HI, I'M DEBRA.
CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH + PERSONAL TRAINER

I help people lose weight, manage a new health condition, increase energy, or create new healthy habits.

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I became a Health Coach because I am passionate about helping people live healthier lives and supporting them through the process. I believe that everyone can and should have more good life in their days and more good days in their life. I believe that being healthy shouldn’t have to be hard; that there is more to a healthy lifestyle than fad diets and unsustainable exercise regimens; that most people know what they need to do to be healthy but lack the resources they need to actually make and sustain those changes.

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Prior to becoming a health coach, I earned a B.A. from Duke University and an M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University. I have worked in both healthcare and the corporate world. I am a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where I studied more than 100 dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques, and innovative life coaching methods with some of the world’s top health and wellness experts. I am board certified by the  National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBC-HWC)  I also have a certification in personal training from The American College on Exercise, where I studied the latest evidence-based exercise science fundamentals, principles of behavior change, and client-centered methodologies to design and apply unique exercise programs based on individual abilities, needs, and goals.

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Originally from the East Coast, I have been living in Chicago since graduate school. Now 51 years old, I have been married to my husband for 22 years. We have 2 college-age children and an energetic 9-year-old Australian Shepherd. I enjoy walking, hiking, biking, yoga, and strength training. Our love for hiking and travel has taken us to beautiful locations such as Slovenia, the small island of Dominica, and the North Cascades National Park in Washington State. I thrive on a whole-food plant-based diet, and love trying new recipes that highlight the beauty, versatility, and depth of flavor of diverse vegetables, whole grains, legumes, herbs, and spices.

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I have an integrative approach to coaching that recognizes that wellness is more than physical health but is also influenced by emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and environmental factors. Employing a personalized strategy that is direct, supportive, and goal-oriented, your unique conditions, needs, and circumstances are at the center of our work together.

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I empower you to achieve your self-determined health and wellness goals. I support you as an ally, with compassion, and without criticism; and offer accountability by helping you develop actionable health goals and a process for achieving them.

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No judgment, no shame, no lectures. Just support, accountability, collaboration, education, and resources for guiding you toward a healthier, more balanced life.

 

I’m excited to start listening, learn about you, and help you achieve your health and wellness goals.