About
Growing up as a national-level competitive gymnast, I sacrificed a “normal” childhood for the opportunity to defy gravity, travel every other weekend, stand atop podiums, and even compete against a future Olympian.
After a career-ending back injury, I continued my passion for movement by earning a BFA in dance and co-directing a professional modern dance touring company for a few years after college. Throughout that time, I suffered from chronic back pain, including daily muscle spasms and frequent, excruciating, “fall to your knees” levels of pain.
As a fierce competitor and (now recovering) perfectionist, it was hard to accept this new normal and the corresponding limitations. For a long time, I thought I had to face this all alone. My body continued to revolt and I was faced with watching my body destroy itself from the inside out OR learning how to ask for and accept help. I needed to S L O W down and find new ways: to move differently, change my mindset and beliefs, and eventually (over many, many years) learn how to listen to and trust my body again. (Read more of my story here).
Over the years, I have invested in working with coaches, therapists and holistic health practitioners to improve my health and overcome many limiting beliefs. I’ve shed long-standing guilt and shame, finally dealing with past trauma and repressed emotions. I’ve struggled with being “not enough” and feeling unworthy. All of this has inspired me to work as a health coach, so others can experience freedom and vividness in their lives too.
Our bodies are miraculous and can heal themselves. Our cells are constantly regenerating. Given time and the right supports — nourishing food, love, compassion, sleep, and more — we can replenish, repair, and renew all aspects of our lives. I believe in miracles and I believe it’s possible to live without constant pain (physical and emotional).
Are you ready to explore options toward living pain-free? Please don’t keep struggling on your own. Join me on a journey to live your best life — a vivid, heart-centered, and pain-free life.
Freedom from pain is possible. I invite you to take the first step today.
Credentials
- Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Health Coaching Certification
- Western Michigan University, BFA, Dance/Choreography
- Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course; Mindful Self-Compassion workshop with Kristin Neff, PhD
- Decades of personal study in multiple movement modalities: Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, etc.
- Lifelong learner of all-things in health, wellness, and personal transformation
- Daughter, sister, wife, friend, and mother of two
- Home “chef” & meal planner
- Daily meditator, active listener, and health advocate
Professional Bio
Melissa Chapman is a certified health coach and marketing strategist, who loves solving complex problems and working deliberately to exceed expectations. Melissa’s career path has journeyed through coaching/teaching, co-directing a professional modern dance company, non-profit work, and marketing. Her personal pursuits include meditation, yoga, environmentalism, local/organic food advocacy, holistic health, and more. As a self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist, Melissa is passionate to help over-stressed, busy professionals find freedom from chronic pain and reclaim the vividness of life.