Where Professional Excellence Meets Health Coaching
The American Association of Natural Wellness Coaches (AANWC) is your gateway to international Health Coaching board certification and accreditation—credentials that build credibility and elevate your professional impact. Backed by an advisory board with over 240 years of combined natural wellness experience, we’re not just setting standards—we’re redefining what it means to be a trusted, board certified coach in the global natural health coaching community. Whether you’re an experienced coach seeking professional validation or an educational institution committed to excellence, AANWC provides the recognition, resources, and support you need to thrive in today’s evolving wellness landscape.
OUR SERVICES
Board Certification
In a world where credentials matter, AANWC and ANWCB board certification sets you apart. Whether you’re an experienced coach or pursuing advanced specialization, our certification options are designed to validate your expertise, enhance your professional standing, and open new opportunities.
Accreditation
For schools, training programs, and educational institutions committed to excellence, AANWC and ANWCB accreditation is the gold standard. Our accreditation process ensures that your curriculum meets internationally recognized benchmarks—giving your graduates a competitive edge and your institution unmatched credibility.
Member Benefits
Advisory Board
Stacy Kimmel ND, PhD, LEHP
Dr. Stacy Kimmel is a highly respected leader in the field of natural medicine, with over 30 years of experience in holistic health, functional nutrition, and integrative healing. As the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of the American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioners (AANWP) and the American Association of Natural Wellness Coaches (AANWC), and the Treasurer of Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association (GEHA), Dr. Stacy has been instrumental in setting high standards for practitioner education and certification.
Holding a Ph.D. in Natural Medicine, he is a board-certified Natural Medicine Practitioner (CNMP) through Texas Chiropractic College and a licensed GEHA Ecclesiastical Holistic Practitioner (LEHP). He and his wife, Nicole, own and operate Thriveology, a holistic health center in Sarasota, FL, where they help clients achieve lasting wellness through functional nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine, rehabilitative fitness, and holistic healing strategies.
Dr. Stacy is also a scientific advisor for leading nutritional supplement brands, contributing to the development of high-quality, evidence-based formulations. A sought-after speaker and educator, he has lectured at major health conferences, including the Missouri State Chiropractic Association (MSCA) license renewal program and the NAVEL Expo in Long Island, NY. He has extensive training in sports nutrition, kinesiology, and facial diagnosis, with a passion for uncovering the root causes of chronic health challenges.
When he’s not teaching or working with clients, Dr. Stacy enjoys spending time at the beach, staying active, cooking, and sharing life’s adventures with Nicole.
Nicole Kimmel PhD
Nicole Kimmel is a visionary leader in natural wellness business development, celebrated for her innovative contributions that empower natural health practitioners, advance health coaching, and redefine board certification for practitioners and coaches through accessible wellness resources. Holding a PhD in Lifestyle Health Coaching, she has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and organizations to thrive through optimal health and strategic excellence.
As the Co-Owner and Founder of several pioneering ventures—including the American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioners (AANWP) & Coaches (AANWC) – Nicole has played a vital role in establishing international board certification and accreditation standards that elevate the credibility and impact of wellness professionals and schools. Her entrepreneurial acumen further shines through her work with Thriveology, a holistic wellness clinic she co-founded with her husband, Stacy, a seasoned naturopath, where they have delivered comprehensive, natural health solutions to their community for over a decade.
Nicole’s leadership extends into the non-profit arena as the President and developer of the Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association (GEHA), forging strategic partnerships that enable wellness professionals to practice legally and safely. Further showcasing her dedication to innovation, Nicole created PracTactics—a robust Wellness Business Ecosystem that empowers practitioners to scale their practices.
Nicole has one daughter, Brooke, who is an attorney and operates a real estate business with her husband, Zain. She is Lolli to her 2 grandbabies, Avery and Alaina. When Nicole isn’t working (which is seldom), she enjoys time with Stacy; feeling the sun on her body (at the beach), reading and walking.
David Avocado Wolfe
David ‘Avocado’ Wolfe is a world-renowned leader in the fields of superfoods, herbalism, longevity, peak performance, and self-empowerment. He has spent over 30 years traveling the world, discovering the most potent foods, elixirs, and lifestyle practices to help you thrive at your highest potential.
From the Amazon jungles to the volcanic peaks of Hawaii, from the icy waters of Iceland to the ancient secrets of Egyptian alchemy—David has dedicated his life to uncovering the keys to vibrant health, limitless energy, and natural beauty. David is the author of many best-selling books, including: Eating for Beauty, Naked Chocolate, Amazing Grace, The Sunfood Diet Success System, Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future, Chaga: King of the Medicinal Mushrooms, Longevity NOW, and The Beauty Diet. He has appeared in dozens of groundbreaking documentaries and films, including: Food Matters, Hungry for Change, Remedy, Discover the Gift.
His influence has touched the world’s top CEOs, celebrities, athletes, artists, and everyday superheroes—like YOU. His nutrition work with Novak Djokovic helped return him to #1 in men’s tennis, and his friendship with Woody Harrelson has spanned over 30 years.
David is a fierce advocate for medical freedom and personal sovereignty, championing the decentralization of government, corporations, medicine, and currency. He believes in your right to control your own body, mind, and destiny—free from toxic influence. He has empowered millions worldwide with life-changing insights on detoxification, herbalism, natural healing, and regenerative living. He is the co-developer of the NutriBullet™, one of the world’s leading kitchen appliances, and his innovations in superfoods, superherbs, and organic products have transformed health food stores and grocery markets worldwide. He is also a gourmet chocolatier, growing and producing the most exquisite, high-vibrational raw chocolate on the planet. His passion for cacao is legendary—because real chocolate isn’t just a treat, it’s a sacred medicine.
David is the lead educator at Wolfe University, where students can dive deep into the most advanced, cutting-edge knowledge on natural health, superfoods, longevity, and self-mastery. The David Wolfe Inner Circle is where he shares his latest discoveries, exclusive Q&A sessions, and next-level health strategies with a thriving worldwide community.
Dr. Edward Group D.C., NP
Dr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing. His mission revolves around identifying and addressing the underlying causes of disease, emphasizing holistic approaches to wellness. Below are some key aspects of Dr. Group’s mission and work:
Natural Health Expertise: Dr. Group is a well-respected natural health expert with extensive knowledge in alternative healing methods. He has spent years studying and researching various natural approaches to health and wellness.
Root Cause Identification: Central to Dr. Group’s mission is the concept of identifying and eliminating the root causes of diseases. Instead of merely treating symptoms, he advocates for addressing the underlying issues that contribute to health problems.
Founder of Global Healing: Dr. Group is the founder and CEO of Global Healing, an organization dedicated to providing high-quality natural health products and supplements. Global Healing is known for its commitment to purity, sustainability, and effectiveness in promoting wellness.
Global Healing Institute: Dr. Group has also established the Global Healing Institute, which focuses on natural health education. This institution plays a vital role in spreading knowledge about alternative health practices and empowering individuals to take control of their well-being.
Media Appearances: Dr. Group is a sought-after guest on radio and television programs, where he shares his expertise and promotes natural healing methods. Through these media appearances, he reaches a broader audience and spreads his message of hope, healing, and positivity.
Advocacy for Natural Healing: Dr. Group is a passionate advocate for natural healing and holistic health approaches. He encourages individuals to explore natural alternatives to conventional medicine and make informed choices about their health.
In summary, Dr. Edward Group, DC, is a dedicated advocate and educator in the field of natural health and healing. His mission involves promoting wellness by addressing the root causes of disease, offering high-quality natural health products, and educating the public about the benefits of natural healing methods. Through his work, he aims to inspire hope and empower individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.
Tracy Wood CPC, Eli-MP, HHA CFGP
In recent years, DNA testing has witnessed a surge in popularity, and The DNA Company stands at the forefront of this technological advancement. They specialize in translating these insights into actionable instructions that empower individuals to proactively address health concerns, slow down the aging process, and maximize their performance potential.
Reed Davis CNT, HHP, FDNP
Reed Davis, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) and Certified Nutritional Therapist (CNT), is an expert in functional lab testing and holistic lifestyle medicine. He is the Founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® (FDN) and the FDN Certification Course with over 3000 graduates in 50 countries. Reed served as the Health Director at a Wellness Center in Southern California for over 10 years and with over 10,000 clients is known as one of the most experienced clinicians in the world. He lives in the US and when not teaching the FDN Certification Course and helping his graduates build their private practices, he is usually found gardening or riding motorcycles.
Keesha Ewers PhD, ARNP, FNCP
Dr. Keesha Ewers is board certified in functional medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, a Doctor of Sexology, a trauma informed psychotherapist, family practice advanced registered nurse practitioner with a specialty in integrative medicine, a MAPS certified MDMA assisted psychotherapy therapist, a conscious dying doula, and the founder and medical director of the Academy for Integrative Medicine Health Coach Certification Program.
Keesha has been in the medical field for over 30 years. After conducting the HURT Study in 2013 (Healing Un-Resolved Trauma), she developed the HURT Model for understanding how past childhood trauma impacts adult health. This led to the creation of the Freedom Framework that she used to reverse her own autoimmune disease and now has used to help hundreds of her patients do the same. She created the Healing Trauma Through the Chakra System online program and the You Unbroken online program for patients to heal their own trauma and the Mystic Medicine deep immersion healing retreats she leads at her home outside of Seattle, WA.
Dr. Ewers is a popular speaker, including at Harvard and from the TEDx stage, and the best-selling author of Solving the Autoimmune Puzzle: The Woman’s Guide to Reclaiming Emotional Freedom and Vibrant Health, The Quick and Easy Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook: Anti-Inflammatory Recipes with 7 Ingredients or Less for Busy People, and Your Libido Story: A workbook for women who want to find, fix, and free their sexual desire. You can listen to her Mother-daughter duo podcast, Liberating Generations-How to Break Free From Intergenerational Trauma; and find her books and programs at www.DrKeesha.com.
Mark Atkinson MBBS, BSC
Dr. Mark Atkinson, MBBS is an integrative medicine doctor, human potential teacher, breathwork instructor and internationally recognized authority on optimal health and self-actualization. He is the co-founder of The School of Biohacking and Optimal Mind International. His books include The Mind-Body Bible, Holistic Health Secrets for Women and True Happiness – Your Complete Guide to Emotional Health.
Jana Danielson MBA
Jana Danielson is an award-winning wellness entrepreneur who through her own experience with physical pain turned her mess into her message which has now become her mission. She is a Pilates Master Instructor, Certified Pilates Instructor, and an Amazon International Best Selling Author. Jana is the Founder & CEO of Bloom Better where she empowers women to find their authentic selves by starting the conversation around pelvic health, simplifying the framework for movement as medicine with Terrain Fitness, and clarifying why whole-body nourishment is often a missing piece to the women’s health puzzle.
Jana is also the Founder of Lead Pilates and Lead Integrated Health Therapies and the Cooch Ball, the world’s first pelvic floor fitness tool for women. Jana is a member of the Holistic Leadership Council and the recipient of the 2023 Mindshare Leadership Summit Future of Health Award. Jana has coached and consulted with hundreds of thousands of women from all over the world to help improve their quality of life, their confidence, and their impact in this world.
Bethany Perry CAN, IAHC, ERYT
As a gifted and intuitive Transformation Coach and Motivational Speaker, Bethany has more than 30 years of experience in various healing modalities. Her signature 4 Pillars of Whole Life Healing method incorporates Neuroscience, Emotional Health, Nutrition, and Yoga to inspire clients to safely explore and overcome weight concerns, PTSD, ADD, addiction, and various emotional and physical traumas. Combining these pillars with the practice of meditation, Bethany’s compassionate approach gently and lovingly promotes healing, especially for clients who may not have had success with other methods.
An emerging thought leader in neuroscience, Bethany focuses on balancing the four powerful, fundamental, and often overlooked aspects of health. This creates a judgment-free space for people to explore freedom from their past life experiences. Drawing on personal knowledge, she compassionately supports people while developing personalized roadmaps that suit each person’s body, history, lifestyle, and goals.
She is a proud certified Neuroscience Life & Health Coach; Certified Daniel Amen Affiliated Education Center; Certified Brainspotting Practitioner; Certified in Transformational Coaching based on NLP methodology; Certified Yoga Instructor; works with TBI clients; studies with Father Joe Pereira from Goa, India to teach yoga for Addiction and PTSD.
Bethany is the owner and founder of Whole Life Healing Collective; Whole Life Healing Coaching, and Whole Life Healing Centers, a nonprofit that provides comprehensive healing modalities for individuals and families impacted by emotional and physical trauma through sustainable Whole Life Healing Principles. She is a frequent public speaker who appears at corporate functions, retreats, workshops, television, podcasts, and radio. Bethany is also the creator of the AANWC Prep Course for the Life Coaching Certification Exam.
In Bethany’s free time, you can find her enjoying 2 furs-babies, 4 children, 4 grandchildren, gardening and kayaking.
Oscar Coetzee PhD, MS, DCN
Dr. Oscar Coetzee was born and raised in South Africa, where he completed his military schooling and bachelor’s degree with majors in criminology and psychology. A formidable force on the golf course, he reached national amateur colors as one of the highest-ranked amateur golfers in South Africa.
Dr. Coetzee began his professional career at Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, N.J., where he served as a drug counselor, suicide intervention advisor, and co-dependency specialist for two years. In 2006, Dr. Coetzee joined forces with Dr. James Proodian at Natural Healthcare Center in Long Branch, N.J., where he currently serves as the Nutrition Department’s Clinical Director. His specialties are metabolic syndrome, intestinal permeability, weight loss resistance, type 2 diabetes, sports performance enhancement and irritable bowel syndrome.
Dr. Coetzee developed his own Golf Performance Enhancement Division (The Golfologist, LLC), which includes nutritional, psychological and genetic assessment to optimize golf performance. He currently works with top-level Club Professional Golfers, Mini-Tour Professionals, LPGA members, International Asian and European Tour Players and some of the leading junior and amateur players in the country.
Dr. Coetzee joined the faculty at Maryland University of Integrative Health as an associate professor where he received the Great Esteem Award for his dedication and devotion to student performance and their academic evolvement.
Dr. Coetzee is currently a faculty member at the University of Bridgeport and the Associate Director of the Nutrition Tract in the Doctor of Health Science Degree. This degree is at the cutting edge of nutritional evidence-based science and the development of nutritional intervention protocols for various chronic diseases. Dr. Coetzee’s drive and motivation as the head of this program is to evolve the critical thinking of the nutrition specialist and truly bring nutrition intervention through science into the medical literature. Courses he currently teaches include Clinical Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, Pathophysiology, Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry and Assessment, Functional Lab Assessment, and Organizational Development. Dr. Coetzee spearheaded the “virtual clinic” design of the Human Nutrition program at UB, a unique online “clinic” experience for students that set the standards for online learning and experiential experience.
Dr. Coetzee is a Certified Board Supervisor for the CNS (Certified Nutrition Specialists) and is currently on the national board exam committee for the National Association of Nutritional Professionals (NANP). He also served as legislative chair for the NANP from 2009 to 2011.
Laura Jackson
Laura Jackson, Holistic Nutritionist, Life Coach and Co-Founder of FIT CHICKS Academy®, is a transformative health leader who turned her personal weight loss journey into a mission to empower women worldwide. After losing 50 pounds and revolutionizing her own health, she co-founded FIT CHICKS Academy in 2008, growing the brand from a small group of 7 women to a multi 7 figure business . Through her internationally recognized programs, she has certified thousands of holistic nutrition, health & menopause coaches globally and helped them build amazing businesses, on her mission to build healthier communities around the world.
Recognized as a Top 100 Health Leaders in North America, Top Fitness Professional by canfitpro, and honored with the Stevie Award for Women in Business – Health & Wellness Company of the Year, Laura continues to innovate in women’s health and wellness. Her comprehensive approach combines personal transformation, professional expertise, and a passion for empowering women to achieve their healthiest, most vibrant selves.
Omar Cumberbatch
Omar Cumberbatch is a Health Coach and Podcast Coach of two internationally recognized podcasts The Health Coach Academy and This Podcast Burns Fat! Omar received his training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), where he was trained in more than one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods. Omar experienced firsthand how challenging it was to devise his own dietary plan. Omar was able to confront this struggle by changing his approach to incorporate a holistic lifestyle approach. He then decided to become a health counselor to fulfill his passion for working with individuals who struggle with similar obstacles and are motivated to change.
Coupling his knowledge and studies at IIN, Omar utilized the podcasting platform in order to provide a real outlet to the latest trends and information on health and wellness. These programs serve as a primary hub of trustworthy solutions to everyday health challenges and guidance on how to create your best life now.
Omar holds a Bachelor’s degree from Purchase University.
Jiggyasa Gupta
Jiggyasa Gupta is a certified Health Coach, Personal trainer and a Yoga instructor. Her journey to become a health coach started during her early 30’s, when she was diagnosed with a chronic back injury, IBS and Thyroid issues. Initially she was not sure how to manage these symptoms and maintain her health until she discovered holistic health and wellness practices that began to show the real improvements in her health. She started with different approaches, like yoga, meditation, functional training, cycling, running and a whole foods diet, and slowly but surely, life began to feel better. She learned it was about taking care of oneself on all levels – mind, body, and spirit.
As a health coach, she is passionate about helping others with their own health journey. She brings a unique perspective to coaching, having experienced the challenges and psychological impacts of chronic illness firsthand. She believes that everyone has the potential to heal and thrive. She is committed to helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals using a holistic lifestyle approach with improved mental well-being.
Jiggyasa holds a Bachelors degree in Engineering and Masters in Business Administration and is the Head of INFS Certification Assessment Division.
Shannon Spears LEHP, CFHC
Shannon Spears is a Licensed Ecclesiastical Holistic Practitioner, Certified Functional Health Coach, Nutritional Therapist & Whole Health Educator with a passion for helping others put together the pieces of their health & life empowering them to take back control of their own health and their families health. She is well versed in years of research and personal experience in Essential Oils & Homeopathy, Food Allergies/Intolerances & Gut Health. She is currently working on her Masters in Herbal Medicine. She runs a private Facebook group “The Modern Family Wellness Hub” – A Functional Approach to Re-defining your Health through Education & Support to Empower you to take back Control of your Health & Lifestyle.
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