Becoming Visible: Gayle Petrillo on Healing From Trauma

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Gayle Petrillo, a coach, author, and speaker with over 35 years of experience in healthcare leadership roles. Born in Albany, New York, and a Tucson, Arizona resident for 27 years, Gayle shares her journey of overcoming major trauma after being severely burned as a young girl. She discusses her advocacy work for burn survivors and the establishment of her image consulting and career coaching firm, First Impressions. The conversation touches on various related subjects, including her memoirs, the importance of first impressions, and how she assists clients in presenting their best selves. The episode also highlights Burn Awareness Week and the critical role of community support and education in burn prevention and recovery. Gayle emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, sharing personal stories, and self-confidence in healing and personal development.Gayle’s Bio and Contact InformationBorn and raised in Albany, New York, Gayle has called Tucson home for 27 years. She is a coach, author and speaker.In 2017 Gayle launched First Impressions, an image consulting and career coaching firm because she believes, “We never get a second opportunity to make that all important first impression.” She coaches clients to strengthen their confidence, communication, and professional presence.As a young girl Gayle was accidently burned which resulted in physical and emotional scars that lasted a lifetime. In her first book, The Accident, and its Spanish counterpart, El accidente, she shares how she overcame fears, phobias and body image issues, turning obstacles into positive outcomes.Her memoir, Becoming Visible: Overcoming Trauma-Based Fears, Phobias and Self-Doubt closes the loop by talking openly about surviving not only a burn injury as a toddler, but also domestic abuse, stalking, not once but twice, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Becoming Visible was published in April 2025 and offers a powerful voice to those healing from trauma through small, steady acts of bravery rather than dramatic transformation.Gayle serves as Board Chair for the American Red Cross of Southern Arizona and volunteers with the Arizona Burn Foundation.Social media linksWebsite https://www.firstimpressions1.com/FB. https://www.facebook.com/Gaylepetrillo602LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gayle-petrillo/Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/gaylepetrillo/Book: Becoming Visible: Overcoming Trauma-Based Fears, Phobias and Self-Doubtwww.booklocker.com/13819To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com