Valerie Groth

Valerie Groth received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Indiana University, attended Dominican University where she received her master's in Social Work, and received her second master's degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Before starting her business, she worked for many years as a school social worker and therapist in the inner-city schools of Chicago. She worked primarily with students in crisis, providing counseling services to those dealing with abuse, neglect, violence, hunger and mental illness. Val is now spearheading the mission to build Chicago's first boarding school for inner city students. Ryan Banks Academy (named after one of her former students who was shot and killed) will open its doors in Fall 2018 and seeks to impact the lives of at-risk students through a rigorous college and career preparatory education, a supportive 24/7 boarding program, and a focus on social-emotional learning and personal development in a positive environment. In addition to her work as founder of Ryan Banks Academy, Val currently runs an executive life coaching practice coaching individuals who come to her from around the world. Val loves working with her clients on overcoming fear, gaining self-confidence and making massive positive transformations in their life. She believes that everyone is capable of living an energized and impassioned life, and she loves to make the impossible possible. Valerie is also an author whose first book, "The Power of the Possible: The Dire State of Inner City Education and One Woman's Revolution to Fix It," was released December 2017.