The Journey That Shaped Jessica Gruss as a Board-Certified Health Coach

Jessica Gruss is living proof that even life’s toughest challenges can lead to incredible transformations. After facing life’s greatest challenge—a stage four cancer diagnosis—she emerged not just as a survivor but as a pillar of hope for others. Today, as a Board-Certified Health Coach through the Health Coach Institute’s Pathway Program, powered by ISSA, Jessica is inspiring others to live authentically and write their own growth stories.

Finding Light in the Dark

In 2016, Jessica’s life changed forever. Just nine months after the birth of her daughter, she was diagnosed with stage four cancer and given only four months to live. The odds were staggering, but Jessica knew she wasn’t done yet. "I knew I couldn’t go anywhere—I had things to do," she recalled.

She underwent a grueling 10-hour surgery and endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy. The recovery was long and arduous, but it was during this time that Jessica had a life-altering epiphany. Before even opening her eyes after surgery, she felt a surge of gratitude. "I remember this blackness as I started to wake up, and all I could think was, ‘I’m going to do this the right way this time. I promise,’" she shared. That moment became the catalyst for a new chapter in her life—one defined by purpose and authenticity.

A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything

In 2019, at her husband’s work event, Jessica met a health coach who had completed the Health Coach Institute’s Become a Health and Life Coach (BHLC) program. This encounter planted the seeds of what would become her calling. She was captivated by the coach’s confidence and the idea of empowering others as a profession. For so much of her life, Jessica loved helping her friends talk through complex issues but didn’t know she could make a living out of it.

After discussing the possibility with her husband, Jessica hesitated, worried about the investment. But his encouragement tipped the scales: "If this makes you better for our family, it’s worth every penny." With his support, Jessica enrolled in the Become a Health and Life Coach (BHLC) program, taking her first steps toward a career that would not only change her life but the lives of countless others.

Building a New Future Through Health Coaching

Jessica’s journey through a series of health coaching programs transformed her both personally and professionally, each step preparing her for the next.

BHLC: The Coaching Foundation 

Jessica likened this first program to mastering a cherished family recipe. "The live coaching sessions were electrifying," she said. "Watching others bloom during coaching reinforced how transformative this work is."

Eager to grow further, Jessica pursued additional coaching coursework through HCI and learned to move through self-judgment with compassion. The community she built at HCI in this phase remains central to her life. "The people I met became my tribe," she said. "They inspire me and remind me of the power of connection."

Pathway Program: Elevating the Art

Jessica calls the Pathway Program her "cooking school" for coaching. "It wasn’t just learning recipes—it was about mastering the art of cooking," she explained. "Pathway taught me to tailor coaching to each client, taking everything to the next level." The program provided her with advanced tools and confidence to build a thriving coaching practice.

Throughout her health coach education, Jessica found strength in the health coaching community. "The energy when you’re surrounded by like-minded coaches is uplifting and transcendent," she shared. This network not only supported her growth but also helped her believe in herself as a coach and a leader.

A Mission to Empower

Today, Jessica leads her own coaching business, And Then She Woke, where she specializes in helping individuals and corporate teams recover from burnout. "I help people align their physical, emotional, and mental health to thrive in high-pressure environments," she explained.

Jessica’s coaching is deeply informed by her own experiences. Her compassion and expertise help clients uncover their limiting beliefs and create sustainable change. "It’s about empowering others to see that they don’t have to live stuck or overwhelmed," she said.

Jessica’s story is a living example of the strength of the human spirit and the life-changing power of coaching. Reflecting on her own story, she shared, "I’ve learned that the most important things are love and living your authentic truth. That’s what I came back with after surgery, and it’s what I strive to spread every day."

Are you considering transforming your life to make an impact like Jessica? Explore the Board-Certified Pathway Program and start your journey today!