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Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Health Coaching Certification Program

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Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Health Coaching Certification Program Deciding to become a health coach is a significant investment of your time, energy, and financial resources. It’s important to make the education you receive actually prepares you for the realities of the job. Whether you are looking for health coaching jobs in a clinical setting or planning to launch a private practice, the quality of your training matters.  To help you navigate this landscape, we have outlined the essential questions you should ask before committing to a health coach program.  Is the Program Accredited and Nationally Recognized?  Credibility is the currency of the wellness world. When you are looking for a health coaching certification, your first step should be verifying the program’s accreditation. Accreditation ensures that the curriculum meets rigorous professional standards and isn’t just a collection of opinions.  If you have aspirations of reaching the highest level of the profession, you must ask if the program is approved by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Earning the National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) credential is often considered the gold standard.  Beyond the NBHWC, look for affiliations with organizations like the American Naturopathic Medical Accreditation Board (ANMAB) and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). Choosing a program with reputable credentials ensures that your certificate will be respected by employers and peers alike.  Learn How to Set Yourself Apart as a Board-Certified Health Coach What is the Specific Scope of the Curriculum?  What training do you need to become a health coach? Well, the answer depends on what exactly you want to do. Some programs focus strictly on behavior change, while others take a more holistic health coaching approach.  Here’s something you should always look for, though: a robust curriculum should cover both “hard” and “soft” skills. You need to understand the science of nutrition and the mechanics of the human body, but you also need to master health coaching skills like motivational interviewing, active listening, and habit formation.  Before enrolling, ask for a detailed module breakdown. Does the program cover:  Evidence-based nutrition science?  Theories and models of behavior change?  Ethics and legal professional practice?  How to structure coaching sessions and programs?  This “whole-person” focus ensures you aren’t just looking at one part of health and wellness as a silo.  What is the Total Health Coach Certification Cost and Value?  Financial transparency is vital. When evaluating health coach certification cost, look beyond the initial tuition. Some programs have hidden fees for textbooks, exam proctoring, or mandatory “extra” workshops.  Consider the “bundle” value. For example, some health coach schools offer a health coaching certificate as a standalone, while others, like AFPA, offer a holistic health coach certification that combines nutrition and wellness coaching for a single price.  Ask yourself:  Are all digital materials included?  Are there payment plans or financing options available?  Does the cost include access to a community or career resources?  How Long Does a Health Coaching Certification Take?  The time commitment is a major factor for most students, many of whom are balancing studies with full-time jobs and/or family. Typically, a comprehensive health coaching certification online program can take anywhere from three months to a year.  There are other factors that will impact how long your health coaching certification takes to complete, including whether the program is strictly self-paced or if it has a live component.  The “Live” Requirement: Why Format Matters  If you are looking at a program that leads to board certification, you must account for a “live” requirement. For the NBHWC, there is always a minimum of 40 hours of live class meetings. No matter how much of the curriculum is available online, these 40 hours must be synchronous (real-time) to ensure you are practicing and receiving direct feedback.  You will generally find two ways to fulfill these live hours:  In-Person Training: Some students prefer the traditional classroom setting, enjoying the physical presence of instructors and peers. However, this often requires travel and a more rigid, location-dependent schedule.  Live Online Training: Many students today choose the convenience of live virtual classrooms. This format allows you to meet the NBHWC requirement from the comfort of your home while still participating in real-time coaching triads and interactive discussions. It offers the perfect middle ground: the flexibility of being at home with the professional rigor of a live cohort.  The AFPA 1-Week Intensive  For those who want to accelerate their journey, AFPA offers a 1-week intensive. This option is designed to help you knock out those essential live hours in a concentrated timeframe, making it an ideal choice for busy folks who want to move quickly toward board eligibility without dragging the process out over several months.  Understanding the time commitment and honestly determining your bandwidth will help you decide which program fits your life. Whether you thrive in a months-long steady pace or prefer a high-energy intensive week, ensure the program you choose aligns with your ultimate career goals.  Who Are the Instructors Behind the Material?  You (hopefully) wouldn’t learn surgery from someone who has never stepped into an operating room. In the same way, your health coaching education should be guided by professionals who pair strong academic credentials with real-world coaching experience.  The depth and diversity of an instructional team can significantly shape the quality of your learning.  Look for programs led by instructors with advanced credentials and consider the range of professional backgrounds represented. A diverse instructional team exposes you to multiple perspectives, client scenarios, and coaching approaches, helping you build adaptable skills you can confidently apply across different populations and career paths.  At AFPA, instructional leadership is grounded in both academic rigor and real-world outcomes. As Dr. Shana Walsh, AFPA’s Curriculum Director and leader behind its NBHWC-approved health coaching program, explains:  “In AFPA’s health coaching program, we have two main priorities: preparing our students pass the NBHWC board exam and equipping them to become exceptional health coaches. These two priorities drive everything we do. When we see our graduates go on to earn their national board credentials and launch successful careers, we know our model is working.  At AFPA, we believe that the best measure of our success is when our students are successful. When our students graduate from our program, pass their national board exam, and launch successful health coaching careers, we know we have done our job well. For that reason, student success drives every decision we make, from the curriculum we design, the instructors we hire, the one-on-one support we provide, and how we support our students after

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How to Use the New Year to Launch Your Health Coaching Career 

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How to Use the New Year to Launch Your Health Coaching Career  Seasonality shapes nearly every profession and health coaching is no exception. Farmers plan their entire year around growing seasons. Accountants feel the intensity of tax season. Retailers depend on the holiday rush.  In the health and wellness industry, the New Year is our most significant season. For those who want to become a health coach, January provides both momentum and clarity. You have an immediate opportunity to work with clients who are highly motivated, curious, and ready to commit. When you start during this annual rise in interest, you give yourself an early advantage in building confidence, gaining practical experience, and creating the foundation for a sustainable health coaching business.  Who Doesn’t Love a Fresh Start?  Every New Year, something remarkable happens. People look at their lives with a rare mix of hope, urgency, and honesty. They ask themselves what they truly want from their health, their daily habits, and their long-term wellbeing. Fitness centers swell with new members, grocery carts fill with vegetables and meal prep containers, and conversations across kitchen tables shift toward goals. In this window of motivation and momentum, a health coach has an opportunity unlike any other time of the year.  There is no better time to launch a career in health coaching than the beginning of the year. People are primed for change and they actively seek guidance from professionals who can help them translate that fresh motivation into sustainable growth.  The New Year brings reflection and a renewed sense of possibility. People begin asking different questions about their health, their routines, and their wellbeing. This shift creates a unique opening for health coaches to do what they are trained to do, which is to support individuals in becoming the healthiest version of themselves.  When someone decides that this is the year they will get stronger, improve sleep, manage stress more intentionally, or cultivate a healthier relationship with food, they are already halfway toward seeking a partner who can guide them through the challenging middle. The surge in interest gives aspiring coaches the perfect landscape to begin, because the audience that needs their support is already paying attention.  The Problem with Resolutions  When someone starts working with a coach in January, they might be trying to rewrite patterns that have lingered for months or years. They may be stepping into January with genuine hope that this time will be different. When you step into that moment with skill and compassion, you show them how consistent guidance can transform fragile resolutions into long lasting habits.  Health related resolutions are consistently among the most common commitments people make at the start of the year, yet many lose momentum quickly. This gap between intention and reality is not a sign that people lack strength or discipline. It is a sign that self-directed change becomes significantly more difficult without support.  “As health coaches, we know all about the data. We know that health-related goals are by far the most popular New Year’s resolutions,” says Shana Walsh, PhD, NBC-HWC, MCHES. “We also know that by Spring, more than 80% of resolutions fail. That failure is a massive signal that people need exactly the type of support that we offer. Our job is to catch those highly motivated people before they fall, and use our tools to help them succeed instead.”  If you are building a career as a health coach or exploring how to start a health and wellness coaching business, understanding this rhythm of motivation and struggle is essential. The New Year gives you the chance to step into that support role exactly when people need it most.  Turning New Year Momentum Into a Real Health Coaching Business  This seasonal momentum does more than energize potential clients. It also creates an ideal environment for aspiring coaches. The same energy that inspires personal resolutions can be used to build the foundation of a new business.  Once someone decides to become a health coach, the next step involves building a business that is focused, structured, and aligned with the clients they hope to serve.  January may be the perfect time to start, but momentum alone is not enough.  You need a plan that helps you step confidently into the role of health coach entrepreneur. A strong health coach business plan includes clarity about who you serve, how you support them, and how you will present your work to the world.  Below are the practical building blocks new coaches can put in place during the New Year to launch a sustainable and successful business.  Define Your Niche Before You Build Anything Else  One of the most misunderstood parts of becoming a health coach is the belief that casting a wide net will bring more clients. In reality, clarity attracts. A well-defined niche helps potential clients immediately recognize that you understand their specific challenges and can offer tailored solutions.  Whether you feel drawn to stress reduction, women’s health, digestive wellness, athletic performance, family nutrition, or another specialty, choosing a niche gives your business a unique identity. It also makes your marketing efforts far more efficient. When you know exactly whom you are speaking to, it becomes easier to create content, services, programs, and branding that resonate.  This is also the step where many coaches begin to feel their confidence rise. They shift from “I want to help everyone” to “I help this type of person with this type of challenge through this type of method.” That level of clarity lays the groundwork for every decision you make afterward.  Learn how to choose the best niche for your health and wellness coaching business.  Develop a Coaching Framework You Can Deliver Consistently  Clients do not just buy sessions. They buy transformation. To deliver meaningful results, you need a structured process that helps clients move from where they are to where they want to be. This framework can be flexible and personalized, but it should follow a predictable arc.  Many successful coaches use stages such as exploration, values clarification, habit building, goal setting, weekly check-ins, skill development, and periodic reflection. You may refine your approach over time, but having a methodology from the beginning demonstrates professionalism and helps clients feel grounded.  A coaching framework also

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Why NBHWC Certification Matters for Integrative and Functional Health Careers 

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Why NBHWC Certification Matters for Integrative and Functional Health Careers  The Rising Standard in Holistic Health and Coaching  Health coaching is having a moment, but not because it is trendy. It is because integrative and functional practitioners have realized what has long been an issue. A brilliant care plan does not change anyone’s life if the person receiving it cannot follow it.  Clients want root-cause care. Providers want better outcomes. The missing link is a coach who knows how to translate clinical recommendations into real behavior change and who can do it at a standard the healthcare world trusts. That is exactly where NBHWC certification comes in.  At the heart of this shift is a powerful credential that signals mastery and trustworthiness: the NBHWC certification. The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching sets the gold standard for health and wellness coaching, providing a unified framework for professionals who bridge the gap between healthcare and holistic wellness. For coaches aiming to stand out in the integrative health space, earning this certification is a statement of credibility, quality, and commitment to evidence-based practice.  Why Integrative and Functional Health Needs Board-Certified Coaches  Integrative and functional health careers center on understanding the whole person. They take into account the intricate relationships between nutrition, movement, sleep, emotional well-being, environment, and purpose. Yet knowledge alone is not enough to help clients achieve sustainable change. People rarely struggle because they lack information. They struggle because translating that information into daily action requires motivation, accountability, and consistent support.  That’s where a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) comes in. These coaches are trained not just to share information, but to guide clients through the process of behavior change using structured, evidence-based techniques. They collaborate with clients to build sustainable habits, improve self-efficacy, and maintain progress long after a session ends.  As the health coaching field becomes more deeply embedded in healthcare systems, NBHWC certification has become the defining credential that demonstrates readiness to work alongside medical and allied health professionals. It validates that a coach has completed a NBHWC-approved certification program, logged practical experience, and passed a rigorous national exam.  The Value of the NBHWC Credential  The NBHWC board certification is recognized throughout the health and wellness industry as the highest level of professional achievement for coaches. Since its collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners in 2016, the NBHWC has set evidence-based standards that align coaching practice with healthcare integration.  This credential distinguishes coaches who have mastered both the art and science of behavior change. It signals that they have met stringent NBHWC certification requirements, including education, mentorship, and experience-based skill development. While anyone can call themselves a “coach,” the NBC-HWC designation proves that a practitioner has achieved a level of professional excellence that healthcare organizations, insurers, and clients can trust.  Beyond credibility, the NBHWC certification also fosters continued professional growth. Certified coaches gain access to the NBHWC national directory, professional development opportunities, exclusive networking events, and continuing education credits that keep their knowledge current.  Why NBHWC-Approved Training Makes a Difference  Not all health coach training programs are created equal. To be eligible for NBHWC board certification, you must complete an NBHWC-approved certification program that meets specific standards for curriculum, faculty, and student experience.  These programs are required to include comprehensive instruction in four core areas: coaching structure, coaching process, health and wellness knowledge, and ethics and legal considerations. They must provide both self-paced study and real-time, experiential learning that prepares students to facilitate authentic client transformation.  AFPA’s Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach program was designed to exceed these standards. It combines the Certified Health and Wellness Coach Course and the Advanced Health Coaching Intensive [Live] into one seamless hybrid experience. Together, they form one of the most comprehensive NBHWC-approved training pathways available for aspiring coaches who want to make an impact.  This hybrid model blends flexibility and structure. The self-paced portion builds a strong foundation in coaching theory, health behavior science, and holistic wellness principles. Students learn how to design effective coaching programs, communicate with empathy, and understand the mind-body connection that drives long-term success.  The live portion adds a collaborative element that mirrors real coaching practice. Participants meet via Zoom in small cohorts, apply what they’ve learned through interactive role-playing, and receive feedback from faculty who are themselves board-certified coaches.  The Most Comprehensive, Affordable Certification to Help You Become a Board-Certified Health Coach Enroll in the Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach Program Now Inside AFPA’s Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach Program  Students begin their journey in the Certified Health and Wellness Coach Course, a self-paced learning experience that takes anywhere from about two to six months to complete. This portion of the program offers more than 35 hours of dynamic video instruction, interactive exercises, and real-world case studies. It covers the essentials of what it means to be a health coach: how to structure sessions, build rapport, and use techniques like motivational interviewing to help clients clarify their values and goals.  The second component, the Advanced Health Coaching Intensive [Live], is a 12-week cohort-based course that brings coaching concepts to life. Here, students gain hands-on experience conducting coaching sessions in a supportive virtual environment. Faculty guide participants through key topics such as health behavior change theory, patient engagement models, and positive psychology. Students also learn how to manage challenges like client resistance, emotional responses, and misinformation while maintaining professionalism and empathy.  Together, these two components create a complete educational pathway that prepares graduates to apply for the Health and Wellness Coach Certifying Examination (HWCCE) and become National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches.  AFPA’s track record speaks for itself: 93% of AFPA graduates pass the NBHWC board exam on their first attempt, a testament to the quality of its instruction and support.  The AFPA Difference: Practical, Holistic, and Community-Focused  What sets AFPA apart is not just its NBHWC approval, but its philosophy. AFPA programs are built on the understanding that effective coaching is as much about human connection as it is about science. Students learn to approach each client as a whole person, considering physical, mental, social, and environmental factors that shape their health.  AFPA’s Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach program is taught by an exceptional faculty of experienced coaches, educators, and wellness practitioners. Instructors like Dr. Shana Walsh, PhD, NBC-HWC, MCHES, bring deep expertise in health behavior theory and a passion for helping

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Meet Dr. Shana Walsh: AFPA’s Curriculum Director & Leader Behind Our NBHWC-Approved Health Coaching Education

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Meet Dr. Shana Walsh: AFPA’s Curriculum Director & Leader Behind Our NBHWC-Approved Health Coaching Education What happens when a Ph.D. with a passion for behavior change, a knack for curriculum design, and a gift for connection leads your health coach training? You get Dr. Shana Walsh—AFPA’s Director of Education and Curriculum, and the leader of our Master Certified Health and Wellness Coach program. With a Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Exercise Nutrition, and Health Promotion, as well as credentials as a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Master Certified Health Education Specialist, and Certified Personal Trainer, Dr. Walsh brings decades of experience to every course she touches. From shaping what you learn behind the scenes to guiding live Zoom sessions with energy and empathy, she’s both the architect and advocate for your coaching journey. In this interview, Shana shares her approach to building student-centered programs, what makes AFPA’s live cohort experience so unique, and a few fun facts, like the time she did a pull-up while hula-hooping. The Secrets Behind AFPA’s Curriculum As AFPA’s Education & Curriculum Director, how do you shape the student learning experience?  My role encompasses the entire course development lifecycle. This ranges from the planning stage, where we strategize new course offerings and topics that align with student needs, to creating written and video learning materials, and securing top-tier instructors that are experts in their respective areas. I am also involved in assisting current students throughout their AFPA learning journey. In every stage, I prioritize the quality of the education we provide, ensuring the most valuable and applicable content for our students. It’s extremely rewarding to see something go from an idea scribbled on a notepad in pencil to a certification students can earn to change the trajectory of their career and their lives.     What’s something most people might not realize about how AFPA develops its curriculum?  Most people might not realize that we always start by asking, ‘What’s best for the student?’ The answer to that single question drives every decision we make, from the topics we teach, the teaching methods we employ, the instructors we select, and even the little details, like the on-screen colors in our courses (nay for orange, yay for blue).   Beyond course development, what often goes unseen is how much we celebrate alongside our students. When they earn their certificates and find success in the field, we’re absolutely ecstatic. After all, that’s our ultimate goal: to provide the education they need to truly propel them into the professional roles they seek.  How do you ensure AFPA’s programs stay current with research, trends, and best practices?  In the health industry, new research is constantly emerging, providing new information and redefining best practices. At AFPA, we understand that providing our students with outdated information is simply not an option, so we take a proactive approach instead. We make it a part of our routine to monitor the latest issues of leading academic and industry journals, attend industry conferences, tune into webinars, and network with other professional organizations and experts in the field. We’ve even been known to edit a live course to tweak a fact or two based on newly gleaned knowledge. We do this to guarantee that when our students graduate, they have the most current information possible to excel in their careers.   What do you see as some of the most valuable skills students gain from AFPA programs?  Some of the most valuable skills students gain from AFPA programs include:   Comprehensive Knowledge: Every single one of our courses provides a wealth of knowledge on the topic of study. For students really seeking to gain expertise in a specific area, AFPA is the ultimate resource.   Holistic Perspectives: At AFPA, we deeply understand how intertwined all areas of health are. For that reason, we infuse holistic perspectives into everything we teach, supporting our students to see the bigger picture.     Practical Application and Coaching Skills: It’s one thing to know what to do, but it’s another to be able to do it effectively. We don’t just teach the skills, we also provide ample practice opportunities to apply them to real world scenarios.   Professional Confidence and Career Readiness: Our programs are designed to build students’ confidence in their abilities, preparing them to excel on their chosen career journey.   What makes the live cohort experience special at AFPA?  The Advanced Health Coaching Intensive is the dynamic, live component of our Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach program, and it’s AFPA’s only live course. In a single Zoom room, we unite people from across the country and around the globe. While we all come from vastly different walks of life, we share a profound commonality: a deep desire to empower others to become the best version of themselves. There’s magic in bringing together adults of all ages, with their diverse backgrounds and rich life experiences, watching them learn and grow together. It’s truly transformative.   Learn How to Set Yourself Apart as a Board-Certified Health Coach Getting to Know Dr. Walsh Outside the Classroom What are a few quirky or surprising things about you that your students might not know?  I have successfully completed one pull up while hula-hooping.   Also, I’ve scored in the 99th percentile for extroversion on multiple personality assessments.  When I was in first grade, my teacher moved my seat for talking so many times, I ended up sitting next to every single kid in class.    I didn’t learn to ride a bike until I was an adult, because as a kid I wanted to focus all my energy on rollerblading.   When you’re not working on curriculum, teaching, or coaching, how do you recharge?  As a quintessential extrovert, I recharge by spending time with others. Whether it’s from good conversation with my neighbors sitting around the firepit, some friendly competition in rec pickleball, or soaking up quality time at home with my family, the energy I get from social connectedness fills my cup.    If you had to sum up your philosophy on behavior change in one

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AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Dr. Nikki LeToya White

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AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Dr. Nikki LeToya White During the last 31+ years, AFPA has certified over 130,000 health, nutrition, and fitness professionals. We regularly feature distinguished and new graduates who are using what they have learned to inspire others and make a difference.  Meet one of our featured graduates, Dr. Nikki LeToya White. Dr. Nikki has earned her Holistic Nutritionist Certification, Health and Wellness Coach Certification, and Weight Management Specialist Certification (now our Coaching for Weight Loss Certificate) from AFPA. Meet AFPA Graduate Dr. Nikki LeToya White, M.S.Ed-TL, Ph.D., RHN Tell us about yourself. My name is Dr. Nikki LeToya White, and I wear many hats—trucker wife, proud mom of four, and a devoted advocate for women in recovery. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Health Service Administration, a Master’s in Education (Teaching and Learning), and a Doctorate in Christian Counseling. As a Trauma-Informed Nutritionist, Herbalist, and Recovery Coach, I specialize in helping high-achieving women navigate the complex intersection of emotional trauma, addiction recovery, and wellness. Through my private practice, Spiced Life Conversation Art Wellness Studio and Botanica in Conyers, Georgia, we offer a safe and nurturing space for women seeking deep recovery, emotional wellness, and practical tools to heal. My team and I provide personalized support that addresses addiction triggers, builds sustainable coping mechanisms, and empowers women to reclaim their lives after years of navigating unresolved emotional wounds like abandonment and childhood neglect. My approach is both holistic and trauma-informed, blending evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and somatic therapy to guide women through their healing journeys. How did you first become interested in health and wellness? My journey into health and wellness began during one of the most vulnerable seasons of my life. As a new trucker wife and mother, I felt lost and overwhelmed, struggling with mom-shaming, isolation, and debilitating panic attacks. Five visits to the ER later, I took the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study and discovered that my separation anxiety had triggered an old abandonment wound from childhood—a wound caused by my mother leaving me to be raised by my great-grandmother while she pursued her career. The physician’s words were life-changing: unresolved childhood trauma was fueling my current anxiety and binge eating disorder. Unfortunately, my first therapy experience wasn’t successful, leaving me to navigate this overwhelming emotional terrain alone. I started blogging about my struggles as a trucker wife, which led to coaching other women in similar situations and writing The Loner Wife Diaries series. My healing took a transformative turn when I was introduced to a life coach and Hoodoo practitioner with decades of sobriety experience. Her wisdom and guidance taught me how to lay the foundation for my recovery. But healing is rarely linear, and life brought new challenges—a relapse in my binge eating disorder, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances stemming from low estrogen levels after my third and fourth cesareans. Diagnosed with vaginal atrophy at just 28 years old, I faced surgeries and chronic pain that left me saying, “Enough is enough.” I decided to educate myself, stumbled upon the AFPA Holistic Nutritionist Program, and enrolled to learn how to use food as medicine. The knowledge I gained was life-changing. I healed my digestive issues, managed my hormonal imbalances, reversed my binge eating relapse, and even lost thirty pounds unintentionally. Which AFPA certification have you earned, and why did you choose that certification program? I actively use my certifications in Holistic Nutrition, Health Coaching, and CEUs such as The Herbal Apothecary and Natural Strategies for Menopause to serve women in recovery. I’m currently preparing to take the AFPA Gut Health Nutrition Specialist Certificate to deepen my expertise in healing the gut-brain connection—a critical aspect of emotional and physical recovery for my clients, this will put me on track on becoming a Master Nutrition Consultant. Become an Expert Nutrition Coach at Your Own Pace Download your free guide now. Tell us about your business and how you serve people. My passion is taking everything I learned and sharing it with women who seek to make their self care and sobritey a top piority. The most profound lesson I learned is that health and lifestyle are deeply interconnected—you cannot separate mental, emotional, and physical well-being. My studies gave me a holistic perspective on the body and its relationship with trauma, addiction, and nutrition. I learned that unresolved emotional pain—especially from abandonment and childhood neglect—often manifests as addictions like binge eating, sugar dependency, or substance abuse. These behaviors not only impact emotional health but can also lead to chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and inflammation. This understanding has shaped my work, allowing me to bridge the wellness, mental health, and substance abuse industries. With the right education and personal experience, I’ve been able to guide women toward healing on all levels—body, mind, and spirit. Many of my clients struggle with emotional eating, sugar addiction, anxiety, and women’s health concerns, all stemming from deep emotional wounds. By combining nutrition, herbal wellness, and emotional support, I empower my clients to break free from harmful coping mechanisms and build sustainable lives in recovery. This approach has not only helped me celebrate 8 years of full remission but also enabled my clients to thrive as they heal. How has becoming certified with AFPA impacted your life? As mentioned earlier, the knowledge I gained was life-changing. I healed my digestive issues, managed my hormonal imbalances, reversed my binge eating relapse, and even lost thirty pounds unintentionally. What started as a personal pursuit turned into a calling as others began reaching out to me for advice. I realized that rebranding my private practice to focus on women in recovery aligned perfectly with my purpose. Today, I continue to navigate my own sobriety while empowering women to do the same. None of this would have been possible without the education and tools I gained through my holistic nutrition studies. What advice would you give others considering getting certified through AFPA? If you’re thinking about becoming certified

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AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Darleene Peters, Owner of Deep Wellness NOLA

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AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Darleene Peters, Owner of Deep Wellness NOLA During the last 30+ years, AFPA has certified over 130,000 health, nutrition, and fitness professionals. We regularly feature distinguished and new graduates who are using what they have learned to inspire others and make a difference.  Meet one of our featured graduates, Darleene Peters, owner of Deep Wellness NOLA. Darlene earned her Health and Wellness Coach Certification from AFPA. Meet AFPA Graduate Darleene Peters, Certified Health and Wellness Coach Tell us about yourself. Hello, my name is Darleene Peters. I am the CEO and founder of Deep Wellness NOLA located in New Orleans, Louisiana. How did you first become interested in health and wellness? As I began to mature, and the demands of being a wife, a mom and a busy, professional began to take its toll on me, I realized that I needed to prioritize my own health and wellness. I also realized that I needed to be able to help my loved ones prioritize their health and wellness. I had to be the example. I learned about the associations between stress and chronic illnesses, and how these chronic illnesses that have continued to plague so many of us are largely preventable due to lifestyle factors. So at that point, I became committed to helping others. I knew that becoming certified would be an important step in making an impact. Which AFPA certification have you earned, and why did you choose that certification program? I earned my AFPA certification in Health and Wellness Coaching. I thoroughly researched all my options, and I enjoyed reading about what AFPA offered, the variety of their programs, and the student support. However, the continuing support, even beyond certification, is really what prompted me to go with AFPA. It’s a great organization, and I continue to use it even after my certification for my continuing education credits to stay on top of any news and developments in the health and wellness arena. And it has proven to be an invaluable resource throughout my time as a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Learn How to Set Yourself Apart as a Board-Certified Health Coach What are your favorite parts of running your business? My favorite part about running this business is being able to help others. It’s that feeling when someone tells me that the information I shared was useful and beneficial to them. It’s the feeling of constantly learning because health and wellness, as we know it, continues to evolve. AFPA has allowed me to stay on top of industry trends and developments. I’m also proud to say that I am certified in a field where not many other people can say that. I have committed to becoming certified so that I can be taken seriously and so that I can be an authority and expert in the health and wellness field. How has becoming certified with AFPA impacted your life? Becoming a AFPA-Certified in Health and Wellness Coaching has had such a tremendous impact on me in more ways than I could have imagined. It has forced me to think out of the box when I was thinking that I can only do this through individual or group coaching. I realized I could have reach by writing, speaking, presenting, and sharing information, and it forced me to look at myself and examine myself and realize that I have more to offer and that I could have the impact that I wanted to have. I could have everything that I wanted once I became certified. I still use AFPA as a personal resource. Their blogs, their information, their continuing education credit courses are incredibly helpful, and I use them to stay on top of industry trends and developments, and just in my effort to continue to help people lead healthy and well lives. What advice would you give others considering getting certified through AFPA? The world needs health and wellness coaches. So perhaps you were like me and thinking, “Can I really do this? Do I have the time to do this? I have enough on my plate.” I’m telling you that you can and you should. The AFPA program is self-paced, it’s incredibly convenient, and it’s online. You can go at your own pace. You can be as ambitious as you want to be to complete the program within the time period that your schedule allows. I was juggling work and children, extra full-time, and became certified during a pandemic. So if I can do it, you can as well. And I promise you the rewards, the benefits, the feeling of accomplishment will be amazing. How can we find you online? Deep Wellness NOLA Instagram: @deepwellnessnola Darleene’s LinkedIn Read more AFPA graduate success stories AFPA Graduate of the Month: Sarah Salain of Simply Sarah Healing, Holistic Nutritionist and Health and Wellness Coach: Sarah quit her job as a nurse to grow her online health coaching and nutrition business. AFPA Graduate of the Month: Emily Hudak, Holistic Health Coach: Emily started her own business and works full-time serving clients as a health coach. AFPA Graduate of the Month: Meral Jibouri, Holistic Nutritionist: Meral offers plant-based nutrition coaching and content creation. Holistic Health Coach Certification $2148.00 Original price was: $2148.00.$179.00/monthCurrent price is: $179.00/month. Select options Sale Product on sale Certified Health and Wellness Coach Program $1049.00 Original price was: $1049.00.$158.00/monthCurrent price is: $158.00/month. Select options Sale Product on sale Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach Original price was: .$237.00/monthCurrent price is: $237.00/month. Select options The post AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Darleene Peters, Owner of Deep Wellness NOLA appeared first on AFPA. During the last 30+ years, AFPA has certified over 130,000 health, nutrition, and fitness professionals. We regularly feature distinguished and new graduates who are using what they have learned to inspire others and make a difference.  Meet one of our featured graduates, Darleene Peters, owner of Deep Wellness NOLA. Darlene earned her Health and Wellness Coach […] The post AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Darleene Peters, Owner of Deep

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AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Kellie Hamilton BSN, RN, HN

afpa certified health coach, afpa certified holistic nutritionist, Blog, Fitness, Grad Spotlight, health coach, Health Coaching /

AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Kellie Hamilton BSN, RN, HN During the last 30+ years, AFPA has certified over 130,000 health, nutrition, and fitness professionals. We regularly feature distinguished and new graduates who are using what they have learned to inspire others and make a difference.  Meet one of our featured graduates, Kellie Hamilton BSN, RN, HN. She earned her Holistic Nutritionist Certification from AFPA. Meet AFPA Graduate Kellie Hamilton BSN, RN, HN Tell us about yourself. My name is Kelly, and I am a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Nutritional Wellness Consultant with AFPA. I am a practicing surgical ICU nurse in central Massachusetts and the very proud owner of A Better Path to Wellness. How did you initially become interested in health and wellness? I became interested in holistic health and wellness after graduating from one of the top nursing programs in Massachusetts back in 2014. The first non-nursing book I picked up after a four year bachelor’s program in science and nursing was a book on holistic health and nutrition and kitchen chemistry. I was floored by the evidence-based science and information and the helpful tips that no one had ever shared with us. I started asking around my friends that were in med school, and no one was learning about this very key piece of health and wellness. There was such a lack of evidence-based nutrition, and I decided right then and there that I was going to start filling that void. Which AFPA certifications have you earned, and why did you choose those certification programs? I chose to be a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Nutritional Wellness Consultant with AFPA. After extensive research, I really wanted a program that fit not only with the kind of alignment of how I saw myself as a coach going forward, but I also wanted something that was going to work with my busy schedule. I wanted something that could be done online that had great customer service. I did extensive research into reading reviews, comparing programs, and AFPA just really checked all of those boxes for me. I also liked that I could call and get a live person and ask questions and talk to them about what the program really looked like for somebody who had no idea what to compare it to. The reason I chose the certifications I did was because I wanted to have one foot in holistic medicine and one foot in Western medicine. I felt like there is such a disconnect and there’s such a place for both of them. I wanted to offer people more preventative health and nutritional interventions to pair with their health. And the Holistic Nutritionist Program really aligned so well with that way of thinking. Get Your Free Guide to Becoming a Holistic Nutritionist Learn about the important role of holistic nutritionists, what it takes to be successful as one, and how to build a lucrative, impactful career in nutrition. How are you using your certification? I use my certification by helping people in many ways. Mainly, I have a home office here in Worcester, Massachusetts where I work with clients virtually from all over the country. I help them one-on-one in education sessions. We look at where you are and help form a holistic plan for you and how you can use foods and things in your environment, whether it’s adding things or omitting things that are just really affecting the overall quality of your health. I am also a very passionate public speaker. I love to do educational events, workshops, and speaking engagements. In the last couple years of my business, I’ve really branched out. I’ve had the ability to lecture to the athletic department for my alma mater, which was amazing. I have won pitch contests talking about innovations on how to change the face of what health looks like. I have upcoming events for senior centers and doing speaking engagements for them. I’ve been featured on cable access TV on topics like Parkinson’s nutrition and more. I have really put the certifications and licenses that I have received to use, and it has helped propel me into the health, wellness, and nutrition space. What are your favorite parts of running your business? My favorite aspects of A Better Path to Wellness is the people that I get to meet, whether it’s the one-on-one people who find me for sessions and education, or the people I meet out in the community doing vendor events or speaking engagements. I have made some of the best friends, and colleagues, and I have some of the best clients that I could have ever asked for. The people that I get to engage with on a regular basis from having launched this business and using my certificates this way have come back to me tenfold. I’m so glad that I get to do that and I get to meet and work with some of these amazing people. Do you have any success stories you’d like to share? I am grateful to say that I have a lot of success stories that I could share, but picking one would do a disservice to the amount of hard work my clients all put in. Collectively, the amount of weight loss, the amount of diminished chronic disease, the amount of medications that my clients have been able to come off, the biomarkers like the lipid panels, the fasting glucose, the insulin levels that have all been reduced in a healthy, positive, sustainable manner have just shattered my expectations on what people can really achieve when they put their mind to something and have the power of a educated, professional, empathetic coach behind them. And that really in itself is the success story of my clients because they all achieve success in their own way. It has been a pleasure and will continue to be as long as I advance in my career to cheer them on and support them and yell their success

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AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Savanna Sunny Strauss

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AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Savanna Sunny Strauss During the last 30 years, AFPA has certified over 130,000 health, nutrition, and fitness professionals. We regularly feature distinguished and new graduates who are using what they have learned to inspire others and make a difference.  Meet one of our featured graduates, Savanna, who has completed two AFPA certifications. She is an AFPA Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Tell us about yourself. My name is Savanna Sunny Strauss. I am 24 years old and a recent graduate from Utah Valley University and AFPA. I am married to my best friend and love my dog Pogue! I am a personal trainer with a love for weightlifting, yoga, swimming, surfing, pilates, and sunset walks. I love to cook, try new foods, and create recipes! I love how food connects us and provides memorable experiences. When I am not at the gym or cooking in the kitchen, I enjoy traveling, reading, spending time with my friends and family, being outdoors, and watching movies! How did you initially become interested in health and wellness? My interest in health and wellness started at a young age when my dad was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Through his health journey, I was able to watch and learn how his diet affected his life. As I grew up I started to make connections between my own diet and its effects on my health. This led me to love exercise and eating well for my body. I eventually became a group fitness instructor and developed a love for helping others. After college, I realized I wanted a career helping others live their healthiest lives possible. I found AFPA and was immediately drawn to multiple courses! Enrolling in AFPA was one of the best decisions I have made for my career as a coach, as well as for my overall health and wellness.  Which AFPA certifications have you earned, and why did you choose those certification programs? I earned AFPA certifications in Holistic Nutrition and Health and Wellness Coaching. I chose to take the holistic nutrition course to gain a deeper understanding of disease prevention and the relationship between health and lifestyle. I was excited about the opportunity to educate others on nutrition in a simple way. This motivated me to also enroll in the Certified Health and Wellness Coach program to learn how to help others develop sustainable healthy habits. Get Your Free Guide to Becoming a Holistic Nutritionist Learn about the important role of holistic nutritionists, what it takes to be successful as one, and how to build a lucrative, impactful career in nutrition. How are you using your certification/planning on using your certification? I am currently using my certifications as an online personal trainer, nutritionist, and health coach. I am starting my own business and am working in person at a local gym. How has becoming certified with AFPA impacted your life? Becoming certified with AFPA has impacted my life in many ways. I have learned how to be a better coach for others and myself! I have been able to strengthen many relationships by having an education in health and nutrition and have been able to better my own lifestyle. What was one thing you learned in your studies that has left an impact on you? My main takeaway from the holistic nutrition course was that health and lifestyle are interconnected. I developed a new perspective on nutrition and a deeper understanding of the body as a whole.  How can we find you online? Find me on Instagram @savannasunnyhealth and get in touch with me on my website Savanna Sunny Health. Read more AFPA graduate success stories AFPA Graduate of the Month: Sarah Salain of Simply Sarah Healing, Holistic Nutritionist and Health and Wellness Coach: Sarah quit her job as a nurse to grow her online health coaching and nutrition business. AFPA Graduate of the Month: Emily Hudak, Holistic Health Coach: Emily started her own business and works full-time serving clients as a health coach. AFPA Graduate of the Month: Meral Jibouri, Holistic Nutritionist: Meral offers plant-based nutrition coaching and content creation. The post AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Savanna Sunny Strauss appeared first on AFPA. During the last 30 years, AFPA has certified over 130,000 health, nutrition, and fitness professionals. We regularly feature distinguished and new graduates who are using what they have learned to inspire others and make a difference.  Meet one of our featured graduates, Savanna, who has completed two AFPA certifications. She is an AFPA Certified Holistic Nutritionist […] The post AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Savanna Sunny Strauss appeared first on AFPA. Melissa Lopez{authorlink}https://www.afpafitness.com/blog/health-coaching-success-stories-savanna-sunny-straus/Blog – AFPA TURN YOUR DREAM CAREER INTO REALITY https://www.afpafitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fav.webp

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