Hello!

I’m Hester, a health and wellness coach based in Essex, CT with over 30 years of lived experience navigating chronic illness and a deep understanding of just how interconnected the wellbeing of the mind and body truly are. My coaching is shaped by my own wellness journey along with my education and professional training in psychology, somatics, and health and wellness coaching. I have first-hand experience with just how hopeless it can feel living within the limits of chronic illness as well as how liberating it is when you learn how to build a life that both honors and expands them.

I was a music major with a concentration in vocal performance right out of high school, but always felt drawn to learning more about the human psyche. I decided to go back to school for my bachelor’s degree in psychology a few years ago and ended up becoming fascinated by positive psychology, the mind-body connection, mindfulness meditation, and yoga. These interests led me to the world of somatics and psychosomatic therapy (derived from the word “soma” meaning “body”). After completing training to become a psychosomatic practitioner, I decided that my next step would be health and wellness coaching so that I could reach an audience that I know would really benefit from my newfound knowledge: individuals with chronic illness and individuals experiencing chronic stress and burnout.

I am confident that my own lived experience paired with my various educational ventures will enable me to become the person that I needed when I was younger; someone who is safe, supportive, compassionate, non-judgmental, and understanding. Someone who doesn’t push me beyond my means, rather who walks beside me as I gently realize my own intrinsic strength and soar at my own pace to achieve my goals. I hope to be that person for you.

CREDENTIALS:

• B.S. in psychology with honors from Charter Oak State College

• Master Certified Health and Wellness Coach from AFPA

• Certified Psychosomatic Practitioner from Integrative Psych Institute