Meet Our Coaches

All of our health coaches complete a minimum of 45 hours of training in health coaching techniques. The UCAN health coaches are upper division undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing careers in health fields.

Just like you, they often struggle to manage their studies, work obligations, extra curricular activities and health-supporting self-care patterns. Our health coaches don’t have perfect diets or exercise habits. They can empathize with the stressors of college life and will work with you to help you achieve your health goals.

Health coaches are experts at supporting clients through the behavior change process. Health coaches are not personal trainers and they aren’t dietitians. They provide counseling services to support you in whatever changes you’re interested in making.

Fall 2024 UCAN Health Coaches

Rachel Chazan

Rachel is a student in the MPH Nutrition program at NAU and hopes to become a Registered Dietitian in her future. She is from Anthem, Arizona and in her free time, she loves to cook, go outdoors, and take her dog Noodle on walks. She is very passionate about helping people learn how to listen to their bodies to create an amazing relationship with food and exercise.

Grace Gilmore

Grace is an undergraduate student currently studying Nutrition & Foods with a minor in Health & Wellness Coaching. Although Grace has had a rather unconventional journey to earning her degree, she is proud to share that her own health challenges have further solidified her interest in helping others. Originally from Sedona, Arizona, Grace grew up enjoying the outdoors and still loves to be outside to this day. Outside of UCAN, Grace works at the hospital in town. Ultimately, Grace hopes to foster a wholistic health care environment that promotes listening to and supporting one’s own body cues.

Samantha Soulsby

Samantha is a second year graduate student in the MPH Nutrition program at NAU. She is originally from Phoenix, Arizona. She grew up dancing competitively and still enjoys it along with reading, going on outdoor walks, and cooking in her free time. Her goal is to become a dietitian. She is passionate about helping others learn how to fuel their bodies in a stress-free eating environment. 

Carly Ross

Carly is a senior at NAU studying Nutrition with a minor in Psychology. She is from Orange County California and enjoys spending time at the beach, reading, cooking and hiking. The focus for her as a health coach is to connect with clients and provide a safe and comfortable environment which inspires them to make the lifestyle changes that they want.

Bekah Jaeger

Bekah Jaeger is a senior here at NAU studying Nutrition and Foods. She is from Maricopa, Arizona and enjoys living in Northern Arizona for the hiking, paddle boarding, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities that are available up here. Bekah also enjoys reading, cooking, playing with her two cats, and doing yoga. Bekah plans on pursuing a career as a registered dietitian and looks forward to helping others create a positive relationship with food and achieve their goals.

Sierra Guenther

Sierra is a senior in the Nutrition & Foods Program. She is passionate about intuitive eating and a weight-inclusive approach. She spends her free time trying new recipes, getting outdoors, reading, and making memories with friends. Sierra’s career goal is to become a registered dietitian and live somewhere warm with a beach. Through the UCAN program, she aims to help clients with body image and self love as well as stepping outside of their comfort zone.

UCAN Leadership

Bridget Nolan

UCAN Client Manager

Bridget is a senior majoring in Fitness and Wellness with a minor in Nutrition. She was born and raised in Maple Valley, Washington, and in her free time, she enjoys hiking, running, going to the gym, playing soccer and golf, reading, perfecting her coffee recipes, and spending time with her friends. She is also vice president of her sorority, where she spends time aiding women in reaching their full academic potential. Bridget hopes to inspire individuals to reach their full potential in an attainable way, and gain confidence, all while being gentle and kind to themselves.

Kailey Cooper

UCAN Promotion Manager

Kailey Cooper is currently a senior majoring in Religious Studies and minoring in Health and Wellness Coaching. From Gilbert, Arizona, Kailey is a certified Ashtanga-Vinyasa yoga teacher who loves to hike, play her guitar, and make yummy vegan food. She is passionate in helping clients reach their health and wellness goals through a holistic approach that focuses on all dimensions of well-being. She aims for each client to leave each session feeling proud about themselves and confident in moving forward to reach their goals.

Dawn Clifford, PhD, RD

UCAN Director

Dr. Clifford is a Professor in the Health Sciences Department. She’s a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and author of the book 5-Minute MI: Motivational Interviewing in Nutrition and Health When Time is Short and co-author of the book, Motivational Interviewing in Nutrition and Fitness. Dr. Clifford teaches courses in Nutrition Education and Counseling and Lifecycle Nutrition. She conducts research in non-diet, weight inclusive approaches to health and well-being and behavior change counseling.

Natalie Papini, PhD, MA

UCAN Interim Director

Natalie Papini is an Assistant Professor in the Health Sciences Department. She teaches courses for undergraduates in fitness wellness and graduate students in the interdisciplinary health PhD program. She conducts research in the areas of weight stigma, body image, and self-compassion and previously worked in the health coaching industry.

Nikole Squires

UCAN Assistant Director

Nikole Squires is a lecturer in the department of Health Sciences and doctoral student in the Interdisciplinary Health PhD program at NAU. She conducts research in the areas of intuitive eating, body image, eating disorder recovery, and non-diet, weight-inclusive healthcare and fitness. Nikole is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor (CIEC), Licensed and Certified Athletic Trainer (LAT, ATC), and National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). In her free time, Nikole enjoys listening to podcasts, reading, spending time with friends and family, and going for walks, runs, hikes, and bike rides.

Megan Meyer, MPH, RD

UCAN Assistant Director

Megan Meyer is Lecturer in the Health Sciences Department. She teaches courses on lifecycle nutrition, foodservice management, and culinary courses. Megan holds a culinary degree from Johnson & Whales. Megan’s expertise includes culinary nutrition, pediatric nutrition, eating disorders, and public health and prevention. She worked for 7 years as the campus dietitian for NAU, which included work with projects that focus on addressing food insecurity, the implementation of the Healthier Campus Initiative, and the development of Live Well NAU.