Meet Our Educators

World-Class Educators • Excellence in Education

Learn from the leading experts in Functional Medicine, Functional Nutrition and the Psychology of Eating, Positive Psychology, Mind-Body Medicine, the Art and Science of Coaching, and the Business of Coaching.

FMCA Health Coach Certification Educators

FMCA students receive instruction from leaders across functional medicine, health coaching, nutrition, and business.

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Deanna Minich

PhD, FACN, CNS, RYT
Functional Nutrition FM: Biotransformation & Elimination The Art and Science of Coaching

Mark Hyman

MD
Functional Nutrition Psychology of Eating

Monique Class

MS, APRN-BC
Functional Nutrition Mind-Body Medicine The Art and Science of Coaching

Sandra Scheinbaum

Ph.D., IFMCP
Psychology of Eating Positive Psychology The Art and Science of Coaching

Jeffrey Bland

PhD, FACN, CNS
FM: Defense & Repair The Art and Science of Coaching
Andre Norman

Andre Norman

FMCA Career Navigator

Terry Wahls

MD
FM: Energy

Margarita Tarragona

PhD
Positive Psychology Mind-Body Medicine The Art and Science of Coaching
Cheng Ruan,

Cheng Ruan

MD
FMCA Career Navigator

Robert Luby

MD
The Art and Science of FM Coaching
James Gordon, MD

James Gordon

MD
Mind-Body Medicine The Art and Science of Coaching
BJ Fogg

BJ Fogg

PhD
The Art and Science of Coaching
David Haase

David Haase

MD
FM: Energy

Joel M. Evans

MD
FM: Assimilation FM: Communication The Art and Science of Coaching
Lesli Bitel

Lesli Bitel

MBA, RDN, LDN
FMCA Career Navigator

Beth Frates

MD
The Art and Science of Coaching FM: Structural Integrity FM: Defense and Repair (CIA)
Kara Fitzgerald, ND

Kara Fitzgerald

ND
FM: Defense & Repair Functional Nutrition The Art and Science of Coaching
Michael Arloski

Michael Arloski

Ph.D., PCC, NBC-HWC
The Art and Science of Coaching

Krisstina Wise

FMCA Career Navigator
Kristi Hughes

Kristi Hughes

ND
Functional Nutrition FM: Biotransformation & Elimination The Art and Science of Coaching
Lisa Fraley

Lisa Fraley

JD
Legal Considerations
Robert Rountree

Robert Rountree

MD
FM: Defense & Repair
Sachin Patel

Sachin Patel

MD
FMCA Career Navigator
Joan Borysenko

Joan Borysenko

PhD
Liz Lipski

Liz Lipski

PhD, CNS, BCHN, IFMCP, LDN
Functional Nutrition

Shilpa Saxena

MD
FM: Communication FM: Structural Integrity The Art and Science of Coaching

Lyra Heller

MA
The Art and Science of Coaching
Megan Jordan

Meg Jordan

PhD, RN, CWP
The Art and Science of Coaching Mind-Body Medicine
Pedram Shojai

Pedram Shojai

MD
FMCA Career Navigator
Laura Taylor

Laura Taylor

MAPP

Dan Lukaczer

ND
Functional Nutrition FM: Defense & Repair FM: Assimilation
Patrick Hanaway

Patrick Hanaway

MD
FM: Defense & Repair Mind-Body Medicine
Ryan Niemiec

Ryan Niemiec

Psy.D.
Positive Psychology

FMCA Health Coach Certification

Are you ready to learn from leaders in the world of functional medicine health coaching?

Enrollment is Closed

05/01/2024

closed

Get the gold standard in health coaching education & industry information. FMCA offers education and training informed by data-driven, science-based research, and published studies.

Participate in industry-leading conversations from the pioneers of Functional Medicine health coaching

Who is FMCA?

In addition to world-class educators, FMCA has a passionate team committed to providing you with industry leading support wherever you may be on your functional medicine health coaching journey.

Sandra Scheinbaum, Ph.D., IFMCP

Sandra Scheinbaum

FMCA Founder and CEO
Ph.D., IFMCP

Dr. Scheinbaum, a lifelong learner and innovator in education, has been making significant contributions to holistic health and wellness since the start of her career in 1972. Initially focusing on students with learning disabilities, her journey led her to earn a PhD in clinical psychology from Fielding Graduate University. She went on to practice as a health psychologist for close to 40 years. Specializing in the integration of positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mind-body medicine, she continuously expanded her expertise.

Dr. Scheinbaum’s innovative spirit led her to pioneer the use of neurofeedback and conduct one of the first randomized controlled trials of this approach in her role as founder of a clinic for attention deficit disorders.

In 2013, she earned recognition as the first psychologist to attain the title of Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. She taught courses in the psychology of eating, the psychology of wellbeing & mind-body medicine in the Masters Program in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine at the University of Western States, and taught in the teacher training program at National Lewis University.

As the founder of Feed Your Mind Wellness, LLC, she ran individual, group, and corporate wellness programs. In addition to her PhD, Dr. Scheinbaum holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Northwestern University, pursued additional education in holistic nutrition, and became a registered yoga instructor. Her passion for holistic approaches to health is evident in her recreational pursuits as well, as she enjoys activities like yoga, Pilates, ballet, and cooking.

Dr. Scheinbaum is the author of Functional Medicine Coaching: How to Be Part of the Movement That’s Transforming Healthcare, as well as two books on using the Functional Medicine approach to stopping panic attacks, Stop Panic Attacks in 10 Easy Steps and How to Give Clients the Skills to Stop Panic Attacks. The founding of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA) in 2014 marked a pivotal moment in Dr. Scheinbaum’s career. Driven by personal experiences with the limitations of conventional healthcare, rather than retire at age 65, she set out to create the preeminent training program for health coaches, as she believes that health coaching is the key to combatting chronic disease.

Today, she leads FMCA as a reflection of her commitment to growing the health coaching profession, and bringing innovative approaches to training students in this rapidly-growing field, underscoring a career that comes full circle back to her roots as an educator and a lifelong learner.

“I believe that Functional Medicine coaches are uniquely suited to help people take charge of their health. My mission is to transform healthcare, and through the power of coaches working alongside doctors, we can create a culture of wellness. With my passion for sharing my knowledge and experience, I’m honored to serve as your teacher and mentor.”

Carly Valvassori

Carly Valvassori

Chief Operating Officer

Carly Valvassori is the Chief Operating Officer at FMCA and has been with the team since 2016.  Carly spent the early part of her career working with children in residential treatment experiencing profound crisis and trauma.  Through this experience, Carly gained a deep understanding of the importance of mental health and the critical role that health coaches play in the future of healthcare.  Carly loves attending live music events, spending time with her family, and hula hooping.  She is thrilled to be a part of the FMCA team and witness the incredible work of our students and alumni over the years.   Carly is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Haywood Wright

Haywood Wright

Director of Operations

Haywood Wright serves as the Director of Operations at FMCA, where she leads the Operations and Student Services Department, overseeing the delivery and execution of FMCA’s certification program and student support services. In this role, she spearheads initiatives to enhance processes and efficiencies, contributing to optimizing FMCA’s organizational goals.

Bringing a wealth of operational expertise to FMCA, Haywood’s background is rooted in the restaurant industry. She successfully owned and operated a restaurant before spending several years in restaurant consulting, collaborating with small to mid-sized brands to streamline and expand their operations.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Yale University. 

Scott Hawksworth

Scott Hawksworth

Marketing and Sales Director

Scott Hawksworth has been with FMCA since July of 2023, and is responsible for telling the FMCA story, and helping grow the reach of health coaches around the world. He built his first website in 6th grade, and hasn’t looked back since. Now a 15 year marketing veteran, Scott has a passion for optimizing customer experiences and leveraging content and digital platforms to grow audiences. Scott holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration – Marketing from The Ohio State University.

When not working, Scott enjoys playing guitar, spending time with his family (including the 3 cats), and cheering for the Buckeyes.

Patty Sherman Campbell

Director of Alumni Development & Strategic Partnerships
MS, OTR/L NBHWC

Patty Sherman Campbell, MS, OTR/L NBHWC, is a multifaceted healthcare and wellness pioneer with over two decades of experience translating her passion for innovation into impactful programs and strategic partnerships. From early work in occupational therapy to her current role as Director of Alumni Development & Strategic Partnerships at the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA), Patty’s passion for improving health outcomes translates into tangible results.  At FMCA, Patty plays a pivotal role by fostering dynamic partnerships and developing successful programs that support FMCA graduates and contribute to advancing the health and wellness industry.  Notably, she has spearheaded successful program development initiatives that empower FMCA graduates with the skills and resources they need to excel in their field, developed a groundbreaking model that integrates FMCA health coaches into various settings and established collaborative partnerships, expanding graduate placement opportunities in medical care, corporate wellness, and vulnerable populations. A respected leader, speaker, and published author, Patty’s collaborative spirit and commitment to evidence-based solutions pave the way for a future where personalized healthcare thrives.

Kristi Criswell

Director of Student Services
MAOL, NBC-HWC, FMCHC

Kristi has worked for FMCA since 2018 after graduating from the program and then becoming board-certified by NBHWC, first as a Course Facilitator and now as Director of Student Services. She worked as a Health Coach for a Functional Medicine practitioner for six years after earning her Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership. Prior to being a health coach, Kristi worked in the nonprofit industry. She continues to satisfy her love of this work by serving as a volunteer board member for a community social services organization. Kristi lives in Vancouver, WA, and enjoys spending her time camping, reading, and crafting. She is married, has three young adult children, and one very spoiled dog.

Kari Zimmerman

Kari Zimmerman

Executive Director of Student Experience
MA, FMCHC

Kari is a graduate of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy’s (FMCA) beta class and has worked with FMCA since July 2016. She is currently FMCA’s Executive Director of Student Experience, supporting the curriculum team and students that are continuing education candidates and students working on meeting professional standards for the UK & International Health Coaching Association (UKIHCA). Prior to that, Kari earned her Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and worked as a county case manager for the Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Waiver and Family Support Program in Dane County, Wisconsin. She has a special interest in rehabilitation and healing from the impacts of childhood trauma. Her work history includes supporting individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, addictions, and other differing abilities due to congenital and acquired disabilities. Her personal experience with trauma and addiction help her empathize with unique challenges that individuals may face and support their growth despite inevitable barriers.

DEI Commitment Statement

Diversity is a core value of FMCA. We believe the power of diversity enriches all of us by exposing us to a range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all students, staff, and faculty.

FMCA is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff and student body

FMCA will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. We believe diversity benefits and enriches the development of all of our students, staff, and faculty.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is not just a phrase; each word speaks to distinct values. In having conversations with candidates, it is helpful to purposefully provide definitions for diversity, equity, and inclusion allowing for a thoughtful conversation.

Diversity

The representation of different and unique identities, characteristics, experiences, and perspectives.

Equity

Giving everyone what they need to succeed by increasing access, resources, and opportunities for all; especially for those who are underrepresented and have been historically disadvantaged.

Inclusion

A welcoming culture in which differences are celebrated and everyone is valued, respected, and able to reach their full potential.