About Sarah

Hi, I’m Dr. Sarah Ratekin (sometimes called "Dr. Happy"). I’m a Navy veteran who wandered through government, nonprofits, and corporate life until I found my lane, helping leaders and teams make work more human and more effective. I hold advanced degrees in business and leadership, and I pair that training with years of hands-on experience designing culture change and resilience programs that actually stick.  I also have a passion for employee well-being, and I have decades of experience with breath-work, laughter yoga, and other well-being modalities. 

My passion for this work grew out of my conviction that we are called to make the world a better place, and the workplace is one of the best places to begin. Every keynote, workshop, and book I create is designed to remind people that joy and meaning are possible, even in stressful or uncertain times. My work is about more than performance metrics, it is about helping people rediscover their humanity at work and beyond. 

My approach is straightforward and practical. I blend research, story, and simple rituals of appreciation so teams can reduce burnout, strengthen trust, and get measurable results. Gratitude is not a feel-good add-on, it is a performance strategy. When teams learn to notice and name the small wins, everything else becomes easier to do.

I also like to keep things light while doing serious work. Alongside facilitation and keynote speaking, I lead laughter yoga sessions, design workshops, and write books and journals that help people practice everyday gratitude. I have lived all over the United States, and currently reside in Indianapolis with my spouse. We love to kayak, dance, and travel, especially if that includes visiting our kids and grandkids!

Ready to bring something practical and hopeful to your team? Let's chat.