Student Spotlight

Laura Ray, Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition student

How did you become interested in natural health/holistic nutrition?

My mother constantly read vitamin therapy books and strongly believed in using vitamins and minerals as a healing therapy throughout our lives, so I grew up in a natural health environment. I don’t think she realized how much of an impression she made on me, but I used to sneak her books and read them over and over. Even now, I still can’t get enough information and education!

How did you decide on CCNH in particular, and how has this experience worked for you as a student? If you’ve completed courses on the 16 week term calendar, share your thoughts about that.

I decided on CCNH because there was so much information provided in the course catalog. As I reviewed this information, I had a strong feeling that I was getting in on the ground floor of something bigger. Through studying with CCNH for many years, I feel that my intuition was accurate. Not only am I obtaining a fantastic education in natural health, but I have also aligned myself with a college that is willing to grow and adapt to the ever-changing needs of our world. I will continue with CCNH for as long as I am able.

Are your studies a precursor to a potential career change or job enhancement, or are they a part of your personal healing?

I think they’re both. I don’t think it’s possible to immerse myself in this type of education without “bringing it home,” so to speak. The education I’m receiving at CCNH has greatly enhanced my health, which is very important to me. Professionally, my relationship with CCNH is part of my journey toward becoming a practitioner with a well-rounded education in natural health. I want to help fight the co-morbidities that result from a sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Preventing cardiovascular disease and controlling diabetes are two of the healthcare approaches that are closest to my heart.

Describe your “dream” career.

My dream career would be to direct a full-service wellness center that includes practitioners from many different fields, who would provide viable natural alternatives for preventing disease and disorder, and these alternatives would incorporate positive psychology and cognitive behavior models to effect the necessary changes. As a trained health and wellness coach, I understand very clearly the need to include a positive psychology approach as part of any treatment relating to long-term disease and disorder. An important part of this approach would be to include well-documented case studies on any alternative therapies that are used, as a way to promote the natural health community.

Are you a teacher / coach in a health-related field?

I am a certified wellness coach trained by Wellcoaches in conjunction with ACSM. Currently, I’m working on the health and fitness specialist certificate with the ACSM to become an executive wellness coach so that I can help start workplace health practices. My Web site is www.mycoachlaura.com and I just started a Ning site, which is coachlaura.ning.com.

Are you an author, writer, host, or subject matter expert?

I’m currently writing a book called Health Gains Weight Losses: Small Steps to Big Change. This is a landmark project that will reach out to people who can’t afford coaching but need a way to be educated in nutrition, fitness, and health. This book will also help them learn how to support themselves with proper goal setting.

What would you like to convey about your experience with natural health practices as it relates to personal/family health?

I feel that meditation is an important part of a natural health lifestyle. Any workplace environment has the potential to increase levels of stress. That makes it more urgent, from a personal perspective, to learn to slow ourselves down, which is a practice that takes time not only to cultivate, but to enjoy and incorporate into the workday as well.

What would you like to convey about your experience with natural health practices, as it relates to personal/family health?

When I started studying natural health, I tried cramming everything I learned into my life immediately. Even though my upbringing was centered around natural health, there were still many changes I could make — and habits I could start practicing — that would only enhance my life. But doing them all at one time was an impulsive and poor decision. Once I realized what I was doing, though, it became easier to allow the changes in my lifestyle to take their natural course. My family was more inclined to follow my example as a result. Their doubt changed to certainty because of my confidence and strength in my beliefs.

Have you mentored, been mentored, or would you like to become a mentor within any area of natural health?

On October 3rd, I started a program that provides free wellness coaching to physician-referred obese teens between 12 and 16 years of age. I would love to have the help of other coaches who are willing to coach in this program.

Who is your favorite author within the field of natural health, and why?

I have two favorite authors whose works complement each other. Michael Tierra is my absolute favorite author and herbalist. I use his books and training almost exclusively when making my own tonics and herbal preparations. I also like James Balch. His book Prescription of Natural Cures is a comprehensive guideline that I use as a staring point for all my research.

Do you have a favorite quotation, health-related or not, that you’d like to share?

“Be less affected and more effective.” This quote steadies me and sets my focus.

What else is on your list, as to “how to best tell the story of you”?

Many things in my life are important to me, but the ones that directly affect the decisions I make are simply God and my family. I have one rule: Nothing comes before my relationship with God or my relationship with my family. There was a time when I allowed things to come before both, and doing so separated me from my joy, which led to stress and anxiety. But I don’t regret that time, because I learned a lesson that helps me anchor others who are heading in the same direction.

This article was based on an interview with the student.

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