welcome to

Playful outdoor resets for women who want to feel good in their bodies again.

I’m Melissa Coulier! I’m a function first pain-free movement specialist, lupus warrior, and nature lover. I help women reconnect with their bodies by reclaiming recess, trading burnout for breath, pressure for play, and disconnection for deep strength.

Recess Club is for women who miss joy in movement.
Not punishment. Not pressure. Not perfection.
Just fresh air, confidence, and community.

Learn more

Hire Melissa to Speak

1) Reclaiming Recess: Why Adults Need Breaks, Play & Permission to Pause
We don’t grow out of the need for recess—we grow out of giving ourselves permission to take it. In this engaging and energizing talk, Melissa breaks down the neuroscience behind breaks, movement, and play, showing how “adult recess” can improve creativity, productivity, and well-being. From corporate executives to caregiving parents, every audience member walks away with permission to pause—and a new appreciation for what happens when we do.
Audience Takeaways:
- How short breaks boost cognitive function and reduce burnout
- Simple strategies for building “recess” into busy schedules
- Why playful movement is the antidote to adult overwhelm
2) From Chronic Pain to Lupus Warrior: A Journey of Healing, Resilience & Reinvention
Melissa shares her deeply personal journey of living with Lupus—navigating hospital visits, chronic pain, and burnout—before discovering a path to healing through functional movement, holistic nutrition, and mindfulness. In this raw and relatable keynote, Melissa unpacks the physical, emotional, and professional toll chronic illness can take and offers hope and tangible tools for turning pain into purpose. Perfect for healthcare events, women's leadership forums, and resilience summits.
Audience Takeaways:
- How to reclaim your health through lifestyle changes
- Why self-advocacy matters in healing
- How to turn adversity into impact
3) The Power of Movement Snacks: Small Bursts, Big Impact
Think you don’t have time to work out? Think again. Melissa introduces the concept of “movement snacks”—short, intentional bursts of movement that reduce inflammation, improve focus, and build strength without requiring an hour at the gym. Backed by science and rooted in functional fitness, this talk is ideal for busy professionals, hybrid workers, and wellness-forward companies looking for simple ways to boost team health.
Audience Takeaways:
- What “movement snacks” are and how to use them
- The link between movement, mood, and longevity
- Easy exercises to integrate into the workday
Melissa customizes each talk to meet the needs of your group—whether you're leading a boardroom, a retreat, or a statewide movement.
Inquire hello@melissacoulier.com

A group of smiling women hiking outdoors in a mountainous area, wearing backpacks and sports gear.

The Recess Club

We never grow out of the need for a reset—we just stop giving ourselves permission to take one.
The Recess Club is a community built around one powerful idea: adults need recess, too. It’s a reminder to step away from your screen, breathe deeper, move your body, and reconnect with joy. Whether you’re in Michigan or miles away, Recess Club members receive weekly reminders to pause with intention, exclusive invites to local meetups, and playful prompts to bring more movement, mindfulness, and curiosity into your day.
Because wellness shouldn’t feel like another thing on your to-do list—it should feel like a break.
Your first step toward reclaiming your recess is absolutely free.
Just sign up with your email to get weekly Recess Club inspiration, access to exclusive events, and that long-lost permission slip to take a break.
👉 Join the club!

Two women standing at a table outdoors, one speaking into a microphone and the other smiling. The table has items like a plant, notebooks, mugs, a glass of water, and a box of boxed water. They are near a wooden railing with a garden background.

Live Well Lead Well (co-founder)

Live Well Lead Well partners with organizations to thoughtfully integrate movement, nourishment, and mindset into conferences and events in a way that feels elevated, inclusive, and effortless.
We design wellness experiences that energize attendees, support well-being, and enhance the overall event environment without disrupting programming or adding complexity for organizers. From strategic planning to real-time support, our team ensures wellness is seamlessly woven into the event experience.
Our mission is to foster healthier, stronger female leaders who can lead with purpose and resilience.
Explore our offerings: www.livewellleadwell.us

more about Melissa.

Melissa Coulier is a nationally recognized wellness advocate, certified Function First Pain-Free Movement Specialist, ACE Certified Fitness Instructor, and award-winning photographer. As the co-founder of Live Well Lead Well, she helps women reconnect with their bodies, reduce stress, and build strength through functional movement, breathwork, and mindfulness.

Melissa holds a robust list of credentials, including certifications as a Function First Pain-Free Movement Specialist, ACE Certified Fitness Instructor, Certified Brain Health Trainer, and ACE Senior Fitness Specialist. She has completed specialized training in chronic pain and exercise, movement strategies for physically demanding careers, AED/CPR, and the Group Fitness Instructor Advantage Program. Her multifaceted expertise allows her to safely and effectively guide high-functioning professionals, caregivers, and aging adults toward greater strength, resilience, and vitality.

Before launching her wellness brand, Melissa built a thriving career in editorial and advertising photography, capturing celebrity portraits and creating vibrant campaigns for clients like Cherokee Global Brands, HarperCollins, Tony Hawk, and People magazine. Her creative journey began in Montana, where nature and storytelling first captured her heart. After studying photography in Florence and having a successful career in Los Angeles, she co-founded Bring Media and later launched Melissa Coulier Creative.

Diagnosed with lupus, Melissa transformed her life through holistic living, healing inflammation with whole foods, mindful movement, and intentional daily practices. Now pain-free and medication-free, she is on a mission to help others reclaim their health and energy… starting with one simple idea: reclaim your recess! Through her signature talks, Melissa encourages audiences to return to play, presence, and movement as a daily tool for mental and physical well-being.

Today, she speaks nationally at wellness events, leadership summits, and corporate gatherings, offering science-backed, story-driven keynotes that inspire people to pause, breathe, and build sustainable habits that support their highest potential. She also teaches fitness classes, leads retreats, seminars, and coaching programs through Live Well Lead Well, empowering women to lead with strength, clarity, and intention.

Currently rooted in Michigan, Melissa is a passionate advocate for a healthier state—collaborating with local leaders and organizations to expand access to nourishing food, movement opportunities, and mind-body tools for all.

Melissa lives in Metro Detroit with her husband—actor and America’s funniest uncle, Dave Coulier—and their two dogs, Cooper and Ziggy. Whether she’s teaching a class, exploring outdoors, or capturing life through her lens, Melissa brings joy, depth, and a fierce belief that healing is always possible.