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Meet Sandra Scheinbaum of Functional Medicine Coaching Academy in Scottsdale

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Scheinbaum.

Sandra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My first career path was as an educator, initially working as a learning disabilities teacher and then a college instructor in special education. Earning a PhD in Clinical Psychology was a dream I chose to pursue and that choice led to a 35+ year career as a clinical psychologist. I was an early adopter of mind-body medicine, positive psychology, and cognitive-behavior strategies and helped thousands of clients overcome anxiety and panic, as well as heal from physical conditions.

I love continuing to learn and was curious to know more about Functional Medicine, a way of thinking that digs down to the root causes of why we get sick. I became the first psychologist certified by The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), fully intending to stay with my local psychology practice. Instead, I decided to pursue a big, bold idea: create an online school to train health coaches in functional medicine principles combined with all of the strategies that I had expertise in as a psychologist. I was 65 years old, but retirement never crossed my mind. Instead, I partnered with IFM to create the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA). That was five years ago. We now have students from around the world and trained almost 2000 graduates.

What got me to where I am today? I’m grateful for my strengths, which include zest, gratitude, love of learning, and creativity. I’m not afraid to take risks, learn from my mistakes, and really listen to the amazing people who make up FMCA’s team. Having no prior business experience other than running a small private practice, I could not have created FMCA without the support of my co-founder, Elyse Wagner. I’m also blessed that my daughter is now COO and value her for her wisdom and knack for making tough decisions. Every day I express gratitude for all the amazing individuals who make up “Team FMCA”, including employees, faculty, students and graduates. We are truly transforming healthcare through the power of Functional Medicine Health Coaching.

As I turn 70, I practice impeccable self-care. That means committing to eating whole, organic foods, exercising and moving throughout the day in ways that I enjoy (yoga, Pilates, strength-training, jumping rope, tap dancing, walking), spending time with family and friends, and making sure to laugh.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For many years, I struggled with addiction to sugar and had debilitating panic attacks. I overcame these personal challenges by applying the principles of Functional Medicine, positive psychology and mind-body medicine. I’m thankful for all that was wrong with me because having these habits and conditions meant practicing and perfecting the healing strategies that I would go on to effectively teach to others, first through my practice as a psychologist and now to students at FMCA.

Functional Medicine Coaching Academy – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m passionate about transforming healthcare through the power of health coaching. Health coaches inspire passion and purpose in others, helping them to live healthier lives so that they can pursue their dreams. I founded the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA) in collaboration with The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) While IFM educates doctors to identify and treat the root causes of chronic diseases, FMCA trains health coaches to partner with practitioners and help people make the diet and lifestyle changes that have been shown to prevent and in many cases, reverse chronic illnesses. Coaches act as personal cheerleaders, helping people make difficult changes in order to achieve their goals.

As CEO, I’m proud that FMCA is recognized as a premier institution for training health coaches. We’re the only program developed in collaboration with The Institute for Functional Medicine, a highly-esteemed institution. Our graduates are helping people create health in over 40 countries around the world.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Definitely founding the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy! I’m so proud of our incredible graduates. Enrolling in FMCA and studying to become a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach not only resulted in their ability to help others to thrive, but they underwent a powerful personal transformation themselves.

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