Meet the Alumni: 4 Health Coaches. 4 Unique Paths.

Every health coach has a story.

Some are inspired by a personal health challenge. Others by burnout, motherhood, or the desire to help a loved one navigate a chronic condition.

What begins as a search for answers often becomes something much bigger—a career built on purpose, connection, and helping others create lasting change.

At the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, we know there's no single path to becoming a health coach. Some graduates launch private practices. Others specialize in women's wellness, corporate wellbeing, or chronic disease support. Many combine health coaching with careers they've already built, creating work that reflects their passions, experiences, and unique strengths.

If you've ever wondered what a career in health coaching could look like for you, we'd love to introduce you to four IIN alumni who are bringing this work to life in very different—and equally inspiring—ways.

On Wednesday, July 15, from 1:00–2:00 PM EDT, they’ll be joining us for a first of its kind virtual event: Imagine Your Future: IIN Health Coaching Career Fair. You'll hear their stories during a live panel discussion before joining smaller breakout rooms where you can ask questions, explore different career paths, and connect directly with the coaches whose work resonates most with you.

Whether you're considering enrolling at IIN, are currently a student, or are an alum looking to reconnect with the community, this interactive experience offers a firsthand look at what's possible after health coach training. 

Bernadette Burger

Founder of The Healthy Wealth & Strategic Integrative Health Coach | Graduated 2024

"IIN isn't just a course; it's a foundation. It's more than a certification—it's a recalibration of how you see health, life, and your ability to help others."

Bernadette Burger has always been passionate about food, movement, and the science behind feeling well. But for years, she didn't see herself reflected in the wellness industry.

"I loved food, movement, and the science behind feeling good," she says. "Too many extremes, not enough honesty."

Through IIN's Health Coach Training Program, Bernadette discovered a more grounded, authentic approach to wellness—one that gave her the confidence to embrace health coaching on her own terms.

Today, as the founder of The Healthy Wealth, she helps high-achieving professionals elevate their health, energy, and purpose so they can create abundance in every area of life.

"My favorite part of being a health coach is that I get to live in alignment with what I value. Every day feels purposeful—not in a big, dramatic way. It's meaningful conversations that help people reconnect with themselves."

If you've ever dreamed of building your own coaching practice, creating a wellness business, or turning your passion into a purpose-driven career, Bernadette's breakout session is one you won't want to miss.

Sally Simmons 

Mom Health Coach & Founder of Wave Maker Wellness | Graduated 2026

"Real change happens when support meets someone where they are."

For Sally Simmons, health coaching wasn't simply a career change—it was part of her own healing journey.

After spending more than a decade leading digital marketing and communications for national healthcare and lifestyle brands, Sally found herself navigating postpartum depression while on maternity leave with her second child. Looking for support that addressed her whole well-being rather than offering another quick fix, she enrolled in IIN's Health Coach Training Program.

The experience transformed both her personal life and professional direction.

Today, as the founder of Wave Maker Wellness, Sally helps moms create simple, sustainable rhythms that support their health in the midst of real life. Drawing on her background in strategy, storytelling, and systems thinking, she empowers women to build lasting habits without striving for perfection.

"The wellness world tends to speak to women before kids or after the chaos settles," Sally explains. "There's very little designed for the messy middle of motherhood."

Through her coaching, she's changing that—helping women feel calm, nourished, and confident through realistic, whole-person wellness.

If you're interested in supporting women and families, finding your niche, or learning how health coaching can complement an existing career, you'll love connecting with Sally during the Career Fair.

Alejandro Arango

Integrative Health Coach & Diabetes Educator | Graduated 2023

"Becoming a health coach changed not only my career, but also the way I live and connect with others."

For Alejandro Arango, health coaching began with family.

Living with Type 1 Diabetes himself and raising a daughter with the same diagnosis gave him a firsthand understanding of the daily realities, emotional challenges, and resilience that come with managing a chronic condition.

Wanting to help others navigate that same journey with confidence, Alejandro enrolled in IIN's Health Coach Training Program after being inspired by the work of fellow IIN graduate Lauren Bongiorno.

Today, he empowers individuals and families living with diabetes to build healthier, more vibrant lives through education, encouragement, and personalized coaching.

"One of the biggest myths I'd love to debunk is that people with diabetes can't live a full, vibrant life," Alejandro says. "With the right tools and mindset, we can thrive and achieve anything."

His mission is to become a positive voice within the diabetes community, helping people move beyond their diagnosis and recognize what's possible.

If you're passionate about working alongside healthcare professionals, supporting individuals with chronic conditions, or creating a coaching practice rooted in personal experience, be sure to visit Alejandro's breakout room.

Anting Liu

Corporate Wellbeing Coach | Graduated 2022

"Sometimes clarity doesn't come before the decision—it comes because of it."

On paper, Anting Liu had everything she thought she wanted.

She was building a successful corporate career, leading training for multinational organizations, and checking all the boxes that were supposed to bring fulfillment.

Behind the scenes, however, she was navigating burnout, anxiety, and a growing sense of disconnection.

That difficult season became the catalyst for a completely new path.

When Anting discovered IIN, she found a holistic approach to health that connected nutrition, mindset, emotional wellbeing, career, and purpose in a way that finally made sense.

Today, she coaches high-achieving professionals and partners with organizations across the U.S. and Asia to create healthier, more balanced workplace cultures. Combining integrative health principles with high-performance coaching, she helps individuals move beyond burnout and build sustainable habits that support long-term wellbeing.

One concept that profoundly changed her perspective was IIN's philosophy of bio-individuality.

"Bio-individuality gave me something I didn't know I was missing—permission to stop measuring myself against a standard that was never mine to begin with."

If you're curious about bringing health coaching into the corporate world, supporting workplace wellness, or making your own career pivot, Anting's session will offer valuable insights and inspiration.

Your Path Doesn't Have to Look Like Anyone Else's 

No two health coaching journeys are the same.

Bernadette transformed her passion into a thriving wellness business.

Sally discovered a calling to support mothers through one of life's most transformative seasons.

Alejandro turned his family's experience with Type 1 Diabetes into a mission to empower others.

Anting rebuilt her life after burnout and now helps professionals create healthier, more fulfilling careers.

Four unique stories. Four distinct career paths. One shared belief: health coaching has the power to change lives—including your own.

If you're curious about where a health coaching education could take you, we invite you to join us for this one-of-a-kind interactive experience.

Ready to go deeper? IIN’s Health Coach Training Program is available in both English and Spanish, with flexible online coursework designed to fit around your life. Download IIN’s free curriculum guide or book a free consultation with an admissions advisor.

Join 180,000+ IIN graduates in 187+ countries who are redefining what health and wellness look like—on their own terms.

Imagine Your Future: A Health Coaching Career Fair
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
1:00 PM EDT
Hear real stories. Ask your questions. Connect directly with IIN graduates. Explore the many ways a career in health coaching can take shape. Sign up for free!