Meet your coach
Hello, I am Coach Clay, nice to meet you!
As your health and wellness coach, I blend a unique set of life experiences with a passion for guiding others towards optimal well-being. My journey from Naval Carrier Aviator to wellness advocate has equipped me with invaluable insights into personal transformation, resilience, and the power of coaching.
Background and Experience:
- 25-year US Navy career, rising from enlisted to Commander.
- Former executive in renewable energy, managing large-scale projects and teams.
- Co-owner of a thriving coffee shop.
- Lifelong athlete with experiences in body building, wrestling, mountain biking, skiing, roller hockey, trail running, etc.
- Disabled veteran who has overcome significant physical challenges.
- Precision Nutrition Level 1 Nutrition Coach
- Functional Medicine Health and Wellness Coach (Candidate)
My Approach as Your Coach:
- Seasoned Supporter: Leveraging my diverse background to offer well-rounded assistance.
- Empathetic Navigator: Drawing from personal experiences to understand and guide you through your unique challenges.
- Accountability Partner: Applying military discipline to help you stay on track.
- Affable Guide: Creating a warm, welcoming environment for open communication.
- Functional Medicine Advocate: Integrating holistic health approach to optimize wellness.
I bring a unique perspective to wellness coaching:
- Military leadership skills to motivate and inspire.
- Holistic health and wellness principles and techniques.
- Project management expertise to create achievable wellness plans.
- Personal experience overcoming physical setbacks.
- Understanding of balancing career, family, and personal health.
Your Success Partner
As your coach, I'm committed to being more than just an instructor. I'm an empathetic partner who will stand by your side, offering support, accountability, insight, and encouragement. My approach is rooted in functional medicine principles, addressing the whole person’s mind, body, and spirit.
You are the expert on “You” and whatever your unique health and wellness wants and goals may be, I'm here to listen without judgment and guide you with compassion. Together, we'll chart a course for your health and wellness, navigating obstacles and celebrating victories. As a team, we'll develop strategies that fit your lifestyle, helping you to not just set goals, but to surpass them.
Being a disabled veteran I understand the challenges in achieving sustainable wellness. With an affable demeanor and an unwavering commitment to your success, I'm ready to help you transform your health and embrace a life of vitality and balance. Let's embark on this journey together, unlocking your full potential and creating lasting, positive change.
My wellness journey
As a disabled veteran, I found myself disillusioned by Western medicine's approach to wellness. My multiple conditions were addressed with a barrage of prescriptions: pills for my brain, pain, stomach, inflammation, cholesterol, and even pills to counteract the side effects of other medications. After enduring seven surgeries, doctors were recommending three more. Each night, I struggled with sleep apnea while going to bed in agony, covered in ice packs, and swallowing a handful of pills with little hope for relief.
In 2019, I reached my breaking point. Determined to find an alternative, I embarked on a journey towards holistic healing and embraced functional medicine principles. Initially, I had limited support and understanding of this approach, but I persevered.
Through a comprehensive focus on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and wellness practices, I achieved remarkable results. After six months of challenging transitions, the transformation was profound. I had weaned myself off all prescription drugs. My pain levels had significantly decreased, my sleep apnea had resolved, I shed 15 pounds I didn't realize I needed to lose, and my energy levels soared. This transformation wasn't just physical; it reignited my hope and vitality.
Inspired by my own experience, I now feel compelled to help others achieve a higher standard of living. I aim to provide support and insight for those ready to make a positive change in their lives, guiding them towards a more holistic approach to health and well-being that can potentially free them from dependence on medications. By embracing natural, whole-body wellness strategies, I believe others can experience the same life-changing results I did.
Education
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering – Cornell University
- Strong foundation in geotechnical engineering and construction management.
- Master’s Certification in Applied Project Management – Villanova University
- Advanced skills in project leadership, strategic planning, and execution within high-stakes environments.
- Construction Management Certification – Southern Polytechnique University
- Expertise in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk assessment in construction operations.
Health, Nutrition & Functional Medicine
- Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified Coach – Certified in evidence-based nutrition coaching, behavior change strategies, and performance optimization.
- Functional Medicine Coaching Candidate – Training in a holistic approach to health, integrating nutrition, lifestyle, and functional medicine principles to optimize well-being.
military training
US Navy Officer Training & Leadership
- Naval Carrier Aviation Training – Specialized in carrier-based flight operations, advanced flight maneuvers, and combat readiness.
- Navy Logistics & Tactical Air Command – Managed aviation logistics, mission planning, and operational readiness for tactical air assets.
- Officer in Charge of a Squadron – Led personnel, managed aircraft operations, and ensured mission success.
- Advanced Strike Fighter Flight Instructor – Trained and mentored pilots in advanced combat aviation techniques.
- Navy Surface Warfare Training – Focused on shipboard operations, maritime strategy, fleet tactics, and leadership in naval combat environments.
