A health coach is a behavior change specialist who partners with clients seeking to enhance their well-being through self-directed, lasting changes aligned with their values.

As a health coach, I focus on the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—providing a holistic, lifestyle-centered approach to wellness. I listen mindfully, clarify and reframe situations to offer fresh perspectives, and ask thought-provoking questions that inspire deeper reflection. Throughout our work together, I'll empower you to make your own decisions while providing gentle accountability to help you stay on track with your commitments.

Unlike therapists who may explore your past extensively, health coaches are future-focused and action-oriented. We work with you to clarify your vision, values, and motivations, helping you build on your strengths and develop supportive systems to create sustainable positive changes.

The coaching relationship provides a safe, curious, and affirming space where you're recognized as the expert of your own life. My ultimate goal is to help build your self-efficacy so that you eventually become your own health coach.

Health Coach:

• Functions as a partner and collaborator rather than an expert

• Considers the whole person including lifestyle factors like spirituality, relationships, and career

• Focuses on behavior change and motivationas it relates to wellness

• Client determines their own health and wellness goals

• May provide general healthy lifestyle education from reputable sources

• Cannot recommend supplements or review/interpret lab results

• Anyone can call themselves a “health coach”; use discernment and ask about credentials + experience

• Health coaches may have national board certification and hold the NBC-HWC* title  

*NBC-HWC is a certifying body that partners with the National Board of Medical Examiners to establish minimal standards and ethics for practicing health and wellness coaches.

Nutritionist:

• Title regulation varies significantly by state 

• In many states, anyone can call themselves a "nutritionist"; use discernment and ask about credentials + experience

• CNS (Certified Nutrition Specialist)

  • Scope of practice varies based on state regulations and certification

  • Generally acts as a nutrition consultant for personalized nutrition therapy

  • May focus on whole-food, integrative, or functional approaches

  • May design and provide meal plans 

  • May interpret labs

  • Can recommend wellness-focused supplements

  • Cannot provide medical nutrition therapy (reserved for dietitians)

  • Minimum of a Master’s degree in Nutrition or health-related field

  • 1,000 supervised hours of professional experience

  • Pass Certification Examination for Nutrition Specialists℠ 

  • Required to recertify every five years by completing 75 hours of continuing education requirements

Registered Dietitian (RD):

• Now commonly referred to as RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist)

• Acts as an expert in medical nutrition therapy for specific conditions

• Focuses primarily on diet and nutrition

• Can set treatment goals and prescribe therapeutic dietary interventions

• Can order and interpret labs related to nutrition status

• Can recommend supplements

• Often employed in clinical settings, schools, or hospitals

• May be covered by health insurance

• Requires minimum of a Master's degree as of 2024

• Requires completion of accredited dietetic internship program (1,200+ supervised practice hours) 

• Must pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians, administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)

• To recertify, RDs must complete the Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) once per five-year cycle: Learning Plan, 75 CPEUs (including 1 in ethics/health equity), and Self-Assessment

No. As a health coach, I am not licensed to diagnose, treat, prescribe, interpret lab results, or recommend supplements, meal plans or protocols. These activities are restricted to licensed medical professionals.

What I am qualified to do is:

• Listen empathetically and ask powerful questions

• Help you implement recommendations from your healthcare providers

• Provide assessments to clarify your current situation and goals

• Support you in building sustainable healthy changes

• Offer resources and information when requested from reputable sources

Health coaching works best when:

1. You have a clear vision of your desired health outcomes

2. You're motivated to resolve your health challenges

3. You work with health coaches in conjunction with appropriate healthcare providers

If you need diagnosis, personalized meal plans, protocols, or treatment plans, I recommend consulting with an Integrative or Functional Medical Doctor, Naturopathic Doctor, Certified Nutrition Specialist, Registered Dietician, or other licensed practitioner—depending on your needs. I'm happy to provide referrals to practitioners who might be a good fit.

We actually work best together! While functional doctors diagnose and prescribe protocols, and nutritionists provide dietary guidance, health coaches help you actually implement these recommendations into your daily life—the often missing piece in healthcare.

Doctors help with the "what"—diagnosis and treatment plans. Health coaches help with the "how"—integrating these plans alongside your lifestyle, priorities, strengths, motivations and challenges.

While you see medical professionals occasionally, a health coach partners with you continuously to:

• Transform overwhelming recommendations into enjoyable daily actions

• Navigate obstacles and maintain consistent follow-through

• Develop personalized strategies for your unique needs

• Build lasting behavior change

• Strengthen your self-advocacy skills

• Create supportive environments for long-term success

I have many tools under my belt, but you need the right tool for the job. We first identify "the job"—your specific diagnosis, plan, and recommendations—then use strategic coaching tools to move you efficiently toward your goals, preventing wasted time. It's the most ethical, effective, and truly holistic path to lasting health.

From my personal health journey, I understand the challenge of lasting change. Health thrives with support, and together, we'll develop the strategies that work specifically for you. 

1. *Apply - Complete the interest form here.

2. Intro Call - If we’re a good fit—we'll explore your current health journey, align on your vision forward, review expectations (agreement provided beforehand), and ensure our schedules sync for consistent sessions.

3. Make It Official - I’ll send you the agreement to sign and payment link to secure your spot.

4. Begin Your Breakthrough - Your personalized health transformation officially begins!

*The interest form collects health-related information that is treated as confidential. Completing this form helps me assess if we might be a good fit, making our potential Intro Call more effective. For details on how this information is handled and your options, please see the "Interest Form" section under "Third-Party Links" in our Privacy Policy.