Hi I’m Cathy. I was born and raised in Arizona where I earned my Master’s Degree in Education and taught for a number of years so the love of learning has always been in my life. I moved to Sycamore, IL in 1996 with my husband and two daughters and continued my love for education by becoming a supervisor for student teachers at Northern Illinois University and later Aurora University, with a total of 13 years of supervising.
I was never much into fitness and carried an extra 30 pounds before my lifestyle changes. While raising our family, I realized I wasn’t the best role model for our girls and was always lacking energy. My first step in improving my health and fitness was to find a class I could enjoy attending for exercise. Once I started moving, I fell in love with it so much that I studied and trained hard, earning my Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Group Exercise Instructor Certification. I began leading cardio dance and strength training classes and went on to earn certifications/licensing for other formats like Zumba® and POUND. I also started eating better and became certified in Plate™ by Zumba® to have a better understanding of food, nutrition and how it affects our bodies so I could share this knowledge with others.
In 2015, with so much support from family, friends and the community, we took a leap of faith and opened Energize Fitness. For four years, we offered 25-30 classes a week with 12 amazing instructors. Through that, I continued to learn, grow, train and gain more knowledge of dance, strength training and fitness. I love sharing it with others. In May of 2019 we moved to a new location and scaled back as my husband retired in October, 2019. Who would have thought the girl that didn’t like exercise, actually embraced it and fell in love with it later in life?????
As a certified fitness instructor, I started to observe people trying to solve health issues just by working out but knew there was more to the picture of health than just moving. It was also during this time that one of our daughters battled Lyme Disease and then a few years later, our other daughter battled H-pylori. This is when my passion for finding answers to health and wellness took off. I started researching and learning about the power of food with its ability to heal or poison the body. I became aware of how common nutritional deficiencies due to the Standard American Diet(SAD) and how that affects the body. I finally understood what a huge role hormones play in our lives whether you are male or female. I discovered that sleep provides so much for both the body and brain and shouldn’t be ignored. I had a huge light bulb moment when I first learned that our health starts in our gut. I could go on and on about my findings and the excitement that came with my research. Fortunately, we worked with great practitioners and found answers for both of our girls who are happy and doing very well today.
A few years ago, I personally faced many health issues of my own while trying to run a fitness studio. It was very frustrating and depressing. I encountered sinus infections for years as well as MSG migraines. All of a sudden, these symptoms were worse and I was now dealing with brain fog, low energy, hormone issues, autoimmune diseases, food sensitivities, gut issues, weight gain and high histamine reaction…WHAT THE HECK WAS GOING ON???
I worked closely with a practitioner to find answers for my healing and reclaiming my health. I am 60 years old and feel amazing!!! For all of these reasons and more, I knew I wanted to help others put the puzzle pieces together in finding wellness.
In February 2017, I started my journey and formal education as a student in the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. I was thrilled, excited, and scared about all of the work involved but became even more passionate about what I was learning and wanting to share it with others. I graduated from the program in January, 2018 and launched my own business, Inspired Health Coaching. I also gained valuable insight and experience coaching clients in a medical setting for a year while I worked under the guidance of a medical practitioner. I have also coached groups as well as individuals through Inspired Health Coaching and continue to grow my own practice as I see a tremendous need for individuals to team up with a coach while navigating the road to wellness.
In January 2019, I enrolled in the Wellness Coaching Program at the Mayo Clinic and went on to complete all requirements to become a Mayo Clinic Certified Health and Wellness Coach. I am thrilled to bring even more knowledge, tools, and strategies to my clients. I recently completed the Dr. Dale Bredesen Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s course through the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. I have worked with clients dealing with a wide variety of autoimmune diseases from Alzheimer’s to Multiple Sclerosis, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and other thyroid conditions as well as digestive issues, Type 2 Diabetes, weight gain, incorporating fitness, stress management and better sleep.
In June, 2019 I passed the exam and became a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. NBHWC worked with the National Board of Medical Examiners(NBME) which develops and administers physician licensing examinations in the United States. They joined together to establish standards for health and wellness coach training, educational programs, and coach certification exams. The certificate and stamp of approval provides credibility and lets clients know I have mastered the core competencies that will best serve them in the coaching process.
I strongly believe that health and healing isn’t linear nor singular but a balance of a whole person in the areas of sleep, food, movement, gut health, balanced hormones and connectedness to others with a purpose in life. I use a coach approach as opposed to the expert approach since I am not the expert on anyone else. I recognize that each person is an individual that needs a personalized approach that will work for THEM in reclaiming their health. As a client centered coach, I help get to the root cause, working together to adapt and implement sustainable, lifestyle changes to return health and balance for a happier life.
Reaching out for help doesn’t mean you are weak or have failed. It means you are strong enough to reach out and partner with me to find your answers. I would love to help you find balance in your life.
Life really is a balancing act!
Disclaimer
The information on this site is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure or treat any medical condition. I am not a medical doctor and information presented is not medical advice or intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a doctor or health care professional. Please consult with your health care provider about medical questions, do your own research and make your own health care decisions based upon your own research and judgment in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
