My Journey to Becoming a Nurse Health and Wellness Coach

Michelle Chianca, MSN, RN

Professional Qualifications and Experience

From a young age, I was drawn to the healing professions and motivated by a desire to help others. Pursuing a degree in nursing was a natural step for me, allowing me to blend my passion for science with my commitment to caregiving. My career as a registered nurse began in 2006, after graduating from Rivier University in Nashua, NH; I have since earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2019 and a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) in 2021. I have worked in emergency departments and in home health. These experiences enriched my understanding of patient care, from acute medical interventions to chronic disease management and the importance of advocacy. I have pursued additional education in health and wellness coaching for menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

Licensed as a Registered Nurse in MA and NH. Member in good standing American Holistic Nurses’ Association (AHNA), American Nurses’ Association (ANA), Massachusetts Nurses’ Association (MNA), New Hampshire Nurses’ Association (NHNA), Emergency Nurses’ Association (ENA), and The Menopause Society.

Listed as a healthcare practitioner with the Menopause Society www.menopause.org

A Personal Journey Through Menopause

My passion for coaching menopausal women is rooted in my own experience. I went through perimenopause and menopause, and like many women, I faced a myriad of physical and emotional challenges with very little support from providers. I felt dismissed by providers with comments such as “you will get through it” and “all women deal with this.” Providers have very little information on the benefits of hormone replacement therapy and worse yet, few providers have the time to help women with this “natural transition”. This transition is life altering; women are leaving the workforce because of overwhelming symptoms such as brain fog, hot flashes, insomnia; they are distancing themselves from relationships and instead of enjoying this time in their lives, they are suffering through it. This journey led me to discover the transformative power of holistic health and wellness practices, which I now integrate into my coaching.

A Personal Connection to PCOS and POTS

My journey into coaching for PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) is also deeply personal. A family member was diagnosed with both conditions and I witnessed firsthand the physical, emotional, and mental hurdles she faced. This personal connection has fueled my dedication to empower and support others dealing with similar struggles.

Combining Knowledge and Compassion

As a Nurse Health and Wellness Coach, I integrate my professional expertise with the compassion and empathy born from my personal experiences. My approach is client-centered, emphasizing personalized care plans that address the unique needs of each individual. Through one-on-one coaching sessions, I provide tools and support for achieving optimal wellness.

Let’s Begin