Molly Peterson, MAPP

Education:

Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP), University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Science in Wildlife & Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis

Certifications:

Professional Coaching for Life and Work Certificate Program, University of California, Davis

International Coaching Federation (ICF) Certified Coach, ACC – Associate Certified Coach

Leadership Development Certificate Program, University of California, Davis

Location: Northern California

Molly's Background & Experience 

Molly has held many titles over the years—from lacrosse coach and wildlife biologist to
principal consultant and people leader. While these roles may appear distinct on the surface, they
are connected by a deep commitment to helping others (and the natural world) grow, thrive, and
feel supported.

Molly has always had a deep connection to animals and the natural world around her. She grew
up in the suburbs of San Francisco in a small house, but she had the most animals out of anyone
in the neighborhood. Her connection and desire to help the animals and our ecosystem is how
she became a wildlife biologist. Molly spent the last 15 years working in the environmental
industry at start-ups to Fortune 500 organizations.

Today, she considers herself an educator, writer, coach, and facilitator whose work is grounded in
the belief that everyone has value to add and gifts to share with the world. Across all of her
work, Molly brings a grounded, heart-centered presence. She does not offer quick fixes or one-
size-fits-all solutions. Instead, she creates spaces where people feel safe to reflect, reconnect with
their values, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Her approach honors the
individual and their goals to help people flourish in ways that feel authentic, sustainable, and
deeply aligned.

Molly’s career started out like a dream – she was studying and helping endangered species,
designing restoration projects, and educating the public on how they can help protect the native
species and wildlands. However, as she grew in her career taking on higher-responsibility roles,
she moved away from what she originally wanted: to help our animals and ecosystems flourish.
Instead, she was managing budgets, projects, and contractors for 10+ hours per day. Molly began
to experience burnout, disconnection, a quiet loss of meaning -- and noticed the same pattern in
people across industries. It became clear that the same care Molly had devoted to the natural
world was urgently needed for people too.

Guided by these realizations, Molly stepped away from a traditional career trajectory and
pursued advanced training in well-being and human flourishing. She became certified as a coach
and earned a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of
Pennsylvania.

Today, Molly channels her knowledge and experience into practice as a faculty member for The
Flourishing Center’s Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology (CAPP) program. She also
started a company called Live Well Be Wild where she blends her love of nature and wellness by
working with individuals and groups doing transformational coaching and hosting in person and
online workshops that support growth across the many seasons of life.

Molly believes when we invest in our own well-being, we become more resilient to life’s
everyday stressors, and we create a ripple effect that enhances the well-being of those around us.
Having the tools and resources to tap into during each season of life, whether it’s to build
confidence and self-efficacy, enhance relationships, or achieve goals, allows people to trust they
can navigate whatever comes next and gives them the courage to go after their dreams.

If there’s one thing Molly hopes people feel after spending time with her, it’s this: celebrated for
who they are, deeply seen and valued, energized about what’s possible, guided in what steps can
help you next, and held in community while we do the meaningful work of
flourishing—together.