Based in Colorado, Risa August is both a Gestalt practitioner and a patient advocate for rare pituitary diseases. She has been sharing her story for the past five years. In addition to speaking at conferences for leaders in pharmaceuticals, medical professionals, and patients, her work is published on blogs and in other smaller publications. Her most popular personal essay, “Marshmallow Clouds,” has been translated into Spanish. Through her personal transformation, Risa has learned and practiced removing limiting beliefs, shifting her perspective, and embracing a full life. 

Risa has a BA in geography, a certification in the Gestalt Coaching Method, and a certificate in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. She has been living with a pituitary tumor and rare disease for over a decade. She often takes to the stage offering words of inspiration and information in hopes to save others from heading down a bumpier road. 

A girl with sparkles in her hair and once an Ironman athlete, Risa still has a passion for her bike and barbells. With her genuine curiosity and love for trying new (and old) things, you may find Risa taking salsa or hip-hop dance lessons, trying a silks aerialist or boxing class, going indoor skydiving, or guiding an inspirational workshop in creativity. 

Learn about Risa’s eye-opening journey in her new book, The Road Unpaved – Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike.

Follow Risa on Instagram or Facebook @RisaUnleashed, and on her website risaaugust.com.