Former Baltimore Teacher Finds Her Calling As Health And Fitness Coach
Lisa Consiglio Ryan is a certified health coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She has a certification as a Sports Nutrition Consultant from the American Aerobic Association International/International Sports Medicine Association and another certification in Integrative Nutrition from Purchase College/SUNY. Ryan is also a certified health counselor, American College of Drugless Practitioners.
She graduated originally from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Developmental Psychology and obtained her masters in the art of teaching from the same school.
What inspired you to enter health coaching and to start your current business – Whole a Designs?
"I taught school originally, but I was focused more on the children's lives: 'Did they eat breakfast? How can they take a test if they were beaten before they got to school?'
I did some soul-searching and realized I was the go-to girl for fitness and health. I decided to put my passion to good use and help others. I found the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and decided to go for it. It was the best decision I ever made."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"I always loved studying what makes people tick, so my background in psychology enhances my coaching.
My teaching background also plays a part in my health coaching business because having that formal background of planning how to present information helps me design programs and meal plans.
As a mentor teacher, I worked in professional development. That training taught me coaching skills I still use as a health coach today.
During my various certification programs, I learned about nutrition and healthy lifestyle from many leaders in the field. All of this now helps me develop a holistic approach which not only addresses food but also includes emotions, stress and environment."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"My business is doing well mainly because of the skills developed in 15 years of successful teaching: Planning, designing, creating, writing, coaching, and, most of all, combining my strengths with my passion are all skills I acquired throughout the years."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into health coaching?
"Take action. Find an institution with excellent certification training and take baby steps each day. Research schools online or talk to successful health coaches. Once you are certified, fall in love with marketing. People don't come to you for health just because they want health. Learn all you can about getting the word out about your business."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.