I get it... it's hard to know what to do and even harder to make it happen!
I understand how hard it is to make healthy changes that actually 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 6 years helping folks transform their lives through healthy and sustainable lifestyle changes.
As a home health nurse, I saw patients struggle with making simple health changes that could slow or halt their declining health. I felt frustrated that despite my nursing knowledge I was unable to help them in the way that I wanted – my nursing education simply hadn’t taught me HOW to actually help people make healthy changes that stick!
On top of that, I hit burnout in my nursing career. This took a tremendous toll on my health, exacerbating my previously well-controlled autoimmune disease and abruptly sidelined me from my life. I completely lacked energy and was so tired that I spent all my non-working hours flat on the sofa. I knew I needed a change for myself, and I knew I needed a better way to serve my patients.
In my search to do more for patients and get back to feeling joy in my career, I discovered that...
Health coaching is the key to 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 suffered many years from a debilitating autoimmune disease that profoundly impacted what I could do in my life. I understand the challenge of struggling to manage an illness that changes how you live your life. But through lifestyle changes and the support of a health coach, my autoimmune disease no longer impacts my life. I've nearly eliminated the medication I take, I no longer have flares, I overall feel great, and I can consistently participate in the activities I love.
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 is hard, and it can feel overwhelming to even think about trying. But with my support helping you create a solid plan, you really can improve your health in a way that fits your life and is sustainable over time.
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.