About, the full bio
Dr. Anke Otto-Wolf, PhD
The complete bio, including the metaphysical and shamanic credentials, the full published book list, and Sedona Soul Balance. Nothing is cut. It is simply ordered so the most institutionally legible credentials lead, and the spiritual identity follows rather than leads.
Recognition, the most legible first
Institutional credentials
Serious institutions have already looked at this work. Stated plainly, in the register that carries credibility.
Nominee, Presidential Service Award (President Bill Clinton)
Recognized by the Children's Defense Fund (Marian Wright Edelman)
Southern Poverty Law Center recognition
Co-(ghost) writer, anti-violence video “Go Ahead and Tell”, Academy Award winner, 1994
ABC News feature, distinctive voice in anti-bullying
Member, American Metaphysical Doctors Association
The short biography
Award-winning author, Shamanic Life Coach, Energy Healer, Education Advocate, public speaker, and Doctor of Philosophy in Metaphysics. A veteran inner-city educator who grew up in post-WWII divided Germany and turned a lifetime of teaching, and a childhood-shaped wound, into the BEFORE Framework and Toley Ranz. Founder of Sedona Soul Balance and the Toley Ranz children's empowerment organization. Based in Sedona, Arizona.
Her motto, “Reach the soul of a child. Transform a life.”, is the same throughline that drives the investor-facing work. For the full founder narrative, including the wartime origin and classroom turning points, see the Founder's Story.
Published works
The bibliography
A real, documented body of work, across children's, parenting, memoir, and personal/spiritual growth.
“Begin BEFORE It's Too Late” (2026), the manuscript & framework
“My Peace of the Wall”, memoir of post-WWII divided Germany (2008/2012)
“Self-Empowerment Essentials”, instructional manual (2017)
“Give Your Soul a Gift” (2013)
“ABCs of Life” (2020)
The Psst-Psst of Toley Ranz, picture book series
The Tolerance Quilt, and many more
Honors & certifications
Coaching and travel-guide recognition
- THA Global Excellence Award, 2019–2026
- Sedona Soul Balance Global Award Winner, 2016 & 2021 (Luxury Travel Guide, Birmingham UK)
- 2019–20 “Spiritual Soul Guide US” & “Spiritual Tour Guide USA” winner
- Jack Canfield-trained Intuitive Life Coach
- Top-rated on TripAdvisor
Sedona Soul Balance
Dr. Anke's adult empowerment work
A separate, well-documented identity: Dr. Anke is a Certified Shamanic Life Coach, Energy Healer, and Motivational Speaker who takes individuals on what she calls a “sightseeing tour of their soul.” Based in Sedona, AZ, a distinct audience and a distinct body of work from the children's framework, kept clearly separate here by design.