How the Pathway Program Transformed a Dental Professional

After 34 years as a dental hygienist, Elizabeth Stumpf never imagined she would launch a thriving health coaching practice. Today, her schedule is so full she has to turn potential clients away—a remarkable testament to her journey of mid-career transformation through the Health Coach Institute's Pathway program, powered by ISSA.

Born in New York and raised in Puerto Rico, Elizabeth spent more than three decades building rapport with dental patients, many of whom saw her as more than just a hygienist.

"Many patients view hygienists as unofficial therapists," Elizabeth explains. "They confide in you about all sorts of concerns, particularly if you have the right personality for it."

Throughout her career, patients would frequently approach her with health questions beyond dental care. "Patients would tell me they had various health concerns but didn't want to miss their appointment because they specifically wanted to speak with me," she recalls.

Elizabeth's background gave her unique advantages. Her upbringing in Puerto Rico instilled homeopathic approaches to wellness—remedies like ginger tea with lemon for colds instead of antibiotics. As a dental hygienist, she developed extensive knowledge of medical conditions and pharmaceutical interactions, necessary for administering anesthesia safely.

"I often found myself explaining to patients that certain medications are derived from natural ingredients, and suggesting alternative approaches they might consider to prevent conditions like diabetes," says Elizabeth.

The Pandemic Pivot

When dental offices shut down during COVID-19 in 2020, Elizabeth found herself at a crossroads. "When dental practices closed during the pandemic, I decided to use that time to further my education," she shares. "I've always loved learning and saw this as an opportunity."

It was her daughter who planted the seed for her career change. "My daughter suggested I consider becoming a health coach or trainer, noting how frequently people sought my advice on health matters," Elizabeth remembers.

She enrolled in the Health Coach Institute's coaching program, initially completing the health and life coach program before discovering the more comprehensive Pathway program.

Pathway to Excellence

For Elizabeth, the Pathway program proved transformative. "The Pathway program truly set me up for success," she emphasizes. "The instructors provided exceptional guidance throughout the entire learning process."

She found the Pathway program offered deeper, more structured training that prepared her for professional success. "Compared to other programs, Pathway offers a much more comprehensive approach to coaching education," Elizabeth says. "The personalized support and detailed instruction perfectly prepared me for my current practice."

A significant hurdle many new coaches face is imposter syndrome—the feeling that they aren't qualified enough. The program directly addressed this obstacle. "The program effectively addressed the imposter syndrome many new coaches experience," Elizabeth notes. "When colleagues worried they needed more knowledge before starting, I would remind them that they already possessed the necessary tools and that experience would further refine their skills."

She particularly valued that "all sessions were recorded, allowing us to revisit the material whenever we needed clarification or wanted to review certain concepts."

Thriving Practice

By December 2021, Elizabeth launched her website, Unlock Health, and by 2022 she had fully transitioned from dental hygiene to full-time health coaching.

Today, her practice has two thriving components. "What began with just three clients has grown into a practice where I now have to limit new intakes," Elizabeth shares with pride. She also holds a contract with a neuroscience company as a bilingual coach for their virtual embodiment training program for pain management—a role she describes as deeply fulfilling.

The skills she developed as a dental hygienist transferred seamlessly to coaching. "The ability to put anxious dental patients at ease translated perfectly to establishing trust with coaching clients," she explains.

Advice for Future Coaches

For anyone considering a similar path, particularly those from healthcare backgrounds, Elizabeth offers encouraging advice: "Healthcare professionals already possess many of the foundational skills needed for coaching. The empathy and communication abilities developed in patient care provide an excellent foundation for a coaching practice."

She stresses that success doesn't require special talents—just dedication. "The program itself isn't overly complicated. Success comes from commitment and consistency. With those elements in place, you can build a thriving practice."

Looking back on her experience, Elizabeth's assessment is clear: "This program exceeded my expectations in every way. It provided all the tools and knowledge I needed to confidently launch my coaching practice and serve my clients effectively."

Inspired by her daughter’s encouragement, Elizabeth has not only created a fulfilling new career but also sent a powerful message to her family. "As someone who came to the United States on my own, this career change demonstrated to my daughter that personal reinvention is possible at any age when you pursue your passions."