I see you.
I hear you.
I was you.
For over 10 years I was silenced by fear, self doubt and anxiety. It robbed me of time, income and connection with important people in my life.
I see you struggling with imposter syndrome and playing small.
I hear you second guessing yourself and overthinking every decision.
I feel you struggling with anxiety or completely shutting down.
Hi, I'm Chelsey.
You do not have to feel like this forever.
I am in the business of giving people HOPE.
Hope that they can handle the hard stuff.
Hope that they can feel self confident.
Hope that they can change their lives FOR GOOD.
“Prior to the sessions with Chelsey, I would let chaotic emotions lead the charge in a presentation. After coaching I was able to start a presentation with a level head and allow myself to turn up or turn down in a very intentional way. I felt safe and seen in Chelsey's presence. This allowed me to be vulnerable, goofy and at times outrageous in order to break down the presentation jitters that were preventing me from communicating effectively. The way Chelsey broke down scientific, evidence-based approaches to being a better communicator was amazing.”
-Tabitha, Landscape Designer
"I felt safe and seen in Chelsey's presence."
You start off strong, then somehow the slog of day-to-day life swallows you up and you end up where you started. Stuck and wanting more. And the cycle starts all over again.
I was a go-getter from the start. Full of grit, guts and heart. I got myself from a tiny Texas town all the way to Harvard, where I earned a master’s degree in theatre performance. I lived in London and Russia, all before the plucky age of 22. Then, in the midst of my successful career as an actress, everything came crashing down.
People talk about hitting rock bottom. I didn't just hit rock bottom, I became a permanent resident there, buried under an avalanche of PTSD for 15 years. I struggled with debilitating anxiety, panic attacks, depression, chronic pain and drug and alcohol addiction. I was overmedicated and zombie-like, a shadow of my former self. Things got so bad I could no longer work. I was too afraid and anxious to drive my car, go to the grocery store or leave my home. My life was very dark. For a very long time. The hopelessness was bone deep.
After trying #allthethings, I discovered nervous system regulation and somatic therapy and everything changed. I found hope for the first time in over a decade. After 3 years of research and me-search, and working my ass off (with a LOT of help), I clawed my way back from rock bottom.
Now I get to combine everything I've learned about facing fear with what I know about storytelling and vocal and physical presence to help people step into the version of themselves they most want to be.
For that reason,
I wouldn't change a single thing.
You want to play bigger.
I have been there.
Where I've been...
“Chelsey helped me gain professional confidence in a variety of settings. We worked on skills that have made me a more confident and effective communicator. Her sessions have been transformative to my career. I highly recommend working with her."
-Jackson,
Associate, commercial analytics
- The Volcano Heart logo is one of my original watercolor paintings.
- I love creating art.
- I was born in Alaska.
- When I was growing up we had goats and a donkey.
- I am still best friends with my 3 college roommates.
- Favorite role performed on stage: Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire.
- I have 5 fused vertebrae in my spine.
- My 14 year old dog, Dottie, might be my soul mate (don't tell my husband).
- My favorite place to be is outside.
Fun Facts About Me
Chelsey Rives, founder of Volcano Heart, is a seasoned communication skills coach dedicated to helping individuals amplify their vocal and physical presence, master the art of storytelling, and overcome public speaking and performance anxiety. With a diverse client base spanning the for-profit, non-profit, and educational sectors, Chelsey empowers people to confidently express themselves and connect with their audiences.
Before founding Volcano Heart, Chelsey enjoyed a successful career as a professional commercial, voiceover, and theater actress, where she honed her skills in vocal and physical expression, stage presence, and storytelling. She also spent many years teaching in public, private, community, and higher education institutions, where she further developed her passion for helping others communicate effectively.
Chelsey’s lived experiences and extensive work experiences with underserved populations have attuned her to the complex role trauma and chronic stress play in the body, voice, and the ways we connect with the world. This unique understanding informs her approach, allowing her to guide clients in overcoming barriers to authentic communication.
Chelsey holds a master’s degree in theater performance from the Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University and has studied at the Moscow Art Theater and the London Academy of Theater. Her rich background equips her with unique insights into the power of voice, body language, and storytelling in creating authentic, impactful communication.
She lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband and little white dog.
Professional Bio
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