What makes health coaching more than just a conversation? Evidence-based frameworks, proven models, and a structured skillset grounded in science.

In this episode of The Health Coach Impact, we're joined by Sharon Curtain—dietitian, certified health coach, educator, and Director of Accredited Health Coaching Australia. Sharon developed Australia's first nationally accredited Diploma of Health Coaching, and she's here to break down the core competencies, behavior change science, and coaching models that set accredited health coaches apart.

We explore the use of Motivational Interviewing, the Transtheoretical Model, and Self-Determination Theory, and why honoring scope of practice, client autonomy, and readiness to change creates better outcomes—not just for clients, but for health professionals too.

Whether you're a HCANZA-accredited coach, a clinician integrating coaching into your work, or a health professional exploring this path—this episode is packed with practical insights and a powerful reminder: coaching works because it's grounded in evidence.

Guest Bio:

BSc. Melbourne University, MNutrDiet Deakin University, Plenty Training – TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Groupwork Centre – Facilitation training, PreKure – Certified Health Coach American Council on Exercise – Health Coaching and Behaviour Change Specialist Training.

Sharon is a Dietitian, Certified Health Coach, Certified Trainer and Assessor, Trained Facilitator, Entrepreneur, and Director of Accredited Health Coaching Australia, and has authored and delivered the Diploma of Health Coaching, a nationally accredited qualification.

Sharon has worked for 23 years as a dietitian, health coach, trainer, and presenter. She worked for five years as a clinical dietitian and another five years in corporate nutrition, in roles that included food regulations, marketing, and delivering nutrition training programs. Sharon currently trains students, practitioners and coaches individuals in health behaviour change.

Sharon developed and delivered the first Australian Diploma of Health Coaching, run in collaboration with Victoria University Polytechnic and now delivers online health coaching training courses to health professionals via Accredited Health Coaching Australia. She regularly presents webinars and workshops about Health Coaching and is an educator in Health Coaching for the James Cook University Lifestyle Medicine Qualification.

How to get in touch with HCANZA

Facebook HCANZA Exclusive Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hcanzaexclusiveaccess

Facebook HCANZA Page: https://www.facebook.com/HCANZA/

Linkedin HCANZA Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hcanza

Youtube HCANZA Page: https://www.youtube.com/@HCANZA

Instagram HCANZA Page: https://www.instagram.com/hcanza.healthcoaches

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hcanza

How to get in touch with the guest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-curtain-6b827866/

Website: https://www.accreditedhealthcoaching.com.au/

Supervision and mentoring aren't about checking up—they're about tuning in.

In this episode, we're joined by Sharon Tomkins, NZ-based health coach, supervisor, and HCANZA board director, to explore how reflective practice helps coaches think better, act better, and feel more resourced.

We break down the difference between mentoring and supervision, what's required to become a mentor or supervisor, and why HCANZA is aligning with global standards (ICF, EMCC, UKIHCA) to embed reflective support into our professional development model.

Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting out, this episode offers insight into how supervision strengthens ethics, protects your well-being, and supports client safety.

Guest Bio:

Sharon Tomkins is a New Zealand-based Health & Executive Wellness Coach, Supervisor, and HCANZA Board Director (NZ Coach Representative). She advocates for reflective practice, ethical maturity, and professional care across the coaching sector. Sharon has contributed to the development of HCANZA's Supervision and Mentoring Guidelines (2024–25), helping shape standards that balance professionalism with heart. Through her practice, ZEAL Coaching & Supervision, she supports coaches and health professionals to flourish personally and professionally — embracing growth, integrity, and wellbeing. She is committed to helping more coaches train as supervisors and mentors, aligning HCANZA with international best practice from ICF, EMCC Global, and UKIHCA.

Resources

How to get in touch with HCANZA

Facebook HCANZA Exclusive Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hcanzaexclusiveaccess

Facebook HCANZA Page: https://www.facebook.com/HCANZA/

LinkedIn HCANZA Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hcanza

Youtube HCANZA Page: https://www.youtube.com/@HCANZA

Instagram HCANZA Page: https://www.instagram.com/hcanza.healthcoaches

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hcanza

How to get in touch with the guest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontomkinscoaching/

Website: https://www.zealcoaching.co.nz/supervision/

Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontomkinscoaching/

How to get in touch with the guest

Get in touch with Sharon via email sharon@zealcoaching.co.nz

Episode Description:

What does it really mean to wear more than one professional hat—and do it well?

In this episode of The Health Coach Impact, we sit down with Julie Schutz, a physiotherapist with over 30 years of clinical experience who has added health coaching, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine to her professional toolkit.

Julie shares how co-qualification has expanded her ability to support clients holistically—while staying aligned with ethical and professional scope of practice. From navigating conversations with clients to collaborating with doctors and allied health teams, Julie offers real-world examples of what it means to bring coaching into clinical care settings with integrity.

Whether you're already a health professional—or considering adding a coaching or clinical qualification—this conversation will give you the clarity, inspiration, and practical insight to deepen your impact without crossing professional boundaries.

Guest Bio:

Julie Schutz is a practicing Physiotherapist with over 26 years of experience in public, private, and community health. She holds postgraduate qualifications in pelvic floor rehabilitation and is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, Certified Fitgenes Practitioner, Clinical Pilates Specialist, and Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner. Julie is passionate about preventive health and believes co-qualification gives health professionals a powerful opportunity to expand their impact—while staying aligned with their scope of practice.

How to get in touch with HCANZA

Facebook HCANZA Exclusive Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hcanzaexclusiveaccess

Facebook HCANZA Open Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hcanza

Facebook HCANZA Page: https://www.facebook.com/HCANZA/

Linkedin HCANZA PAge: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hcanza

Youtube HCANZA Page: https://www.youtube.com/@HCANZA

Instagram HCANZA: https://www.instagram.com/hcanza.healthcoaches/

In this episode of The Health Coach Impact, we go straight to the source with two incredible leaders who have helped shape the future of health coaching in our region.

Linda Funnell-Milner, Chair and Co-Founder of HCANZA, shares her journey from corporate executive and political lobbyist to health practitioner and visionary leader. With degrees in Law and Education, an Advanced Diploma in Nutritional Medicine, a Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy, and health coaching certification from the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, Linda brings a powerful combination of skills and experience to HCANZA's mission. She has held governance and leadership roles with nonprofit boards, including the UN-sponsored GRI Stakeholder Council and the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association, making her a strong voice for professional standards and advocacy.

Joining Linda is Samantha McBride, Men's Performance, Wellbeing and Mental Fitness Coach, Human Physiologist, rural advocate, and founder of the Men's Muster Fiordland and liveMEwell. With an Honours Degree in Human Physiology and a passion for serving remote and underserved communities, Samantha is dedicated to helping men access the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to improve their health and wellbeing. Her unique focus on male-oriented wellness programs and rural community engagement brings fresh insight into how health coaching can make a real difference.

Together, they share:

• The founding story of HCANZA and the vision behind it
• Why accreditation standards are critical for professional credibility and public trust
• How advocacy ensures health coaches have a strong voice in healthcare
• Ways members can get involved and shape the future of the profession

If you're a health coach looking to elevate your practice, connect with peers, and be part of something bigger, this episode is your perfect starting point.

Connect with us on social media for more insights, updates, and to be part of our vibrant community:

• Facebook HCANZA Exclusive Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hcanzaexclusiveaccess
• Facebook HCANZA Open Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hcanza
• Facebook HCANZA Page: https://www.facebook.com/HCANZA/
• LinkedIn HCANZA Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hcanza
• YouTube HCANZA Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@healthcoachesaustralianewz9122

Follow us, join the conversation, and stay connected with the health coaching community making an impact!

In this episode of The Health Coach Impact, Dr. Tabitha Healey shares her journey from Medical Oncologist to wellbeing coach and HCANZA Board Director. She explains why burnout among health professionals is a critical issue—and how health coaching can help them reclaim their wellbeing, build resilience, and continue delivering high-quality care.