ABOUT
Meet Your Coach
Hi, I am Dana. I used to be afraid of an apple.
I’m a Registered Nurse with more than 25 years in women’s health, and I know the sugar monster personally. For years I cut out sugar and carbs completely, and my cravings only got louder.
2013: I was baking 10-pound pans of Reese’s peanut butter bars from Pinterest, but soon found paleo and a health coaching certification.
The keto years: I banned everything from Oreos to apples. My kids were sneaking pizza night behind my back.
2016: One of my highest weights, while doing keto, fasting, and sometimes two workouts a day.
2017: A coach added carbs back, and fear pulled me right back to keto.
2022: I brought carbs back for good. I’m about 15 pounds lighter than my keto days and have maintained it through my own menopause transition, with chips, chocolate, and ice cream still in my kitchen.
At 50: An ADHD diagnosis helped me see that the cycles I blamed on willpower needed better systems.
I didn’t get healthy by becoming someone I’m not. I still love chocolate. I learned to work with my body instead of punishing it, and that’s what I teach every woman I coach.
Life at home: I’ve been married to Matt for 28 years and a mom for 25 years to Emily, Ethan, and Ella. (I always wondered why people give their kids the same first letter, and now I’ve done it too!) Our family grew in 2022 when Emily married Sedric, and in 2025 I became a grandma to Brooks Oliver. Luna, our 4-year-old goldendoodle, makes sure empty nesting is never quiet.
My Professional Journey
Registered Nurse in Women’s Health since 2001
Graduated from South Dakota State University (Go Jacks!) in 1998 with a BSN
Began my career in pediatrics but soon realized shift work wasn’t for me
In 2014, I began exploring new ways to improve health outside of mainstream medicine. This journey led me to certifications and expertise in holistic health, functional nutrition, and coaching
Certifications & Training
Certified Health Coach (Institute for Integrative Nutrition)
ACE Personal Trainer Training
Passed the NBHWC National Board Exam for Health and Wellness Coaches
Graduate of Andrea Nakayama’s Functional Nutrition Alliance program, focusing on the human body’s unique history and culture
Additional specialties in Menopause Coaching, Mindset Coaching, and Moderation Nutrition
How I Can Help
My mission is to help women over 40 break the restrictive diet cycle so they can lose weight, quiet sugar cravings, protect their metabolic health, and trust themselves around food again. Through RN-led guidance, balanced nutrition, and compassionate accountability, I help them bring the carbs back, build routines they can continue, and keep caring for their health when life is full, without guilt and with no more diet restarts.
I understand the struggles you might be facing:
Stubborn fat loss
Hunger and cravings that won’t subside
Stress and sleepless nights
Gut health issues, fatigue, or joint pain
Through personalized coaching, I’ll help you:
Build a roadmap tailored to your body, lifestyle, and goals
Understand and embrace mindful eating, moderation, and daily commitments
Transition smoothly through perimenopause or menopause with the tools and strategies you need
Let’s Work Together
When was the last time someone truly listened to your health story? Curious how coaching can help you finally lose weight during your menopause transition and beyond?
Apply below, and we can see if Diet Different™ weight loss coaching is a good fit for you! This time of life should feel like magic, not a hot mess!
