At Integrative Nutrition, our graduates span a wide range of ages, backgrounds, strengths and interests. Health Coaching is a career that some begin right after college, while others embark on the journey after spending many years in other professions.
Today we are shining our spotlight on Paula Youmell, a Health Coach from Potsdam, New York who is an experienced teacher and Registered Nurse. She’s an inspiring example of how it’s never too late to switch to a fulfilling career through Integrative Nutrition!
What were you doing prior to enrolling at Integrative Nutrition?
I was teaching School Health and Physical Education to students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. My philosophy was to focus on Whole Food Nutrition, Holistic Preventative Health, and Lifetime Fitness.
What led you to explore the Health Coach Training Program?
My teaching position was let go in the New York State educational budget cuts. I was ready for a new door to open, and I’m grateful for the wonderful welcome that awaited me at IIN!
Tell us more about your background, and how the program impacted your life.
I am a Registered Nurse, School Health and Physical Education Teacher, herbalist, Reiki Master, and long time Yoga practitioner. Integrative Nutrition's program truly brought my background together in a magical way. Now I have the ability to help people improve their health and happiness. This is a huge change from what I was taught in nursing school – prescribe the drugs that fit the symptoms!
Which nutrition experts were most beneficial to you?
The whole curriculum was eye opening, encompassing the core of mind, body and soul in regards to holistic health. In particular, I appreciated Annemarie Colbin, Geneen Roth, Julia Ross, Natasha Campbell-McBride, and David Wolfe, but each week was a wonderful lesson in how others are changing the world by promoting positive strategies for health.
What are you doing now?
I have a beautiful holistic healing practice. I work with clients who need to lose weight and control the symptoms of lifestyle diseases that are starting to show in their bodies. I also work with people who want to prevent hereditary health issues. In addition, I am finishing writing a book on holistic health and healing.
Wonderful! We look forward to hearing more about your book. What makes your practice unique?
I am the only person in my rural area offering a comprehensive holistic Health Coaching program, Hands on Health!
How do you help your clients be successful?
I create educational handouts for their specific needs, and send them out every Monday. On Fridays I send inspirational emails that are meant to help them connect mind, body and soul in the healing process.
It sounds like you’ve integrated your teaching experience into a personalized approach to Health Coaching! Tell us about one of your successful clients.
I have a dear client who was totally resistant at first, but knew she had to make some changes for better health. After 6 months, she has lost 12 pounds and she’s on board with eating whole foods and paying attention to primary foods as well. She is motivated to commit to the program for another six months in order to reduce her blood pressure and lower her cholesterol, as well as continuing to lose weight!
Are there other Health Coaches in your area?
I live in a very rural area of extreme Northern New York State. I plan to continue building a thriving practice and then perhaps I will look for another Health Coach to join me!
Connect with Paula:
