Alumni Stories

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thank you, FMCA, I loved everything about this path you provided for me. Here I

go, 2025!! I’m going to take the leap, even if I’m scared! (Dr. Sandi’s advice).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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. 

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.

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!

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.

I’ve found that FMCA’s approach blends all the key elements needed for real, lasting health changes. Functional Medicine takes a deep dive into root causes, uncovering the “why” behind health issues. Positive psychology shifts the focus from problems to strengths, helping clients build motivation and resilience.

If I were to explain the benefits of Functional Medicine Health Coaching, I’d start with how it transforms the way we approach health. Instead of simply managing symptoms, we dig into the root causes and empower clients to take charge of their wellbeing.

I trained as a nutritional therapist before joining FMCA, and the health coaching training I’ve completed has made me a better practitioner. It has been one of the best investments I’ve made – not just for my career, but for the people I support every day.