Reclaim your strength. Rebuild your trust.
Rise renewed.
Hi, I'm Erika Zink, a Women's Resilience & Strength Coach and the founder of Phoenix Feather Coaching.
I partner with women who have reached a point where they no longer recognize the person in the mirror—not because they've failed, but because life has shifted. Whether you are navigating the physiological changes of menopause, the exhaustion of burnout, or the identity shift of a major life transition, I am here to help you find a clear path back to yourself.
The Foundation of My Rise: From Burnout to Balance
My path to coaching wasn't linear. I spent years as a Staff Scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), living in a world of data and precision. Eventually, I couldn't ignore the physical and emotional toll my career was taking. I was living in a constant state of burnout, overshadowed by anxiety, depression, and chronic inflammation.
This was my turning point. I realized the high-achieving pace I was keeping was no longer sustainable, and I immersed myself in the study of human behavior and stress physiology—not just to change my career, but to take back my life.
That personal transformation was only the first layer of a much deeper journey. Over the years, my resilience has been tested in ways I never could have planned for—from navigating a hysterectomy and entering post-menopause at 45, to a grueling battle with chronic nerve impingement and circulation issues that forced me to rethink how I moved. Most recently, in late 2024, life came to a standstill when a sudden abscess and bowel blockage left me septic and hospitalized for a week.
Each of these moments felt like a fire, but they also taught me exactly how to sift through the ashes and find the strength to rise again. They taught me that:
- The unexpected happens—even to those of us who plan meticulously.
- Recovery isn't linear. It is a path of twists, turns, and immense self-kindness.
- Consistency and the right team make the "impossible" recovery possible.
The Toolkit: Science-Backed Strategy
I believe you deserve more than "just another coach." My approach is grounded in the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA) framework and held to the highest industry standards as a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).
To further support the physical and mental side of your transition, I provide a truly integrative experience using an elite toolkit:
- A Strong Physical Foundation: Dual NASM certifications in Personal Training (CPT) and Nutrition Coaching (CNC) to adapt movement and fueling to your unique, changing body.
- Nervous System Resilience: Trained as a Certified HeartMath Practitioner to provide measurable, science-backed tools for stress regulation and improved heart-rate variability (HRV).
Life in the High Desert
I am a Tri-Cities native, an introvert, and a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). Living in a high desert region, I've learned that life isn't about being the loudest. Rather, true balance comes from the quiet, intentional act of honoring your natural rhythm.
When I'm not coaching, I'm likely on a Pacific Northwest trail, experimenting with nutrient-dense and flavorful recipes, or practicing the same patience with my own body that I will advocate for in yours.
Are You Ready to Start Your Rise?
I still navigate my own health journey every day, but I am always moving forward. I founded Phoenix Feather Coaching because I believe no woman should have to navigate these transitions alone or exhausted. Let's find your spark for change together.
START YOUR RISE TODAY!