Meet our Leadership in Health Coaching Award Recipients for the HCTP July 2019 Class

Congratulations to our Leadership in Health Coaching Award recipients for the HCTP July 2019 class! Integrative Nutrition believes in, supports, and celebrates all our incredible graduates for spreading the ripple effect of health and happiness in the world. The Leadership in Health Coaching Award was created to recognize the amazing accomplishments of our graduates, specifically those doing outstanding work that aligns with Integrative Nutrition’s core mission. Learn more about the winners below!

Sol Pineda

Southland, New Zealand

Instagram Handle: solpinedawellness

What were you doing prior to enrolling at Integrative Nutrition?

I changed my focus, the way I was looking at life – trusting my inner self was guiding me to a higher purpose than myself.

How did your life change after enrolling?

Clarity and confidence became stronger. I feel empowered, walking my talk, and aligned with my purpose.

Kirsten Pontius

Bucharest, Romania

Instagram Handle: kirstenpontius

What were you doing prior to enrolling at Integrative Nutrition?

I was working as a writer and editor and was/am also teaching yoga and running mandala meditation workshops.

How did your life change after enrolling?

I gained more confidence and perspective in my own health journey and helping others with theirs. I abandoned the assumption there were “right” ways to live and eat and zoned in on the basics.

Kristen Wirkkala

Burlington, Vermont

Instagram Handle: myomplace

What were you doing prior to enrolling at Integrative Nutrition?

I was working in fundraising for a nonprofit that promotes gardening programs for kids and working on my master’s degree in food systems at the University of Vermont.

How did your life change after enrolling?

As the founder of My Om Place, I help women heal body, mind, and spirit through a deeper connection with the earth and their wild feminine nature.

Renata Esteves

Austin, Texas

Instagram Handle: belezaorganica

What were you doing prior to enrolling at Integrative Nutrition?

I had a cosmetics safety blog and an organic cosmetics online store I started in 2011 in Brazil. After relocating to the United States, I worked as a digital marketing consultant until becoming a Health Coach.

How did your life change after enrolling?

As soon as I started the program, I knew I was on the path to discovering my true calling. I gained new insights and was able to integrate my previous work and knowledge in new, creative ways.

Kristin Cappel

New Lenox, Illinois

Instagram Handle: apinchofsaltlife

What were you doing prior to enrolling at Integrative Nutrition?

As a mom of three small boys and working part-time as a portfolio manager, I had battled anxiety, depression, breakouts, weight gain...you name it! I knew there had to be more!

How did your life change after enrolling?

I stopped waiting for the life I wanted to happen to me and started creating it. I healed my body, and there’s no going back!

Sonja Koenig

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Instagram Handle: risewithsonja_

What were you doing prior to enrolling at Integrative Nutrition?

Prior to enrolling, I was working in the nightlife and service industry. I had taken a few months off to travel abroad and rediscover myself as I was working through some personal tribulations.

How did your life change after enrolling?

I’ve become the best version of myself and have found my true sense of “purpose.” My health is the best it has ever been, and this program paved the path for me to overcome an eating disorder.

Mercedes Vargas

New York, New York

Instagram Handle: merci_journey_

What were you doing prior to enrolling at Integrative Nutrition?

I was working as a pastry chef at a five-star hotel, starting to consider opening my own business with a focus on teaching people to eat empowered.

How did your life change after enrolling?

I have created a daily mindfulness practice, which has been integral during COVID. My intention is to teach clients to simplify their food choices and routines virtually.

Neha Ranglani

Mumbai, India

Instagram Handle: neharanglani_