We love having Rhonda as a Pageant Coach but when it happened that our daughters were competing in the same pageant, one of them in the same age division, I was intimidated (I mean her daughters have a Pageant Coach on tap 24/7). And anyway, what is the correct protocol when your "Pageant Coach" (who's normally on your team) is there as a "Pageant Mom" (the competition).

It didn't take long to find out.

After leaving the check-in table, on the first day of the pageant, we went to practice my daughter's piano piece for the talent competition. All wide eyed and clueless we ran straight into a show stopper.  No piano?!....Seriously??  As a Pageant Mom you expect and prepare for handling last minute emergencies… but I sure didn't see this one coming. I was stunned. The director apologized for the over site and offered to refund the entry fee, which was nice, but my daughter had poured a lot of practice time, not to mention money for lessons, into preparing for this and I considered it to be her strongest area.

Heads weighed down with disappointment and feeling defeated we watched in silence for the next 20 minutes while carefree moms and happy daughters traipsed down the connecting hall way to the check in area. Eventually focusing past my self pity I saw someone waving at us. It was Rhonda coming over with her daughters in tow, to say hello and see how we were getting along.  After hearing about the lack of piano situation she snapped opened her cell phone and started making calls to get a keyboard brought to the Hotel.  Then she asked "Why are you sitting in the hallway? Don't you have a room yet? Come and hang out in ours."  Hallelujah, Rhonda was still on our team!

But not just our team, through out the weekend I noticed her giving advise and encouragement to her many other clients that were there. "It's not just hype." I thought "It's true, her objective really is for each young lady to win by being the best they could be."  How refreshing…..

If Rhonda's actions alone didn't convince me then watching her daughters did.  They were genuine, warm, and approachable; a delight to be around.  But more impressive you could see they had a healthy balanced attitude toward pageantry.  If they walked off the stage with a trophy, a crown, or nothing at all they are still authors, speech makers, dancers, photographers and graphic arts designers. That is exactly how I want my daughter to view these experiences too.

As a bonus, I was able to observe Rhonda interacting with her own daughters.  A living, breathing example of what a good pageant Mom should be on competition weekend.  Encouraging, supportive, and always ready to smile, cheer loudly and afterward to say "Great job!"

Joyce Escobar, Mother of Angela Escobar

Top 30 from a field of 200 contestants in Ohio National American Miss Jr. Teen, 2010

2nd Runner Up Talent Ohio National American Miss Jr. Teen,2010

Photogenic Winner and 1st Runner Up Ohio American Coed Jr. Teen,2010

Jr. Teen 3rd Runner Up Photogenic at National American Coed Pageant,2010

Rhonda,

Our experience with you was wonderful and I just wanted to say thank you and let you know how you've helped transform my daughter's life.

Reagan tends to be on the shy side so my husband and I were thrilled when Reagan had the desire to enter the pageant.  It wasn't an easy road.  With your help, encouragement and coaching ability Reagan came a very long way.   Had the judges had the opportunity to see her at one of the camps that NAM provided she surely would have won most improved!

She went from being barely able to talk in front of a crowd and looking down to confidently and enthusiastically giving her personal introduction in front of anyone who would listen!  This change in her has benefited her in her personal life and at school.  I see her approach things and do things that she never would have attempted last year.  She eagerly ran for Student Council Government at her school this year.   She had to write and give a speech in front of the class.  This is a very different young girl from last year!

I was also amazed by the families I met at your coaching camps.  I thought it might be awkward having my daughter participate in a camp where she would practice with girls that she would be competing against.  It was just the opposite.  The mom's were so helpful and eagerly gave advice on how to do things in the pageant world and their daughter's were just as nice and polite.

Your enthusiasm is contagious and we really look forward to working with you again!  I know the skills Reagan has learned with you will benefit her well beyond her pageant career!

Sincerely,

Christine Hoyt, Mother of Reagan Hoyt

2010 Top 20 Ohio National American Miss Pre-Teen

2010 Photogenic 2nd Runner Up Ohio National American Miss Pre-Teen

2010 Photogenic Winner and 4th Runner Up at Ohio American Coed Pre-teen

Rhonda Shappert is truly an inspirational coach.  Her professionalism and dedication to her craft is seen in the winners she produces.

I just want to thank Rhonda for all of her help getting me ready for the National American Dream Pageant. Her pageant coaching was so valuable in my quest for the crown. I truly wish I had done this 10 years ago!

I was always unsure of working with a pageant coach, just because of my own insecurities. Rhonda was amazing! I immediately felt very comfortable with her and that she really wanted to help me do my best. She helped me realize that the quirky things that make me who I am are the things that the judges will remember.

The little gems of information and tips from her helped so much. I was blessed to be crowned National Miss American Dream 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana and I also won the fitness award! Thank you so much Rhonda for all your help and expertise. I couldn't have done it without you!

Thanks!!!

Kristin Adams
National Miss American Dream 2010

After one year of working with Rhonda Shappert, I must say that winning her pageant coaching services as Miss Black Ohio USA 2010 was my best and most useful prize!

Miss Black Ohio USA 2010

Miss Black USA 4th Runner Up 2010

Miss Kentucky USA 2010- Top 15

My experience with Rhonda Shappert, at Winning Through Pageantry began last April when I decided to compete for the title of Mrs. Ohio America, 2010. What I instantly loved about Rhonda is that she really strived to get to know the real "Kimberly Miller".

I could tell she was truly invested in helping me be my best to capture the title. I never once felt like she was giving me general advice that she was telling everyone else. I am a professional ventriloquist and magician, and certified sign-language interpreter. My platform is promoting 'Childhood Obesity Awareness" and I created the show, "Come Out Of Your Shell and Get Well", featuring Toned Tony the Turtle. So when I asked "how do I tie all this together as Mrs. Ohio America", Rhonda began to perform her magic!

Whether we were working on my platform, judges bio, interview questions, etc. she pointed me in the right direction to bring out the best "ME" that I could be. So when I won the Best Interview Award at Mrs. Ohio, and had a flawless onstage question interview, I knew it was only through working with Rhonda, who helped me gain the confidence that it was ok to be myself!

In preparing me for Mrs. America, Rhonda and I took it to the next level of interviewing. I never had a memorized answer for anything. I knew why I wanted to be the next Mrs. America, and what I would do with the title if I won. And honestly, that's what it was all about for me. I competed because I truly want to make a difference in the lives of children and families on a national level, and that is what I will CONTINUE to do as Mrs. Ohio America, and beyond!

I can truly say that Rhonda is a sharp, brilliant woman who gave me endless support and encouragement! I believe Rhonda is uniquely set apart from the many pageant coaches out there, and after one 15 minute conversation with her, anyone will see why!

Kimberly Miller, Mrs. Ohio America 2010

What is not to like about the fabulous Rhonda!

I feel honored to have had her help and support in my pageant preparation for my national competition, America's Perfect Teen. As Michigan's Perfect Teen 2010, I received pageant coaching for nationals, and wow did it help.

At first I was curious how pageant coaching would work out due to the distance between us. I was able to work with her once face to face and I loved it; but the phone sessions were just as helpful!

She has an excellent way of breaking down your ideas and digging deeper into your opinions. She is brilliant! I always seem to do well with my onstage presence but sometimes the one thing keeping me from the crown was how I answered questions.

Rhonda helped me organize my thoughts and opinions. I felt extremely confident going into my press style interview. I give credit to her for my high scores in interview. I would love to work with her in the future and not only for pageants but also to improve my public speaking skills for everyday life. Words cannot describe how talented she is in preparing girls, you just need to find out for yourself!

Sarah Gerberding

Michigan's Perfect Teen 2010

America's Perfect Teen National Miss Photogenic Winner

Dear Rhonda,

As a mother of a contestant, Miss Teen Arizona, who was competing for Miss Teen United States-World, I found it so comforting to know there is someone like you out there!

Natalie had only competed once before and I found your advice was invaluable! There is a very friendly way you get contestants to feel safe about talking to you.

I love the way you encouraged Natalie to think beyond the answer without sounding like you are critiquing. Interview can be the most intimidating event of a pageant and I think you put Natalie's nerves to ease in helping her feel assured and prepared about potential questions.  We will definitely use you services again!

Thanks so much!

Sharon and Natalie Gardner, Miss Teen Arizona-World 2010

Receiving help from Rhonda was the best thing I could have ever done! I didn't know what to expect since I never had an interview coach before.

The first time I spoke with Rhonda she was the sweetest person and made me feel comfortable right away. She made me realize I had true potential in interview, and helped me with any fears I had. Rhonda helped me dig deep within myself and allowed me to face things from my past that were still holding me back from showing my full potential in interview. I was amazed that she not only helped me with interview, but with life itself.

She taught me about bullet points and how to narrow subjects down to what was most important. She also helped me with the physical part of interview, how to respond with my body language to the judges, and how to work the room.

I attended my first national pageant, America's Perfect Miss as New Mexico's Perfect Miss, and I made top 15! I know I couldn't have succeeded without Rhonda's amazing help! Rhonda helped me gain so many great skills that I will continue to take with me in the future. I feel truly blessed to have received helped from Rhonda. She is a wonderful interview and life coach!

Miranda Adams

New Mexico's Perfect Miss 2010

Top 15 at 2010 America's Perfect Miss Pageant

With Rhonda's achievements in pageantry, it was very easy for me to request her help in March 2010 as I was going for the Ms.Ohio Plus America title.  I have lots of energy and I could never figure out how to contain it within a pageant interview setting.  After having my sessions with Rhonda, I am able to not only answer questions more precisely (both in person and in writing), but she has taught me how to keep the high positive energy without going overboard!

After 3 previous attempts for an Ohio state title… I finally won my first!!! As the new Ms. Ohio Plus America 2010, I am thankful of the lessons my life coach has equipped me with!  Rhonda has such great depth of people and why we do or do not do things.

I firmly believe that this is what makes Rhonda special and stand out as an amazing life coach!  If you have big dreams and huge aspirations; I highly recommend Rhonda for your personal and professional life!!!

Thank you Rhonda for being a great friend and fantastic life coach!!!!!

I always looked forward to my sessions with Rhonda!  She helped me to focus on what made me unique; and showed me how to put a shine on my strengths.  Through her vast pageant experience, I was able to go to the national stage feeling prepared and confident!  She helped me to quiet my voices of self-doubt, so I could best represent the married women of Delaware.  I left the interview room at Mrs. America feeling as though I had won the crown!  Thanks so much, Rhonda!

Amanda Shepard

Mrs. Delaware America 2010

I cannot express how grateful I am for all the wonderful encouragement and help Rhonda Shappert has given to me over the past couple years I have known her!

After winning the Miss Ohio American Teen title, Rhonda wrote an amazing speech for me to compete with at nationals.  To top it off, we met a couple of times to go over the delivery.  I felt so confident at nationals and even with all the tough competition still managed to get 2nd runner up in the national speech competition! I loved spending time working with Rhonda because she always manages to see the positive in any situation, and always has the best solutions, especially when it comes to pageantry!  Thanks Rhonda for all your wonderful advice!  You're the best!

The thing that I like most about my girls working with Rhonda is that she does not try to make the girls fit a mold that she has established as a winner.  She helps the girls to know and understand their strong points and works to make these stronger. She also lets them know the areas they are weakest in and shows them how to make improvements there too but without making them feel inferior.  Rhonda takes what the girls have and works with that instead of trying to shape them into something that she is looking for.

I entered my daughter in her very first pageant at the age of 5.  I do not come from a pageant background - so we went to see what it was all about, knowing her and I would have great fun together regardless!

Her first pageant was NAM.  Since it was our very first pageant, I signed her up for the workshop the night before.  It was so helpful!  I felt she learned everything she needed to know - from how to walk, stand, sit, even interview!  She loved it!  I knew she was hooked!

My daughter is 8 years old now and absolutely loves pageants! She looks forward to picking her pretty dresses, dance choreography and meeting new friends!

She and I have so much fun together during our pageant weekends! I have met some great friends as well!  I first met Rhonda at a pageant where our two daughters won their age divisions.  I liked Rhonda and her wonderful family right away!  Rhonda was so friendly and easy to talk with!  It was obvious she was beautiful, poised and well spoken, but also very humble.  She never mentioned all of her pageant accomplishments!  I think looking back, that's what I liked most about her.

Since my daughter loves pageants, as a mother, I want her to be her very best.  She looks just beautiful on stage and I am very proud of all that she has accomplished.  I've always heard "Interview" is the heart of the competition.  Although my daughter always comes out of the interview room smiling ear to ear and telling me how much fun it was - I knew that is where I wanted to help her be the best she could be!  I thought of Rhonda instantly to help her with "Interviewing".  Why not get expert advice from one of the best in the industry? (Who just so happens to be an incredible lady, a Christian and our friend!)

My daughter adores Rhonda - they just had the easiest conversation! Whatever Rhonda discussed with her, it just "clicked".  A month after their conversation, she placed 4th runner-up in her age division at NAM out of 128 girls!  We were most proud to find out she had the highest score in "Interview"! This year she won the title. Thank you Rhonda!  I think that speaks volumes for Rhonda's expertise!

The expert advice my daughter has gained and learned from Rhonda has helped in her "Pageant Interviews" most definitely - but more importantly, it has given an 8 year old little girl the confidence to speak with any adult in any situation!  What a lifelong gift!  To me - that is priceless!

When I first met Rhonda Shappert in 2007, I didn't know anything about pageantry. After spending just two hours with her, I knew she was the "real deal". I was confident she could help me succeed in pageantry and improve my everyday life skills. In only my second pageant in 2008, I was the 4th runner up  out of 131 contestants in the National American Miss Ohio Junior Teen Pageant. Without Rhonda, I don't think I would have made it this far.  Rhonda taught me to walk properly, speak into a microphone correctly, taught me about  makeup, hair and even posing. Rhonda kept me on a schedule to make sure I completed all paperwork on time. She taught me the best ways to stay calm during an interview. But most of all, Rhonda helped me achieve self confidence. For me, pageantry is more than a crown and a title. It is a learning process!

That's why I'm thrilled to call Rhonda my coach. She taught me about pageantry and so much more! At my first pageant, I wasn't scared to go on stage, in fact, I was excited. I didn't have to worry about anything during my pageant weekend, because Rhonda coached me through it all. So, by the time my second pageant came around, I had everything perfected and Rhonda by my side cheering me on. Rhonda truly is a fountain of information about pageantry. I enjoy working with her and would recommend her to any newcomer or experienced pageant participant.