Photo: NBHWC team meetup, June 2026.
When the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching launched its Program Approval and Continuing Education processes, it planted something the field didn’t yet have: a shared standard. What’s grown since then reflects not just organizational progress, but the maturation of an entire profession.
A Small Team with a Big Mission
NBHWC operates with a focused team committed to advancing the health and wellness coaching profession. While the organization’s impact reaches thousands of coaches, students, educators, and healthcare stakeholders, much of the work happens behind the scenes.
Each day involves collaboration across multiple areas of the organization, as well as with the Board of Directors, volunteers, ambassadors, and the broader coaching community, ensuring coaches, training programs, and stakeholders have the resources and support they need.
Supporting the Certification Journey
For aspiring National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWCs), the certification process represents an important professional milestone.
Behind the scenes, Nicole and Cindy, in partnership with NBME, coordinate application cycles. The team also maintains certification records, supports certification-related communications, and helps guide individuals through the process. Questions from applicants are reviewed, resources are updated, and systems are maintained to ensure a smooth experience for those pursuing certification.
The goal is not only to support candidates but also to uphold the integrity and credibility of credentials.
Partnering with Approved Training Programs and Continuing Education
Approved Training Programs play a critical role in preparing future coaches, and supporting those programs is an ongoing priority.
NBHWC works closely with program leaders to provide guidance, communicate updates, and ensure alignment with current standards. Mary Alice and Rachel collaborate with educational institutions and training organizations across the country to help maintain consistency and quality within health and wellness coach education.
These partnerships help create a strong foundation for the profession and support future generations of coaches.
Responding to the Community
Whether it’s a question about certification eligibility, continuing education, training program approval, or professional development opportunities, the NBHWC team regularly engages with coaches and stakeholders throughout the community. Providing timely, accurate information helps individuals navigate important decisions and stay informed about updates that impact the profession.
Beyond responding to questions, NBHWC is committed to keeping the community informed throughout the year by sharing organizational updates, leadership messages, key milestones, accomplishments, and strategic initiatives that advance the profession. This ongoing dialogue also provides valuable insight into the evolving needs of coaches, educators, employers, and healthcare organizations.
In addition to these day-to-day interactions, the NBHWC team relies on its annual survey to better understand the experiences of National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coaches, identify the resources they find most valuable, and measure their impact in their communities.
Maintaining Resources and Systems
Much of the work that supports the profession happens behind the scenes through systems, processes, and resources that many users never see.
From maintaining website content and updating educational materials to managing databases and supporting digital tools, these operational efforts help ensure information remains accessible, accurate, and up to date.
While often invisible, these functions are essential to delivering a reliable experience for the community.
Creating Opportunities to Learn and Connect
Education and engagement remain important components of NBHWC’s work.
Throughout the year, the team coordinates continuing education webinars, newsletters, conference participation, and other educational opportunities designed to support coaches at every stage of their careers.
These initiatives help strengthen professional connections, share important updates, and foster ongoing learning within the field.
Working Together to Advance the Profession
The work of NBHWC extends far beyond its staff team. Volunteers, ambassadors, committee members, subject matter experts, and the Board of Directors all contribute their expertise, perspectives, and time to advance the organization and the profession. Through ongoing collaboration, brainstorming, resource development, and strategic initiatives, these dedicated individuals help shape programs, create meaningful resources, strengthen community engagement, and ensure NBHWC continues to meet the evolving needs of coaches and stakeholders.
NBHWC’s Board of Directors includes several working committees and commissions that focus on specific areas such as research and practice, helping to lead initiatives across advocacy, research aims, advancing the profession, and raising awareness of the profession. The Board of Directors often speaks at conferences, submits research, participates in advocacy efforts, and, in their day-to-day work, supports and integrates HWC!
This collaborative approach allows NBHWC to continue evolving alongside the profession while remaining grounded in its mission and standards.
Looking Ahead
While certification may be the most visible aspect of NBHWC’s work, it represents just one part of a much greater effort.
Every application reviewed, question answered, resource developed, webinar hosted, and partnership supported contributes to a shared goal: advancing the health and wellness coaching profession and supporting those who are helping others achieve lasting behavior change.
Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is reflected every day in the strength of the NBC-HWC credential and the growing community it serves.
