I get it... it can be hard to know what to do and even harder to make it happen!
I understand how hard it can be to make healthy changes that stick!
I'm a registered nurse with a BA in psychology, a National Board Certified Health Coach and a Certified Lifestyle Medicine Coach.
I spent 15 years working with people one-on-one in their homes, as a high-tech, home health, hospice, and palliative nurse, and the past 7 years helping individuals explore and implement healthy, sustainable lifestyle changes."
As a home health nurse, I saw patients struggle with making health changes that could slow their declining health and improve their quality of life. I felt frustrated that despite my nursing knowledge I was unable to help them in the way that they needed – my nursing education simply hadn’t taught me HOW to help people make sustainable health changes.
On top of that, I experienced burnout in my nursing career. This took a tremendous toll on my health, exacerbating my previously well-controlled autoimmune disease and sidelining me from my life. I was left feeling drained, with little energy, and spent much of my non-working hours flat on the sofa. I knew I needed to make changes for myself, and I knew I needed a better way to serve my patients.
In my search for a way to do more for my patients and regain joy in my career, I discovered that…
Health coaching can be a powerful tool in closing the gap between wanting to make changes and actually doing it
I began my journey at Duke where I completed their health coach training program, I then continued on to become board-certified in health coaching and trained in lifestyle medicine. Since 2018, I have been supporting clients and helping them conquer their health challenges, feel great, do the things they love, and improve their long-term quality of life.
I truly can relate to not knowing what to do and where to get help, and I know first-hand the difference that lifestyle medicine health coaching can make!
I've struggled with a debilitating autoimmune disease that profoundly impacted my life. I understand the challenge of managing an illness that changes how you live. Through lifestyle changes and the support of a health coach, I was able to drastically reduce the impact of my condition and improve my overall well-being. I now take less medication and can consistently participate in the activities I love. While my journey has been transformative and everyone’s path is unique...
That's how powerful lifestyle medicine health coaching can be!
"...Kristina is gentle, caring and non-judgmental“
"My health coaching experience with Kristina was always positive. She is a good listener, but keeps her client on track. I walked away from each session with renewed hope and ideas. Kristina is gentle, caring and non-judgmental. She genuinely cares about outcomes for her client."
– Karen C.
Manchester Vermont
I believe...
- Good health is not an accident and poor health is not destiny.
- Health is more than weight, lab results and medical diagnoses; how you think, how you react to circumstances, having meaningful relationships, a sense of purpose, and prioritizing self-care all deeply impact health and wellbeing.
- You have the capacity for change and can make shifts in your lifestyle allowing you to create new habits to support a healthier life.
- You know yourself and your life best. You can work towards achieving your own personal best level of health; whatever that might be.
- Creating sustainable change can be hard without the proper tools and support. Allowing yourself access to those tools and support is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
- You can learn the strategies to finally leave behind the quick fixes, restrictive diets, and confusing information that's overwhelming and frustrating.
Change can feel overwhelming, but with my support, you can make sustainable changes that fit your life and improve your health over time.
My Lifestyle
My eating centers around whole plant foods, however I believe in habits, not restrictive, unattainable rules.
I meditate daily and incorporate mindfulness, breathing exercises and HeartMath tools throughout the day.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, running, cross country skiing, or just about any activity that gets me moving outdoors and doesn’t involve a ball. My routine also includes walks with my dog, strength training, and trying to build a regular yoga practice.
I also love sewing and knitting, which fuel my creativity and help to keep balance in my life. More than than anything though, I value spending time with my husband and two adult(!) children.
Quick Facts
- Above all else, I am a wife and mother and all of my choices reflect these priorities, along with my self-care. Prioritizing my health benefits my family, as much as myself!
- Hiking is my passion; very little compares to, or is as satisfying as a breathtaking summit view. Hiking on a crisp fall morning is my favorite.
- I love summer, but over the past few years, have also learned to enjoy winter activities and no longer dread the long, cold Vermont winters!
- I have been married for 26 years and have two children - one in college and one graduate.
- I have a cat, a mini australian labradoodle, and a mini golden doodle.
- I am an introvert and am happiest at home with my pets and family.
- I have been knitting for 19 years and occasionally write patterns.
- I have run a half marathon and a marathon, and someday hope to complete a triathalon.