Erika Schultz
Illuminate Health Coach,
FMCHC, NBC-HWC
Do you know what your top five Character Strengths are?
One of the tools I like to use in working with clients is the VIA survey. Identifying and utilizing character strengths can be valuable in setting and achieving your goals. The top five Character Strengths that I bring to my personal life and coaching are:
Gratitude
Kindness
Love
Fairness
Appreciation of Beauty
I am excited to use my strengths to help you in your wellness journey.
The underlying thread in my life, professionally and personally, has always been about wellness and caring for others. The majority of my professional career has been as a nutritionist in traditional health care settings. Working for 10 years at RUSH University Medical Center in Chicago, IL, collaborating with health care professionals, mentors and students, challenged and inspired me to become the person I am today. Working with a multidisciplinary patient care team regarding geriatrics, dementia, Alzheimer’s, physical therapy and rehabilitation, mental health, diabetes, heart disease, digestive disease and disorders and kidney disease gave me a broad perspective and understanding of patients’ health care needs and struggles. Prior to working and living in Chicago, I worked at Abbott Northwestern hospital in Minneapolis, MN and the International Diabetes Center in St. Louis Park, MN.
During this time, I began to realize the desperate need for preventative health and wellness. My patients wanted to discuss not only nutrition, but other lifestyle factors related to their health. I saw firsthand the negative effects of unhealthy lifestyles and environmental factors associated with lack of knowledge, resources and support. This drove my passion to helping people make changes that focused on the “whole person”, and meeting them where they are currently in their life. I believe finding balance with food, relationships, mindfulness, movement, environment and spirituality can lead to happiness and wellness. This inspired me to continue my journey of learning. Completing my Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach training at FMCA gave me the tools and experience to feel confident using FM principles and positive psychology coaching techniques. I am also proud to be a Board Certified FM Health Coach.
My daughters and me at Cannon Beach, OR
My current passion is helping parents develop healthy lifestyles so they can be inspiring role models for the next generation. My life and perspective changed significantly when my daughters were born. I understand personally the daily struggle and worry of navigating multiple IgE food allergies and FPIES (Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome). I am grateful my daughters are both thriving and learning the tools to be safe, healthy and happy. I also have experience working with elementary school EBD special education students and teaching preschool ballet. Life with kids is chaotic and magical. My job is to help you be present for the magic, embrace the chaos and take the worry and stress out of your daily parenting tasks. You are your children’s MOST important role model!
“ “One lifetime isn’t long enough for all the things I’d like to do.” ”
I agree Hilma! I enjoy yoga, hiking, jogging/walking, ballet dancing, boating, paddle boarding, waterskiing and biking. I love being outside and celebrating all the seasons of Minnesota! In winter, I enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing. Reading, traveling, trying new restaurants and food, art shows, music concerts of all kinds, theatre, volunteering and hosting my friends and family are my favorite hobbies. I love watching and supporting my daughters in all of their activities!
My husband and I currently live in Stillwater, MN with our two daughters and miniature golden doodle. Thank you for taking the time to read my personal journey. Enough about me… I look forward to hearing YOUR story!
– Erika