The ICH Story

Dani's Professional Beginnings

I attended St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN and received a Bachelor's in Biomedical Science with a minor in Speech Communications. When I started working at Fitzharris Athletic, I learned the love of running - and met my future husband! I ran my first half marathon in Duluth, MN at Grandma's Marathon (the half is the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon). I was hooked!

Looking for a way to combine my love of exercise into a health-related career, I went on to receive a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology, also at SCSU. I remember one day we were discussing nutrition. I love to eat, like most of us do, and when I realized you could eat a lot more health-conscious foods for the same amount of calories in junk food, the light came on! Yes, exercise was important, but so is eating nutrient-dense foods. No more Cap'n Crunch Berries for my mid-afternoon snacks (although I still love them)!

When the boys were still quite young, I had extensive testing done due to blurred vision in my right eye, a sign of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I didn't have MS, but learned that MSG (Monosodium glutamate), which is in many of the foods we eat, can mimic signs of MS. I started to educate myself more about toxins in food and the home. I would search out recipes to make homemade everything, including cleaners. There was no stopping the madness now!

I have wanted to own my own business for most of my life. I just didn't know what type. Then, I was introduced to health coaching. I worked for 7 years honing my skills and learning more about nutrition and weight management. It was clear I could encompass my knowledge and interests, as well as my gifts and talents, into an enjoyable and fulfilling career. After several years, it became clear that I was called to do this on my own. And, although nutrition is a big part of lifestyle change, I have found that behavior change is the hardest for clients to sustain. "I know what to do, but I'm just not doing it," is something I've heard a LOT! If you've said this, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's been quite the walk to get to this point, but I'm so grateful for every step - the people I've met, the relationships developed and the experiences along the way.

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.
1 Corinthians 9:27

Mission:

Vision:

Value ABC's:

Education & Experience:

To love selflessly and live boldly to have a life of adventure, excitement and fullness.

To increase your energy, build confidence and to savor life

through a process of self-discovery and self-determination.

Authentic - to be real, honest, reliable and trust-worthy in all relationships and interactions
Belong - to show reverence and respect for each person’s individuality and inner beauty in building relationships, connections and community
Compassion - to believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself
Development - to create an environment of learning without judgement or failure, only research and experimentation.
Excellence - to give you my best each and every day and continually work to improve my skills and your experience

Bachelor of Arts in Biomedical Science
Master’s of Science in Exercise Physiology
30 years of experience in the health and fitness industry
7 years of experience health coaching in corporate setting
American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist
National Society of Health Coaches Certified Health Coach