About me

Hi, I’m Merlina! I'm excited to help you lead a more fulfilling, self-led life!

I’ve been obsessed with the mindset, psychology, and habits behind personal growth for as long as I can remember.

What started as curiosity led me to study psychology, anthropology, and neuroscience—and eventually create my own system for real, repeatable transformation.

Now I help ambitious people personalize their growth, embody their next-level identity, and build a life that actually reflects it!

I’ve always been fascinated by the psychology, mindset, and habits that separate those who grow from those who stay stagnant.

That curiosity led me to study psychology, anthropology, and neuroscience—earning my degree in the process—and eventually diving deeper into how transformation really works.

I also spent two years as a research assistant in a behavioral neuroscience lab, which gave me firsthand insight into how the brain processes motivation, habit formation, and identity.

On top of that, I became a certified personal trainer with over 5 years of experience and earned advanced credentials in performance enhancement and nutrition.

That blend of academic research and real-world coaching showed me that personal growth isn’t about feel-good platitudes or quick fixes.

It’s a science. A strategy. A system.

 Like many, I spent years searching for answers in self-help books, obsessing over mindset hacks and trying to follow other people’s routines, thinking that if it worked for them, maybe it would work for me.

But real transformation doesn’t come from copying someone else’s life. It comes from implementation. From systems that are built for you. 

I craved structure, clarity, and a way to make self-development measurable and repeatable. That’s what led me to create The RISE Framework. RISE is a system designed to help ambitious thinkers refine their mindset, optimize their habits, and take aligned action with precision.

Now, I help driven individuals bridge the gap between where they are and the high-performing identity they know they’re capable of stepping into.

My approach is grounded in psychology, neuroscience, and high-performance strategy because personal development shouldn’t be a guessing game. It should be deliberate, strategic, and built to last.

If you’re here, you’re probably like me: ambitious, intentional, and ready to move with purpose.

 Let’s make it happen!

Choose Your First Move

Whether you’re here to rebuild your routine, reconnect with your self-concept, or upgrade your mindset. These are the tools that will help you get out of survival mode and into alignment. Some are free, some are deeper dives, but all are designed to help you take real, strategic action.

Build Habits That Stick

Overthinking your routine? This guide helps you create one that actually fits your life—not someone else’s. Use this flexible system to build sustainable habits without burning out.

Download Free Guide

Accelerate Your Growth

Collapse the gap between where you are and where you want to be. This workbook helps you clarify your next-level vision and make it real—without waiting for some "perfect moment."

Access the Workbook

Rewire Your Self Concept

 If you’re tired of the mindset work that doesn’t do anything, this is for you! The Embodiment Protocol gives you a 3-step method to create lasting change, and lead with the traits that matter to you. 

Get the Protocol