Central MA Up + Comer: Health Coach Andrea Davis
Thursday, October 10, 2013
After being injured in a head-on collision as a teenager, health coach Andrea Davis began working toward a career to help people lead healthier lives.
Andrea Davis, AADP, CHC, Health Coach & Owner of Rootsta Skye Health
A conversation with Andrea (Drea) Davis
SW: We are introducing a generation who is starting to or is making their mark on the Central MA community. Can you describe the various facets of the health and wellness career that you have chosen to move forward with?
AD: Health coaching can be very diverse. The coaches that attended The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, as I did, have chosen so many different ways to guide people to healthier lives. Some coaches choose to effect change through writing books, creating online publications and resources, speaking tours, advocating for school lunches in their community, legislative change, coaching practices, and more. The list really goes on and on.
SW: You had a defining moment in your life just before your 14th birthday. Can you talk about it?
AD: The day before my freshman year of high school was supposed to start I was severely injured and almost paralyzed in a head-on collision. I sustained an injury to my T-7 vertebrae, a broken ankle, and busted up my face (and spirit). My vertebrae required bone grafting to patch the fractures, wiring and two nine-inch steel rods secured to my spine to support the injured vertebrae. My ankle got off easy with just a screw! However, the aftermath of the accident proved to be more of a struggle than any physical injury could ever be. There was more to the accident that I won’t go into here, but it was tragic for everyone involved. The PTSD, emotional trauma, loss of independence, and the toll it took on my family was more than any surgery could fix. It was years before I could talk about it without breaking down.
SW: How did that affect your career choice?
AD: I believe many things occur on our paths that shape us into the people we become. At least that's how I see my journey; many pieces to a puzzle that when put together over time, tell the story of the person I have become and am still growing into. It was a long and tough recovery but somewhere along the way I saw that there was something divine in coming so close to losing everything. I was able to see it as a blessing. I learned much about the duality of life, the balance that makes us all what we are. Without struggle there is no strength. Without sadness, there can’t be happiness. Without experiencing sickness how can we ever know what true health and vitality is? I knew this was a blessing that I had received to help other people in understanding that healing lies in finding the blessing in our challenges.
SW: Can you describe exactly what you do for clients as a health coach?
AD: As a health coach I create a partnership with my clients to support them on their health and healing journey. By healing journey, I am referring to anything they may want to let go of, improve upon, grow into, etc. I use the term to mean a healthier, happier existence. What I offer to each client is very different. It depends on where they are on their journey, how committed and motivated they are, how open and honest they are willing to be, and of course what their goals are. My programs all start with nutrition and the food relationship. This is a very confusing time for people that are trying to make healthier food choices for themselves and their families. It can be overwhelming and feel impossible when you are being inundated with so many different ideas of what healthy eating is. I approach it from a place of bio individuality meaning not every diet is right for everyone. Proper nutrition can go a long way in opening up channels in people’s lives. When we make the decision to feed our bodies the nutrients they need to function to their highest capacity, we feel better, sleep better, think more clearly, and make better decisions in all areas of our life. In the big picture I am helping people build a toolbox so they can feel empowered in taking control of their health by making small sustainable shifts in their day to day life.
SW: Can you describe a typical day in your life?
AD: No day is really typical! I have a lot going on. But a day where I am focusing on my coaching practice is waking up, taking care of the family (my fiancé Adriana and two cats) and making sure everyone is fed and ready to go. Then I will go for a walk or workout and then meditate. My workday usually starts about 9:00am in my home office and ends around 5:00pm so I can start cooking dinner. Although on some days I may go back to work after dinner, but I have been slowly learning that’s not the best decision for me and have been trying to phase that out! It really depends on the day—if I will be seeing a client, working on my newsletter, blog, networking, my business immersion class, research, or paperwork.
SW: What is your dream job?
AD: This is it. I have always wanted to be of service to people in some way. I love the connection of being a small part of someone’s step toward a healthier life and more empowered decisions.
SW: What is your favorite piece of technology?
AD: My iPad. I can make it a radio, computer, a mini movie screen, a recipe finder, and reference point when I’m cooking and it goes anywhere!
SW: What is on your iTunes?
AD: Literally everything. Although, I use Pandora more these days. Growing up, my parents loved bluegrass and we went to a lot of the festivals, so it lives close to my heart. I also love indie folk, hip hop, rock, and classical piano. I’m in love with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Motown, The Beach Boys, Top 40. It really depends on my mood and what I needing at the moment. I just really love music.
SW: What is your favorite social networking site? Why?
AD: Tough one…Facebook has been an integral part of getting my business off the ground. However, from an enjoyment standpoint, I really love how Instagram tells a story with a picture or video and allows you to put your own artistic flair on it.
SW: What do you do away from your career?
AD: My career is very intertwined with my life. I am a total health nerd. I love going to conferences and workshops about different health and healing topics. I cook a lot. We love to spend time with our friends and family. We do a lot of weekend or day trips to see them or go on mini adventures. I really love to be outside whether that be at the beach, in the yard, hiking, camping or walking the conservation land by our place.
SW: You are actively involved in the community in Central MA. What are you currently involved with?
AD: Officially, I am involved with a couple different groups. One is the Herbal Community of Central Mass where I am the Event Director. We bring herbal education to the community through workshops and events in the area. I am also part of an LGBTQ Meetup group called the Worcester’s Young Professional Women. The group is involved with different organizations in the community like Human Rights Campaign, The Human Rights Commission, LGBT Asylum Task Force, and gets together for social, networking and other events as well.
SW: Who is the biggest influence in your life?
AD: I don’t know that I could list one person. Everything and everyone in my life has impacted me in some way and helped shape who I have become. I will say that as far as admiration and role models go I have always been enamored with Maya Angelou. I love her fierce love, unwavering confidence, unapologetic truth and self-awareness. She is an amazing woman with an amazing story. I would love to meet her.
SW: What is a fun fact few people know about you?
AD: This is always a tough question for me. I guess that I love to sing. Poor Adriana is the only one that really ever hears it though. Thank God!
SW: Your favorite expression?
AD: Hmm…I can’t think of one off the top of my head. However my favorite quote is “If you don’t like something. change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” — Maya Angelou
SW: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
AD: In ten years I would love to have a small farm with my lady and have my practice on-site, some kids, and some more world travel under my belt. I also have a book on my back burner that I am hoping will be out and in print by then, maybe even a couple. A lot can happen in ten years!
With more than 25 years of leadership experience, Susan Wagner has been known for driving events, initiatives, launches, and openings through her company Susan Wagner PR. In this challenging economy, she has begun a new division to offer affordable start-up packages to new and emerging small businesses and non-profit organizations that include professional writing services, websites, collateral, marketing, social media, grassroots outreach and PR campaigns.
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