Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon O’Toole.
Hi Shannon , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi, I’m Shannon O’Toole, owner of Naturally, Health and Nutrition Coaching, LLC.
Before starting my health coaching business in 2024, I spent 15 years working as a physical therapist after earning my Bachelor’s in Health Science and Master’s in Physical Therapy from the University of Missouri.
But it wasn’t just my education or career that led me here, it was my own health journey.
In 2021, I was diagnosed with thyroid nodules suspicious of cancer, and later that year, I suffered a hemorrhagic stroke caused by a rare brain vessel abnormality called a cavernous malformation. I was shocked. I had always believed I was doing all the “right things” to stay healthy.
While I am deeply grateful for the medical providers — and my own medical background to sort through my options — I noticed something missing in my recovery: practical, everyday diet and lifestyle tools to help me rebuild my health and prevent future issues.
At the same time, while still working in physical therapy, I kept hearing the same frustrations from my patients with health issues. Many wanted more guidance on diet, lifestyle, and habits — but often only received medications or procedures as options.
It was a combination of my personal experience and years of working closely with patients that pushed me to dig deeper. I became a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified Coach, and a Certified Nutritional Physical Therapist — although I no longer practice physical therapy to focus on health coaching.
Health is complex, and making positive lifestyle changes can feel overwhelming — but with the right support, it becomes manageable, and you can create a foundational environment to support your health and wellness.
Alright, 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?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered is that health coaching is still a relatively new profession, and many people aren’t familiar with what it is yet. It largely emerged as a response to the rise in chronic health conditions and the increasing demands on our healthcare system.
While I was still working as a physical therapist, I saw firsthand how limited time during office visits often made it difficult to deliver both the necessary medical care and the in-depth support patients need to make lasting diet and lifestyle changes. I know many other providers face the same obstacle. This ultimately led me to focus solely on health coaching.
Another challenge is that there’s a lot of variability in health coaching — both in what health coaches offer and in the level of training they have — which can sometimes create confusion for the public.
What’s helped is getting in front of people and explaining it in a way that connects to their personal experiences. It’s definitely a work in progress, but the more conversations I have, the more understanding and excitement I see!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Naturally, Health and Nutrition Coaching, LLC?
Today, through Naturally, Health and Nutrition Coaching, my mission is simple: to help individuals build a strong, healthy foundation through diet, lifestyle, and behavior changes — creating the best possible environment for their bodies to heal, prevent illness, and thrive.
I specialize in working with people who are managing chronic health issues, injuries, or pain, guiding them in making sustainable diet and lifestyle changes that support their health and recovery. My services are designed to complement medical treatments by strengthening the lifestyle habits while my clients also work with their medical team.
I also collaborate with medical providers who want additional lifestyle support for their patients between medical visits.
To meet different needs and budgets, I offer one-on-one coaching, group coaching, and online self-paced courses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.naturallyhealthcoach.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturallyhealthnutrition/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556910782024
- Other: https://naturallyhealthandnutritioncoachingllc.mvsite.app
