Dr. Tracy Smith Coaching and Consulting

My Purpose

To ignite, inspire, facilitate, and support the discovery and cultivation of human potential.

About Dr. Tracy W. Smith

Dr. Tracy W. Smith is a career coach, consultant, and educator committed to helping individuals and organizations find clarity and alignment in their work.

With over two decades of experience as a professor of education and her current role as Director of Faculty Mentoring and Career Support at Appalachian State University, Tracy brings both academic depth and practical insight to her coaching practice.

She is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation and a Dare to Lead™ Trained professional. Her work is grounded in curiosity, care, integrity, and discovery.

Tracy’s approach is strengths-based and inquiry-driven, influenced by:

• Appreciative Inquiry
• Self-Determination Theory
• Invitational Learning
• Diffusion of Innovation

She believes meaningful growth begins with thoughtful questions.

Credentials & Background

• Ph.D. in Curriculum and Teaching
• Associate Certified Coach (ACC), International Coaching Federation
• Director of Faculty Mentoring and Career Support, Appalachian State University
• Recipient of the UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award

Why This Work Matters to Me

Throughout my life, my most meaningful work has been when I am helping others achieve their goals. As a middle school teacher, teacher educator, mentor, parent, community member, professional developer, and writer, I feel most “alive” when I am helping others work toward clarity, alignment, and purpose in their work and professional lives.

Client Testimonials

Working with Tracy has been invaluable during a pivotal time in my life. After being laid off, I was at a crossroads, uncertain about my next steps. Tracy’s thoughtful questions and insight pushed me to look beyond the immediate situation and dig deeper into the vision I have for myself. Each session challenged me to reflect, reassess, and gain clarity—not just on my career, but on my long-term values and goals. Because of that work, I didn’t just land a job – I found a path that excites me. More importantly, I now have a stronger sense of who I am and how to make choices that align with the life I want to build. Tracy created the space for me to step back, explore new possibilities, and move forward with confidence and purpose. I’m so grateful for her guidance through it all.

First and foremost, I want to express my sincere thanks for the opportunity to participate in my first coaching session! The intake sheet you provided in advance was incredibly helpful in preparing me for our time together. I entered the session with curiosity and left feeling inspired and more focused. I’m truly impressed by the wealth of resources you’ve shared following our conversation, and I look forward to diving deeper into each one. I’m eager to explore and reflect further on the topics we discussed.

I am so grateful for how this session is already prompting me to think more strategically and introspectively about my current and future professional projects. Your insights are truly valuable in helping me chart a clearer path forward.

Tracy is a natural when it comes to coaching. She’s an engaged, attentive listener who pays close attention to what you say and how you say it. Noticing nonverbals and energy changes, Tracy reflects back what she hears and notices in ways that allow you to see yourself and your ideas more clearly. She asks great questions that lead you to articulate views, expectations, assumptions you didn’t even know you were holding! She brings a gentle structure to the coaching session, keeping us on track, while simultaneously creating an expansive space in which to roam. I leave every session clearer in my own thinking and more prepared to take action. I also really appreciate her short summary emails after our sessions and her willingness to share tools and resources that connect to the topic I’ve been discussing. 

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