Meet Our Coach Approach in Healthcare Graduates
Meet healthcare and helping professionals who have completed Levels 1–3 of the Dive Into a Coach Approach® program, representing 60 hours of coach-specific education for healthcare.
Through this three-level pathway, each graduate has earned the Coach Approach in Healthcare Professional, Practitioner and Integration Certificates and their accompanying digital badges. The pathway includes courses approved for continuing education by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Continuing education approvals vary by course and certificate level.
Three Stackable Certificates | 60 Hours of Coach-Specific Education for Healthcare
Discover how these graduates are applying a Coach Approach within their professions, workplaces and areas of coaching focus.
Amber Midena
Occupational Therapist
Amber is a leadership coach and occupational therapist who helps emerging leaders build confidence, strengthen their leadership presence, and lead with intent and passion. With experience in healthcare, business, and professional advocacy, she empowers clients to navigate complexity, think strategically, and grow into leaders who expand their influence and support the growth of others.
Angela Lake
Physiotherapist
Angela Lake is a seasoned physical therapist with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (BScPT). With a passion for health and wellness, she supports teenagers in developing sustainable health and fitness routines that contribute to their mental well-being.
Brenda McDonald
Occupational Therapist
Brenda is an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting neurodivergent children and their parents and teachers. Trained in the DIR-Floortime model and as a Self-Reg facilitator with post-graduate training in sensory processing, Brenda integrates nervous system regulation, executive functioning, and a relationship based approach into her work so that parents and teachers can develop strategies to better manage their own stress and have more capacity to support their neurodivergent students and children in class and at home.
Charlotte Ballisager
Occupational Therapist
Charlotte draws on almost three decades of experience to support women over 40 navigating life transitions, depression, anxiety, trauma, and ADHD. With strong skills in nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and lived ADHD experience, she offers a grounded, supportive space for meaningful change.
Debi Hinerfeld
Occupational Therapist
Debi Hinerfeld, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA has practiced occupational therapy for over 30 years working with all ages and populations. She currently specializes in treating tic disorders and focuses much of her intervention on functional outcomes for people who struggle with higher order executive functioning skills.
Emily Tripp
Occupational Therapist
Dr. Emily Tripp, OTD completed her doctoral capstone project on supporting and coaching young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to help them prepare for inclusive college programs. She supported her clients in completing meaningful activities and enhancing their skills for successful participation in education.
Erin Goodman
Occupational Therapist
Erin is a Registered Occupational Therapist, MSc(OT), and an International Coaching Federation Associate Certified Coach (ACC). As Team Lead with Vancouver Coastal Health’s Gastown Vocational Services team, she applies her coaching and occupational therapy expertise to strengthen leadership, workplace relationships and collaborative practice.
Hayley-Anne Massingham
Occupational Therapist
Specializing in assisting parents with school-aged children, Hayley-Anne focuses on challenges related to behavior, schoolwork, handwriting, emotional regulation, sensory processing, attention, executive functioning, and self-care. Earning her Parent Coaching Badge, she empowers parents to embody their desired parenting role by guiding them in implementing evidence-based, respectful parenting strategies.
Janice McCullough
Occupational Therapist
Janice is a compassionate occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families in achieving their mental health and wellness goals. She is dedicated to helping others make meaningful, lasting changes that empower them to live fully, grow with confidence, and flourish in their unique wellness journey.
Jessica Trio
Occupational Therapist
Jessica, who holds a doctorate in occupational therapy, uses her coaching skills to support others in their life pivots, whether planned or unexpected, such as transitioning from high school to college or becoming a sudden caregiver. She also works with clients experiencing tic and movement disorders.
Maha Ghurab
Clinical Dietitian
A clinical & Sports Dietitian and health coach with over 25 years of experience in healthcare and nutrition practice since 2000. Specialized in clinical nutrition, chronic disease management, weight management, and lifestyle behavior change. Passionate about empowering patients to achieve sustainable health outcomes through evidence-based nutrition care and coaching.
Makenna Parker
Occupational Therapist
Makenna is an occupational therapist who supports children and families through strengths-based, relationship-centered care. She brings experience in early intervention and telehealth and works closely with caregivers and educators to promote inclusive environments. Her Parent Coach Badge reflects her commitment to empowering families with practical strategies that support each child's unique needs.
Mary Grace Lagasca
Occupational Therapist
Mary Grace is a dedicated occupational therapist with a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA). Mary Grace's coaching approach is compassionate and holistic, focusing on helping clients navigate challenges and achieve balance in their lives.
Renée Durepos
Fitness Instructor
Renée Durepos is a dynamic and dedicated individual ready to inspire positive transformations. With a Bachelor's degree in Commerce focusing on Organizational Behavior, Renée is a certified Strong Nation Instructor. Her journey to become a Motivational Fitness Coach through the Dive Into a Coach Approach® program helps her address a common barrier to maintaining exercise—motivation.
Sandra Elizabeth
Massage Therapist
Sandra Elizabeth is a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Certified Aromatherapist (CA), and Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Technician (CMLDT). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, with concentrations in Social Work and Psychology, blending a foundation in human behavior with extensive training in therapeutic and wellness modalities. As a Transition and Alignment Coach, Sandra helps women navigate life shifts with clarity and intention, drawing on continuing education in holistic wellness, somatic awareness, and client-centered care to support clients in realigning with who they truly are.
Stephan Bourassa
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Stephan is passionate about working with parents of children and youth with developmental differences. He supports them as they navigate the challenges of adapting to and supporting their children's unique development, empowering them to foster resilience and connection within their families.
Susan Czyzo
Physiotherapist
Susan excels as a physical therapist, Pilates instructor, and Mindfulness teacher, empowering clients for optimal well-being. With Dive Into a Coach Approach® training, she earned the Mindfulness Coach badge, enhancing her ability to support clients effectively, fostering inner strength and tranquility.
Ready to make an impact or want to learn more about their coaching professional development journey with the Dive Into a Coach Approach®?
The Dive Into a Coach Approach® certificates are issued by Function First Coaching Inc. and recognize completion of the program’s education and requirements. They are distinct from professional designations, regulated titles and credentials awarded by external organizations. Additional credentials are listed separately where applicable.