Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody Pierce.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
At age ten, I faced two of the most challenging battles of my life. I was first confronted with the developmental stages of anorexia after the loss of my father, an incredibly influential and supportive man in my life. These events were catalysts that led to a five-year fight with an eating disorder.
Although the battle was nearly lost, I survived through resilience and a loving support system. Now, it is my time to share my story of inspiration, hope, and recovery which is why I decided to become an eating disorder recovery coach to help others through this illness. I share my story through many local nonprofits and opportunities in Arizona, beyond coaching for example:
I am Miss Scottsdale 2019 with the Miss America Organization, through this organization I promote a platform for eating disorder recovery and awareness with which I have created a curriculum for 4 – 6 grade students about body acceptance and self-image, started a club on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus to bring together those struggling with eating disorders so they have a support system and have had the opportunity to speak to thousands about my journey.
I also work with the Andy Hull Sunshine Foundation to promote a ‘you matter’ message nationally.
Has it been a smooth road?
Not only was my own recovery an ever-changing road but deciding that I wanted to be a coach did not come easy. I have been volunteering in the community for eating disorder recovery and awareness for over eight years now, and in that time I grew as an advocate and in my recovery. Once I embraced full recovery, I decided that I wanted to give back in an even greater capacity but didn’t really have any idea what that looked like. I have had some amazing mentors and coaches in my own life so after lots of thought I started my own coaching business.
When I made this decision I had no clue where to turn; not many recovery coaches exist, so I didn’t really have a roadmap to success. I knew I needed an education beyond the degree that I just graduated with from Arizona State University and pursued a six-month program through the Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy course. I completed this program in two weeks. My business has only been in the works for a few months, so I’m continuing to learn in this new space every day.
I currently work a different full-time job at The Knight Agency for public relations which I could not be more grateful for so it has definitely kept me busy to adventure into this passion project while giving 100% to a full-time job. I hope to continue challenging myself in the public relations field and the recovery coach field simontaniously throughout my future.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the S.T.E.P.S. Recovery story. Tell us more about the business.
I am frequently asked: what does a recovery coach do? I help to clarify recovery goals and help people reach them, help people overcome recovery obstacles, keep clients accountable, teach how to focus on the present and move forward from body and food weirdness, help people capitalize on their strengths, celebrate those little wins, attend challenging outings (gym, lunch, etc.), and offer strategic support in the form of worksheets, activities and so much more.
My specialties include Anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, other specified feeding or eating disorder, exercise addiction, chronic dieting, perfectionism, inner critics, food addiction, body dissatisfaction, and negative relationships with food.
I am proud that I was even able to start this at the age of 22, I know I still have a lot to do and learn but I know this is so needed in our current society and I am excited to see the growth to come.
What sets me apart is that I am young so I relate yo younger clients and can understand the pressures they are going through, at the same time women and men who are older than me also appreciate my perspective because it is different from what they are receiving in their everyday circles.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I hope that it grows! I know that more people are exploring coaching in general and I hope that recovery coaching continues to interest people because it is definitely something I wish I had access to during my recovery.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stepsrecoverycoach.com
- Email: melodypierce@live.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.t.e.p.s.recovery/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STEPS-Recovery-1311372225565909/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/melodyyfaith/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Rusty Gate Photography
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