As the world continues to battle rising obesity and diabetes rates, it seems that health coaches are more important than ever. We recently spoke with IIN grad, Kris Barrett who told us about her experience at IIN and the need for health coaches in her native country of Australia. Check out what Kris has to say here:

What were you doing before Integrative Nutrition?

Running my own business importing and supplying specialty foods for people with multiple allergies.

What led you to explore Integrative Nutrition's program?

Every day I'd have new customers on the phone asking me all sorts of questions about what to feed their child, and how to get them to try new foods. I really wanted to be able to offer more advice but felt I wasn't "qualified" enough to do it, even though I had been doing a special diet with my son for 7 years after his autism diagnosis and knew the power of food in healing. When I finally learned about Integrative Nutrition, I was so excited, as this was exactly what I was looking for!

What happened since you enrolled in Integrative Nutrition's program?

I have a speaking engagement at a large Autism conference in Sydney in August! Having both the practical experience as a mum and now the IIN program behind me gives me the credibility and knowledge to be able to start speaking to other families and getting them on their path of healing.

What did you learn at Integrative Nutrition?

I learned that you are what you eat, that everyone is different and what works for some may not work for others. I learned that food is only one part of the whole puzzle - you need to be nourishing yourself not only with good food but also with good relationships and career and family and fun!

What do you love about the school?

Everything! I love all the different theories and programs we are taught. I love the flexibility of learning around my family and business. But I especially love all the like-minded and fantastic people I've met, most of them on the other side of the world! It's so stimulating to be amongst such passionate and creative people who are all on the same page.

Is there a need for Health Coaches where you live?

There is a huge need. I'm in Australia and there are only a few of us on my current course. We are facing the same problems as in the US - obesity and diabetes epidemics, massive increases in autism and ADD diagnoses and autoimmune diseases.

What do you love about your work?

I love being able to offer hope and encouragement to families who are feeling overwhelmed and out of options.

Tell us about your practice.

I'm just starting out on this new journey but starting September 2011, I will be offering both individual counseling and group workshops. My experience and passion is with families of kids with autism, so that is where I'll be focusing my attention.