A NOURISHING SPACE: GROWING CLIENT-CENTRIC HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

In 2021, "A Nourishing Space" (ANS) was launched to provide health and wellness-related majors with health coaching and entrepreneurial experience. In a collaboration among Nutrition and Food Sciences, Health Studies, the Health and Wellbeing Initiative, and JNIWL, student coaches learn to provide client-centered care and build business skills. The ‘23- ’24 cohort was trained in multiple components: nutrition assessment, motivational interviewing, behavioral psychology, and private practice competencies. By using a theory-based coaching curriculum, the coaches supported client self-efficacy, motivation, and accountability in consultations. ANS expanded from 23 consultations in ‘21-’22 to over 60 consultations during the ‘23-’24 academic year, with 70% retention of clients in the fall ‘23 semester. ANS is an innovative pilot program promoting student wellbeing, while providing the ANS coaches with training in health coaching. Through this experiential learning opportunity, student coaches will be able to successfully apply their newly developed skills and entrepreneurial knowledge in future careers. (Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Michelle Kelly) Supported by TWU Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership.