnus in Recreational Sports Award, and the William Wasson Student Leadership Award.

For about 15 years, I worked as a part-time outdoor educator and guide, leading trips for people ages 10–50 on backcountry expeditions. That’s where I honed my communication, compassion, and ability to help humans thrive in uncomfortable, unpredictable situations—because nothing reveals group dynamics like adventuring all day, using a backcountry “bathroom,” and not showering for weeks at a time. That work taught me how to build trust, hold space, and help people move from “I can’t” to “I can” under real pressure.

Over the years, I’ve presented to and trained thousands of people at national conferences and events such as NIRSA, the Athletic Business Show, and the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education, as well as on campuses and within organizations. Recent invitations include keynotes and workshops on leadership, resilience, coaching skills for supervision, and building real relationships. Now, through Rachael Finley Coaching & Consulting, I bring all of that experience together—coaching leaders and teams, and delivering keynotes and workshops that are high-energy, practical, and deeply human.