Dana VanBrimmer’s journey to becoming a Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and founder of Live & Develop is a story of resilience, transformation, and a deep commitment to helping others create meaningful change in their lives. Her work today blends personal growth, professional expertise, and holistic health principles to empower clients seeking balance, energy, and fulfillment.
From Challenge to Opportunity: Building Resilience
Dana’s professional journey began working in a women’s inpatient drug and alcohol facility, a role that gave her a firsthand understanding of how personalized support can empower individuals to overcome significant challenges. When grant funding for the facility ended, Dana faced a turning point. Taking the opportunity to pursue higher education, she earned a dual degree in Business and Organizational Leadership from Fort Hays State University while raising two young children as a single parent. Balancing school and family life taught Dana the importance of resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven decisions.
Entering the Professional World
After graduation, Dana ventured into a career in life and health insurance, where she built her business from the ground up. Starting with nothing but a phone book and a mentor’s guidance, Dana leaned on her skills in relationship-building and customer service to create a thriving referral-based practice. Her experience reinforced her belief that meaningful progress comes from persistence and aligning actions with core values.
A New Chapter: Transitioning to Health Coaching
In 2022, Dana’s desire to deepen her impact led her to health coaching. Inspired by her own journey of balancing professional responsibilities and single parenthood, Dana enrolled in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition’s coaching course to learn the principles of holistic health. She then achieved her National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) credential in Spring of 2024, marking a significant milestone in her professional development.
The NBC-HWC certification—recognized as the gold standard in health coaching—demonstrates Dana’s commitment to providing ethical, evidence-based, and client-centered care. Reflecting on her decision to pursue this path, Dana says, “Life doesn’t always go as planned, but the way we respond internally shapes our outcomes. Through coaching, I’ve learned to embrace change and guide others to do the same.”
Holistic, Client-Centered Coaching at Live & Develop
At Live & Develop, Dana’s coaching approach is rooted in the belief that wellness must address the mental, emotional, physical, and social aspects of health. Her one-on-one coaching programs are tailored to each client’s unique goals, offering actionable strategies to help them build resilience, prioritize self-care, and align their daily routines with their aspirations.
Dana’s ideal clients are often those juggling demanding professional and family roles. Her coaching emphasizes sustainable habits, boundary-setting, and reconnecting with core values—empowering clients to create a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. “True transformation starts from within,” Dana shares. “Small, consistent changes lead to big shifts, and I’m here to guide clients every step of the way.”
Expanding Impact: The Launch of Aligning Your Life
Dana’s mission to inspire meaningful change extends beyond her coaching sessions. Her upcoming book, Aligning Your Life: A Guide to Purpose and Change, set to release in early 2025, offers readers tools to uncover their inner wisdom, define their values, and create lasting habits for a balanced life. Drawing from her personal and professional journey, Dana provides reflective prompts and practical insights to help individuals take control of their wellness journeys.
Looking ahead, Dana envisions expanding her work through speaking engagements and immersive holistic retreats. These retreats will offer clients an opportunity to deepen their connection to themselves and their goals in a transformative, supportive environment.
Learn More
Dana’s journey highlights the power of resilience, authenticity, and intentional living. Whether through her coaching, book, or future retreats, her work inspires others to embrace change and create a life aligned with their values. To learn more about Dana VanBrimmer and her coaching philosophy, visit her LinkedIn profile or follow her on Instagram. For inquiries, you can reach her at hello@liveanddevelop.com.
Published by: Martin De Juan
