All First Time Story (FTS) Coaches have been hand-selected and trained to provide the highest level of storytelling coaching to meet your needs.
You might notice many of FTS Coaches are also either life, executive, business, relationship, or sales coaches and that’s because Coaches are the best trained active listeners around who also happen to be pros at asking meaningful questions and providing honest feedback. As a reminder, after you have purchased your FTS Coaching Package you will be sent an email with links to the FTS Coaches calendar. You will book your session(s) from their calendars.
Meet the first time story coaches


Karrisa Barcelo
Jimmy Neil Smith says it best, “We're all storytellers. We all live in a network of stories. There isn’t a stronger connection between people than storytelling.” I'd love to be your guide.
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Karrisa Barcelo


Tami Belt
I believe everyone has a story someone in the world needs to hear for insight, inspiration and to know they’re not alone.
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Tami Belt
I wanted to be a Rock Star when I grew up but couldn’t sing on key, so I sing the praises of others. After 14 years in Corporate America, I launched Blue Cube Marketing Solutions in 2002 to transform the way companies and nonprofits approach communication strategy and community engagement. As an award-winning PR professional, I place clients in the spotlight by equipping them with communication tools to spark conversations engage desired audiences, build relationships and shape their brand through stories. I’m an author and fan of jazz, classic rock and nice people. Most of all, I believe everyone has a story someone in the world needs to hear for insight, inspiration and to know they’re not alone.
I’m excited to work with people and companies to highlight the First Time Story Testimonials™.


Michael Kraeuter
I’m the guy that can bring a smile to just about anyone’s face and carries a childlike curiosity with me to any situation.
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Michael Kraeuter
I’m known as Coach Mike to most people as I have a knack for making the complex, rather simple. I have degrees and certifications but that is only part of my story.
We are the sum of our experiences but without sharing those experiences we miss out on connecting not only with others but ourselves. It is my vision to help create a more connected world and what a better way of doing this than to coach people in First Time Story Telling.
I’m the guy that can bring a smile to just about anyone’s face and carries a childlike curiosity with me to any situation.
I play in areas such as swimming, yoga, sports, wellness, biohacking, just to name a few. I enjoy working with people who want to connect and be vulnerable in this world and just need someone to encourage them.


DeShaun Monique Stafford
The hats I currently own are daughter, sister, friend, student, Christian, medical professional, mother, wife, and life coach.
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DeShaun Monique Stafford
I wear many hats. It’s funny because I didn’t used to like hats in the traditional sense. The hats I currently own are daughter, sister, friend, student, Christian, medical professional, mother, wife, and life coach. The biggest and apparent one you can visibly see is a black woman. I love the hats I wear and I own them with pride.
I enjoy life no matter how crazy it is because I lean into everything with a gratitude mindset. I enjoy movies and television, getting lost in nature, a good book, dancing, and interacting with people, especially my family.
People have always gravitated to me with thoughts or concerns they want to express. I’ve always had a good listening ear, even as a child, that made others comfortable around me. A trustworthy friend that never takes sides, keeps it real, and despises gossip- so your secrets are safe with me!
Our lives are but volumes of stories being written and to express them well takes passion and effort that can be tailored especially well to reflect the main character that is YOU! I’m so honored to connect with you, my fellow storyteller.


Sarah Carter
I get so much joy from hearing stories of other’s world experiences. I look forward to helping you take your stories to the next level!
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Sarah Carter
I’ve traveled the world far and wide while working on huge container ships, flying planes for the US Navy, keeping watch at the White House, and now exploring the beautiful island of Okinawa, Japan. To say I’ve seen a few things would be an understatement. I get so much joy from hearing stories of other’s world experiences. I look forward to helping you take your stories to the next level!
My travels with the US Merchant Marine and the US Navy have taken me literally around the world, and left me with some true sailor stories to tell, all while serving my country. I love experiencing amazing cultures, exotic foods, breath taking landscapes, and the passion the local people have for their lands.
When I’m not traveling, and even sometimes when I am, I’m an avid runner. Nothing near elite level, my run philosophy is more of “welp, I’m beating everyone on the couch today” when it comes to pace. I’m an “I’ll try that” type of person to the extreme. From barrel racing horses, pole vaulting, rock climbing, navigating huge cargo ships, flying airplanes of all sizes, to scuba diving there isn’t a challenge I’ve backed down from. I’m excited to hear your stories and help you tell others about your life’s adventures.
I’ve owned my own Life and Leadership Coaching business (New You Coaching, LLC) since I left active duty service. My client roster is a diverse group of courageous individuals of all age groups, ethnicities, and aspirations. They are daring to strive to live as the best versions of themselves and they bring me so much joy.


Tifany Ness
Our experiences fuel connections with others through story, and I’m excited to help you share yours!
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Tifany Ness


David Johnson
People know me as Dad, Friend, Health Nut, Cancer Survivor, Adopted, Traveler, Athlete, Soccer Referee, Investor, Speaker, Life Coach.
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David Johnson
People know me as Dad, Friend, Health Nut, Cancer Survivor, Adopted, Traveler, Athlete, Soccer Referee, Investor, Speaker, Life Coach.
Sure I have professional credentials like degrees, certifications and career experience. I’ll tell you true stories about fun times at school, tough projects, difficult co-workers, business failures and successes if you ask. But I sense what First Time Storytellers want is a discriminating listener. Someone who works hard to “get you.”
I’ve made a successful 30 year career out of paying attention to tone, body language, the message between the lines to find the “voice” within the speaker. I’m sought after for feedback and advice by friends, colleagues, and business leaders concerned about how they show up, shine, and make it . . . or not.
I play in arenas like human resources, sports, wellness, and performance enhancement.I especially enjoy working with clients who are courageous about reviving an internal spirit with a now or never attitude. Because what’s done is done and someday never comes.