Rachel Tenpenny McGonigle
Rachel Tenpenny McGonigle is no stranger to grief. In 2008, she experienced the unimaginable when both her baby daughters died just six days apart from each other, just weeks after their birth. The pain was overwhelming, and like so many grieving mothers, she was met with well-meaning but unhelpful advice, limiting beliefs, and outdated grief support that left her feeling more lost than ever. But despite being told she’d never truly be okay again, Rachel refused to let grief define her. Instead, she chose to take an active role in her healing—and that decision changed everything. Determined to find a way forward, Rachel immersed herself in the study of grief, healing, and the emotional complexity of life’s most difficult transitions. By integrating evidence-based tools with her own lived experience, she developed a holistic, practical, and deeply compassionate approach to grief recovery. This unique framework empowered her to rebuild a life grounded in purpose, peace, and joy after profound loss. Today, she is the founder of The Grief Gal—a thriving coaching practice where she guides others through grief with clarity, intention, patience, and empowerment. For the past 17 years, Rachel has supported thousands of individuals—from those grieving the loss of a loved one to those grieving the loss of their marriages, health, or even the sale of their company—helping them process their pain, reimagine their identity, and rediscover meaning when life looks nothing like you imagined. Through coaching, speaking, retreats, and writing, she offers a proven path to healing that’s honest, empowering, and deeply human. Rachel now lives in Northern Virginia with her husband Jason, their blended family of four healthy (and hungry) boys, and their sweet one-eyed dog Nala. What once felt impossible is now her daily reality: a home full of love, a business full of impact, and a heart anchored in peace. She’s living proof that even after the deepest loss, a beautiful life is still possible—and she’s devoted to helping others find it too.
Appears in 1 Episode
Reclaiming Identity: Healing After Unimaginable Loss | Rachel Tenpenny McGonigle
🌿 Grief is not an identity — it’s an experience.In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Rachel Tenpenny McGonigle, who shares her courageous journey of navigati...
