Phoenix Schneider

Phoenix Schneider, MSW, is a trans educator, coach, writer, and speaker who specializes in training, direct services, and program development to support and empower LGBTQ+ and gender diverse communities. He was born and raised in Bucks County PA, and graduated from Penn State University with a BS in Psychology. He moved to D.C. to work for nonprofits that were making a difference in the lives of others. From D.C, he moved to New York City where he obtained his Masters in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work. Soon after, he continued on his journey across country to Los Angeles, where he spent six years as the Program Director with The Trevor Project, a national suicide prevention organization supporting LGBTQ youth. In 2013, Phoenix founded his consulting company, Coach Phoenix, and provides LGBTQ inclusion trainings and coaching to schools, nonprofits, corporations, and other institutions throughout the country.

When Phoenix's niece Destiny was 5-years old, she told him that she thought that she was a boy like her uncle because she only liked to play with “boy toys". When he told her that all toys were for every kid of every gender, and that she could be a boy, girl, or any gender and like any toy, she said, “Oh, ok! I think I am still a girl then”. She happily went back to building her LEGO house. Phoenix's niece inspired him to write his first children’s book, "Pink, Blue, & All the SHADES of You!" Phoenix hopes that the book can help kids who are getting mixed messages about gender, gender expression, roles and expectations understand that there are infinite possibilities for who they can be and how they can express themselves.

Phoenix currently resides in Phoenix, AZ with his partner Jessica and their 3 fur-babies Jack, Punky, and Cleo. They all love to hike and travel together as much as possible!