My Story: how i am Helping change the course of America’s Health

By: Caitlin Boyd, NBC-HWC

Lake Tahoe

I have had a long time love for all things health. It all started as a kid, with my parents instilling health as a core value in our family. Along the way, my own health obstacles have fueled my love for holistic wellness—asthma, countless food allergies, gluten intolerance, chronic migraines, to name a few. 

As I entered college and then the workplace, I quickly discovered that the world is full of people that are FAR from thriving, and many are suffering from chronic disease. ​

Chronic disease hits close to home 

These issues hit close to home for me. I have multiple friends and family members who have either died of or are suffering from chronic disease. At the same time, I know many who have successfully kicked chronic disease in the butt. 

Most recently, my Grandma was diagnosed with diabetes. With much determination, support, and discipline, she was able to lower her A1c levels by changing her lifestyle habits. She is now free of diabetes! Just as my grandma, we all have a choice in our health.

people don’t (always) have to suffer from chronic disease!

Every day I am reminded of the poor state of America’s health and the prevalence of chronic disease. I struggle knowing that chronic disease is largely due to lifestyle behaviors, not some random genetic curse.

​I knew that it didn’t have to be this way and that some day I wanted to be a part of helping people improve their health. However, I always let it sit as just a dream.

Fuel your body with the raw materials it needs to keep you healthy!

I felt a strong tug to do something different

I spent several years in the finance world working for Chase. During my time there I learned many valuable skills, broadened my understanding of finances, and helped people discover their financial needs.

​Though I was learning and growing in so many ways, I felt a tug to do something different. It bothered me because after all, I was achieving my “goals.” I was excelling. I was on my way to greater things.

​BUT I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t living out my passion. I knew that I was called to help people achieve better health. 

I took a leap of faith to help others thrive

I took a leap of faith more times than I can count, in fact! But I took every leap because I knew it was getting me closer to my calling.

I wanted to help others thrive in their lives.  In order to thrive in all areas of life, we have to start with holistic health and wellness (and I don’t just mean that you eat kale and drink water. I mean true wellness in every area of your life—mind, body and soul.) 

I decided that it was more important for me to go after my passion than to stay in what felt like a safe and reliable career. ​

Stressful corporate career or pursue my passion?

I’d be sitting at my desk working in this stressful corporate environment and have these flashes go through my mind of the 80-year-old me. I envisioned myself sitting in a rocking chair on my porch, cup of coffee in hand, peacefully enjoying the view.

I started to wonder... when I am old and reflect on my life, will I be happy with the choices I made?

​All I knew was that when I make it to that front porch, enjoying the view, that I wanted to look back on my life knowing that I chose to go after helping others achieve better health.

I decided to choose my passion over my fears.

I enrolled in Arizona State University’s BS Health Science program for Healthy Lifestyle Coaching. From there, it’s been one of the craziest and rewarding rides of my life. 

I graduated and sat for the national board exam for health and wellness coaching. Having this credential is important to me, as it helps establish true health and wellness coaching with credibility. It’s also my way of supporting the NBHWC and the standards they have established for this profession.

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The connection that turned into a partnership

I studied for the exam with an amazing study group, immediately making connections with others passionate about advancing this area of the healthcare field. This is where I met Bree Gorman, my partner and Co-founder of VHC! 

In the midst of studying for boards, little did we know we’d be in one of the most wild times of modern history! We took our boards and then anxiously awaited 10 weeks for our results. 

Then COVID happened.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. 

Shortly after sitting for the exam, COVID-19 swept through our country.  While locked down due to the pandemic, we launched a small project to provide pro-bono coaching to those in need during the chaos of these circumstances.

The seed was planted and VHC sprouted

What's better than working on something you love with a cuddly creature next to you?

Through this project Bree and I discovered our greater visions for this industry were perfectly aligned, so we came together to strategize on what is next.

​A long phone call later, the rest became history. Since then, we’ve spent more hours via phone and Zoom than I could ever count.

​Out of shelter-in-place, COVID-19 and tons of unknown, Virtual Health Coaches, LLC was born. 

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My experience + knowledge = My reason to be a catalyst for sustainable change

I choose to be a part of the change that needs to happen. I choose every day to be a catalyst for creating sustainable change.

Every day through my work with VHC, I am helping to further establish the health and wellness coaching profession.

I want to see it incorporated into the treatment pathway for all chronic diseases. I want to see doctors and other healthcare providers working in tandem with National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches.

​Together, we can change the course of America’s health. One step at a time, one day at a time, one behavior change at a time.

Health & Wellness coaching should be available to everyone

Each day I wake up excited for what’s ahead. Now don’t get me wrong, I have hit a lot of bumps and obstacles along the way. There are times I am frustrated, not sure what’s next.

Sometimes I want to throw in the towel. But I don’t. I don’t because I have a greater reason. I want health & wellness coaching to be accessible to all people. I want to see it become so widespread that all physicians understand the valuable role we play in their patients' health. 

your story is unique and you deserve to be heard

Having whole body wellness is just as achievable for you as it is for me. We must first acknowledge that my path to better health doesn’t look like yours and vice versa.

We are all unique individuals with our own story and our own path. Our health must be approached with this in mind.

When we can discover what works for us, this is where true success lies!  While you can go solo in your journey, it can also be helpful to partner with a board-certified health coach.

I am a connector for sustainable change

I believe better health starts with a connection. VHC was built on this philosophy. Connecting health coaches and health seekers. We are your connector along your journey to change. 

My family works together to make health a priority.

May you be encouraged to go after your DREAM

This is my story. This is why I left corporate America. This is my WHY behind leaving what felt safe and reliable.

I am in pursuit of my passion to play my part in the helping change the course of America’s health.

​I hope you’re inspired. I hope you’re encouraged to go after your passion with all your heart. 

Better health starts with a connection. 

—Caitlin Boyd
VHC Co-Founder 

To learn more about Caitlin check out her VHC profile.