Q&A with Brooke Jeffries: Lead Pathway Instructor for HCI

An exclusive interview with Brooke Jeffries, lead instructor of Health Coach Institute’s NBHWC-accredited Pathway Program

The Journey to Becoming a Board-Certified Health Coach

Are you dreaming of a meaningful, flexible career in health and wellness? The National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) has become the gold standard in the industry, and Health Coach Institute’s Pathway Program offers one of the most effective and transformative routes to certification. 

We recently sat down with Pathway’s lead instructor, Brooke Jeffries, MS, CN, NBC-HWC, to discover what makes this program uniquely powerful for aspiring health coaches. With over 15 years of experience in health and wellness, Brooke is a National Board-Certified Health Coach and Clinical Nutritionist who now guides the next generation of wellness professionals.

How the HCI Pathway Program Transforms Both Careers and Lives

When asked about the origins of the Pathway Program, Brooke’s enthusiasm is immediately apparent.

“Pathway was born directly from our students’ voices,” she explains, leaning forward. “They wanted a clear path to national board certification that maintained the heart-centered approach they loved about HCI.”

After the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) established rigorous accreditation standards, HCI invested over a year to develop a program that didn’t just meet these requirements but exceeded them.

“What sets Pathway apart is how we’ve created learning that feels genuinely inspiring and connected,” Brooke notes. “Students consistently tell us they look forward to class and feel sad when it ends. That’s rare in academic health certification programs.”

The program meets coaches exactly where they are in their journey—whether just starting out or building on years of experience.

“Because each person’s path is uniquely individual,” Brooke explains, “there’s always something transformative to discover. Students consistently uncover new depths both in themselves and their coaching practice.”

Why National Board Certification for Health & Wellness Coaches Matters in Today’s Market

For those unfamiliar with NBHWC certification, Brooke explains its significance in elevating the health coaching profession.

“The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching brings together thought leaders to establish rigorous education and certification standards,” she says. “Their partnership with the National Board of Medical Examiners has certified over 12,000 health coaches worldwide who now work across healthcare settings, corporate wellness programs, and private practice.”

The NBC-HWC credential’s impact extends throughout the industry:

• Professional legitimacy: “Having this health coach certification immediately signals to clients, employers, and healthcare professionals that you’ve met rigorous national standards.”
• Enhanced career prospects: “Leading employers—including hospital systems, corporate wellness programs, health tech companies, and insurance providers—now either require or strongly prefer coaches with NBC-HWC certification.”
• Competitive salary potential: “Board-certified health coaches often command higher rates and salaries compared to non-credentialed coaches.”
• Community connection: “Becoming an NBC-HWC connects you to a respected community of passionate certified health coaches who are collectively elevating the industry.”

“What’s particularly exciting,” Brooke adds, “is NBHWC’s commitment to integrating coaches into healthcare teams. They’ve already secured Category III CPT codes with the American Medical Association, which allows NBC-HWCs in clinical settings to track patient outcomes from coaching interventions. Their next ambitious goal is to secure insurance coverage for coaching services, which would make our work accessible to many more people who could benefit.” 

Who Thrives in the HCI Pathway Program?

When asked about the ideal candidate for Pathway, Brooke’s description is thoughtful and nuanced.

“The ideal candidate for Pathway is someone who feels called to help others—often they’re the go-to person in their circle for advice or support,” she reflects. “Many are navigating a career change or looking to deepen their work in wellness. Students often come from adjacent fields like nursing, fitness, yoga, counseling, or education.”

The program attracts diverse students, from complete newcomers to graduates of other coaching programs seeking to build on their foundation.

“Pathway gives them the tools, confidence, and real-world experience they need to become a powerful, board-eligible coach. And what’s really special is that as they go through the training, they’re not just learning how to coach—they’re transforming, too. They walk away with a deep understanding of how to create lasting change for others and for themselves. It’s a personal and professional evolution,” Brooke says.

“This is an academically rigorous program that requires courage and commitment,” Brooke emphasizes. “It is a 3-month intensive, and live class participation is a must. But honestly? That structure is part of what makes it so powerful. Our graduates consistently tell us how transformative the experience is, both professionally and personally.”

The Pathway Difference: Experience-Based Learning

Health Coach Institute designed Pathway to set the standard for NBHWC-approved coaching courses. What makes it different from other health coach certification programs?

“What sets Pathway apart is the level of hands-on, real-world experience our students get. From week one, students are actively coaching and observing expert demonstrations that show them what client-centered coaching looks like in action.” Brooke explains. “They receive personalized feedback from board-certified instructors, building genuine confidence and skill that creates lasting impact with clients.”

At the heart of Pathway is the exclusive Empowered Well-Being Model—a holistic framework that reconnects students with purpose, resilience, and wholeness.

“This coaching system extends beyond health habits to relationships, career, purpose, finances, and emotional resilience,” Brooke says. “As students learn to guide others across all dimensions of well-being, they strengthen these same areas in their own lives. It’s a system that’s practical, adaptable, and incredibly powerful in real-world coaching.”

The most powerful aspect? “The transformation that happens inside Pathway is deeply personal. Students arrive seeking to become coaches but leave with something greater—a new career path plus deeper clarity, strength, and empowerment. They discover their authentic voice and reconnect with their purpose. Our graduates emerge ready to lead, inspire, and make a meaningful impact. That’s the Pathway difference—it’s about becoming the version of yourself you were meant to share with the world.”

Inside the Health Coach Certification Classroom Experience

Pathway’s classroom experience is intentionally intimate and interactive.

“Our health coach certification classes are live and intentionally small, so students develop real relationships with their instructors,” Brooke shares. “We’re not just talking at students—we’re in active conversation with them every week through teaching, discussion, case studies, coaching demos, and live practice.”

The learning environment balances rigor with warmth. “There’s a lot of laughter, connection, and encouragement in the room,” she says. “Learning to become a health coach should be fun, and we make sure it is.”

Instructors model powerful coaching skills and create space for meaningful reflection and growth. Brooke shares, “We provide individualized feedback outside of class, so students know exactly where they’re excelling and where they can stretch. At the end of the day, students feel seen and supported. They’re learning in a community that’s warm, energizing, and rooted in purpose—and that’s what helps them build confidence, skill, and a deep sense of belonging.”

The Heart of Coaching: Unconditional Positive Regard

When asked what aspect of the program makes her most proud, Brooke doesn’t hesitate.

“We teach students to be more compassionate human beings,” she says with quiet conviction. “They become kinder to themselves, to each other, and to everyone they encounter.”

She explains one of Pathway’s core concepts: unconditional positive regard—seeing beyond behaviors to the person underneath and responding with presence, compassion, and understanding.

“The transformation that occurs when someone feels truly seen, heard, and understood is powerful beyond words,” Brooke reflects. “These coaching techniques make us better coaches, but they also make us better partners, parents, children, and friends. Students often tell me their relationships improve because they stop trying to ‘fix’ people and start accepting, appreciating, and empowering them instead.”

Meet Brooke: From Clinician to Coach Educator

With over 15 years in health and wellness, Brooke’s own journey reflects the non-linear path many coaches take.

“I’m a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, a Certified Nutritionist, and I hold a Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics from Bastyr University,” she shares. “I’ve worked in clinical settings, corporate wellness, digital health, supplement companies, and private practice.”

What truly energizes her is guiding new coaches. “As Pathway’s lead instructor and program director, I get to guide coaches through a transformational process—not just in skill-building, but in confidence, clarity, and purpose.”

Her industry connections provide a valuable perspective. “I serve on the Program Approval Council for NBHWC and on the advisory board for UC San Diego’s Extended Studies Health Coaching certificate program, which allows me to provide influence and stay connected to the profession’s evolution and bring that insight directly into our classroom.”

Life Beyond Training Health Coaches

Outside of work, Brooke embraces simple joys and mindful living.

“I love traveling and good food!” she laughs. “Some of my favorite culinary adventures have been in Sardinia, Lebanon, and Crete.”

Home life centers around family and nature. “I live just outside Houston with my husband and our toddler, Hughie—so much of my time is spent chasing him around, reading books about trucks, and soaking up the sweetness and chaos of this season. I feel most at peace near water, on a walking trail, or in the garden.”

Her personal philosophy mirrors what she teaches: “Slowing down and being present is something I practice daily—it’s what keeps me well so I can keep doing the work I love.”

Is Pathway Right for You?

For those considering Pathway, Brooke offers thoughtful guidance:

“Trust the part of you that’s even asking the question,” she advises. “So many of our students felt a pull toward coaching before they fully understood what it was.”

The program demands commitment but offers profound returns. “Yes, it’s rigorous. Yes, it asks for your full presence. But it gives back in a big way—through transformation, community, and the ability to change lives, including your own.”

Her closing reflection captures the essence of the decision: “Ask yourself: What would it mean to say yes to the future you feel called to? That’s where the real decision lives.”

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Health Coach Certification?

Ready to explore a fulfilling career as a confident, board-certified health coach? Discover more about the Pathway Program to see if it’s the right next step for your coaching journey.

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Health Coach Institute’s Pathway Program is an NBHWC-accredited training program that prepares students for the National Board Certification examination for Health & Wellness Coaches. Learn more about Pathway by reaching out to our HCI Admissions team today.