I am thrilled to present the Best in Class Health Leadership Award to October 2012 graduate, Michele Gelman. Michele is a student who really walks the talk. Once a client herself, she took steps to improving her own health before deciding to make a career of helping others do the same.

After a year of suffering from many physical ailments, she was introduced to the world of nutrition when she enrolled in a 6-month program, run by an Integrative Nutrition graduate. By the time those six months were up she was well on her way to healing herself, and moving on to the rest of her family. She then decided to enroll in the Health Coach Training Program herself, and now she’s helping others get healthy. She has been featured in two magazines, and through talks at corporations and schools, group programs, and individual sessions, she’s already rocking the ripple effect!

What inspired you to enroll at IIN?

I was experiencing various health issues for a year, so I signed up for a 6-month program with a Health Coach who had studied at IIN. By the time she left Chicago, I was hooked on nutrition and the amazing effects it has on health and wellbeing, so I enrolled at IIN for more!

Can you describe your experience at IIN?

IIN was exactly the right place to be, at exactly the right time. The year I enrolled my children had numerous health issues, and because I was studying at IIN I had the knowledge to find ways to treat them naturally without drugs. They are thriving now.

How do you feel about being awarded the HLA?

The HLA was a huge confirmation for me. This is my calling, and the passion and hard work that I put into my work has rewarded me.

What was your biggest accomplishment during the program?

I healed my son’s focus and mood issues and I am healing my daughter’s rheumatoid arthritis with diet and supplements. I rid myself of chronic fatigue and pain. My husband lost 15 pounds and got his energy back. I helped reverse my nanny’s diabetes. My mother lost 30 pounds and improved her brain function, and I led a wildly successful cleanse program for 40 people. The ripple effect has been huge. I was also featured in two local magazines!

Do you have advice for future health leaders?

You will heal yourself while healing others so don’t wait until all of your issues are sorted out before you start working. Your greatest challenges become your greatest gifts. Keep moving forward, no matter the pace.

Which topics and modules were most beneficial for you?

I really loved the modules that were full of information, especially those taught by Walter Willett and Mark Hyman. Dr. Hyman’s theories of functional medicine have changed the way I see everything. Howard Lyman had me laughing and crying, and eating a lot less meat!

What are you doing now? What makes you and your practice or product unique?

I am working on my next cleanse program for the New Year, and I’m aiming to get 100 people in it! I am focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet and hidden food intolerances. I am also designing follow up group projects after the cleanse and working on lining up speaking engagements.

What do you love about your work?

I love helping people become the best versions of themselves and seeing them become free from food addictions, low energy, excess weight, health complaints and anything else dragging them down. I love to see the joy in someone's face when they say, "I have lost 10 pounds and I don't crave sugar anymore," or, "My moods and energy have improved so much!" Or when a mother says, "My child used to be the fat kid that everyone teased at school and now he is slim and healthy and makes green smoothies at home."

Connect with Michele
On her website
On Facebook