Alumni Stories

Health coaches who have studied with FMCA are changing the face of healthcare, transforming lives, and helping communities prioritize wellness. These are some of their stories.

FMCA Alumni In The Spotlight

“I really wanted to do something I was more passionate about. I love that now, as a nurse and a health coach, I can sit with patients, listen to them, and help them come to their own conclusions.”

Janie Cancila, RN, FMCA Graduate

Functional Medicine Coaching Academy graduates come from all over the world, and are bringing their functional medicine health coaching expertise and passion to their communities. We’re honored by every individual who makes us a part of their story. Below are spotlights on just a few members of our growing Alumni community.


We’re United By A Mission To Transform Healthcare

“I had not been able to find a solution to my concerns and the things that I wanted to address, and I knew that through functional medicine and coaching, I was going to be able to do that.”

Raúl Esquivel, FMCA Graduate

Watch the video below featuring interviews with four FMCA graduates, Raúl, Nicaya, Jill, and Tita sharing their transformational journies.

“Once I graduated, I felt, ‘Okay, now I’m ready to put all the pieces together and feel much more confident about helping people reach their own health goals.'”

Jill Foos, FMCA Graduate

Enrollment Is OPEN

02/18/2025

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More Stories From FMCA Alumni

Initially, I thought this class would be just a class that I learn from and implement. However, shortly after starting, I realized this program wasn’t just ‘another class‘. Although there’s not Emotional Intelligence called out as a benefit of FMCA, it should be. In addition to learning about the body, mind, and coaching, I found myself having a higher level of emotional self-control, a decrease in judgement or assuming, and an overall calmness of my personality. FMCA doesn’t just change our clients’ lives, it changes ours too!

Chisa Huffman, DNP, MBA, RN-BC

The knowledge I have garnered through the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy with IFM has been invaluable. Through learning the foundations of functional medicine, positive psychology and coaching basics I have become a better version of myself and feel equipped to help others in similar processes through coaching and in my own practice. Thank you FMCA.

Jennifer Alexander, MPT, OCS

My journey at FMCA has been truly transformational. FMCA thoroughly covers Functional Medicine, Functional Nutrition, Positive Psychology, Mind-Body Medicine, and the Art as well as the Science of Coaching through course materials delivered by experts in their fields.

I felt informed, guided, supported, and have grown. It has been a journey of self-discovery for me. I am truly grateful to everyone at FMCA who has contributed to this process—you have touched my life.

Gözde Akdeniz Skvortsov, PhD

Thank you FMCA for being an integral part of my journey in becoming a FMCHC. Thank you for providing a safe space to cultivate growth. I am grateful for the community I have joined and look forward to continuing to connect and collaborate with like-minded folks.

Misha L. Rank

Attending FMCA was a transformative experience for me. Our course facilitator was exceptional, guiding us with expertise and genuine care. I formed an incredible group of friends, all passionate and supportive, which made the journey even more enriching. The insights and guidance from our coaches and mentors were invaluable, providing me with the tools and confidence to grow as a coach. FMCA not only enhanced my knowledge and skills but also helped me build meaningful relationships and a strong foundation for my coaching career.

Lama Mdeihli

The FMCA program has truly transformed me. Through its robust platform, this rigorous curriculum thoroughly touches on fundamental principles, to more nuanced ones, with structure and thoughtfulness. The caliber of FMCA educators and facilitators is outstanding as they all provide insight, inspiration, and encouragement. I feel so confident in stepping into the role of a certified Functional Medicine Health Coach knowing that I have the foundation, skills, techniques and history of the FMCA institution in my tool chest.

Abby Johnston

You’re going to get the skills. You’re going to get the science. You’re going to get the confidence that you need to help people make real life changes.

Jill Foos, NBCHWC

After a long career in both the for profit and nonprofit sectors, I began to focus on my own health and longevity. In fact, I set forth a mission for myself – to inspire and empower people. My enrollment, graduation and my new practice as a functional medicine coach empowers me to achieve my mission – even though I am of retirement age. It is never to late for anyone to, “be the change you want to see in the world” – a quote by Mahatma Gandhi.

Joseph B. Diehl, CPA, JD

This course has allowed me to grow not only professionally, but also personally. It’s so much more than just motivational interviewing techniques. I use all the information daily: lifestyle medicine, open ended questions, strength spotting, positive psychology, This shows up in who I am, my career, my relationships, and my overall health. I am forever grateful I made the decision to take this course.

Cheryl Syta

FMCA has given me the tools to be the health coach I know I can be. The whole team is supportive and motivates you every step of the way. There is always someone you can turn to if you need any advice or guidance. You are never alone on this journey.

Donna Carey

From a self-described Functional Medicine “geek” with an extensive marketing background who loves to connect “the why”, this course is superb. I have learned so much–way beyond what I would have even thought. I’ve shared with countless people in my circle that the content in this course is truly top notch–featuring highly-credentialed subject matter experts–and the experience has been worth it’s time and money “weight” in gold. Kudos to Sandi, Elyse and the countless health “heroes” who created this program and continue to provide unwavering support for those of us who wish to do what I call my most important brand work yet–to inspire health & vitality, and happier, healthier humans, with the goal of making the world a better place.

Christine Arnholt, NBC-HWC

FMCA gave me the opportunity to know people from different countries and backgrounds and really widen my perspective on a lot of things… I’ve noticed changes in myself, becoming more mindful, hopeful, and positive about life. I truly feel that I can help others achieve the same. Thank you, FMCA, for showing me the path!

Susan Wong

I have loved my time spent this last year with my cohort. Learning and growing as coaches together made the experience that much more enjoyable. Our facilitator was excellent and guided our sessions in such a way that allowed for organic growth in our coaching practice. I am truly grateful for the experience and I would highly recommend it.

Sophia Suarez

The process with FMCA has reaffirmed that the functional medicine approach is distinctive and applicable in various fields where I, as a coach, can contribute to people’s well-being. The weekly cohorts provide valuable support, and a beautiful community is built.

Thanks to everything I learned at FMCA, I am now able to support women through the journey of perimenopause and menopause, reviewing their lifestyle and helping many of them live this stage with more ease through habit changes

Lucia Botero, FMCHC

I just got my first official health coaching job, and from a job posting on the FMCA job board. I absolutely love it! Thank you so much for encouraging me when I felt like giving up.

Arden Bolt

This is hands down the best out there! It’s been nearly a year of consistently high levels of not just educational rigor, but a rare blend of deep care and efficient professionalism. I would recommend this program to anyone, interested in coaching or not! The personal growth potential is in my opinion unmatched in a program like this. Thank you, FMCA, for the way you embrace the work you do: transforming lives and changing the face of healthcare worldwide!

Mandy Wee