Dawn Swope, CHHC, AADP

How did you arrive at running this business? What path brought you here?

I have always been concerned with and informed about our food system, however, it wasn’t until I was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer that I became aware of and experienced first hand the power of food as medicine.  This experience gained the attention of my doctors and nurses at Yale.  

It was at this time that I knew I had to share this experience with as many people as I could and decided that the first step was to become certified as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (Holistic Health Coach) with the largest nutrition school, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.  This is my passion, to re-teach my clients and the world what real food is and to remind them that you are what you eat.

What are you known for professionally? What do you have a knack for?

My clients all tell me after each session they are truly happy and feel empowered.   I help overwhelmed individuals, especially busy women create a personalized plan to take manageable steps to make healthy habits.  

What’s the one problem you are best at solving with your clients?

Clients want to make changes but are overwhelmed with how, what, when and where to make these changes.   Let me coach you and together you will achieve optimal health.

What do your ideal clients say about you?

I would never have tried anything that anyone else has recommended but the way to you came across, non-judgemental. I love your approach.  I am always so happy after our session.  You have saved me so much time.  My legs don't ache anymore.

Who have you worked with in the past? And what have you done for them?

I have worked with a diverse age group of men and women, families, and groups.  

Most people just eat. They eat anything they like or that comes in front of them. I show people how food interacts with their body, mind, and health - positively and negatively. Then my client and I unravel their past bad behaviors and help them make the right choices so they feel better, think clearly, and are able to do more than they've ever done before.

What are you most passionate about professionally?

Helping prevent the  world  from sabotaging their health with simple bad decisions such as 100% Whole Wheat.  I stay informed about the latest in health and wellness, food, and diet, in order to empower all.   

What most excites you about your work & the contribution you can make?

Simple changes have a huge impact on health.  Clients can feel a difference right away and that is very motivating.

What are you passionate about personally? 

I want people to advocate for themselves and be informed.  No longer can we entrust our health to anyone but ourselves;  we need to work with our health care professionals and make informed decisions.  This is something that I am passionate about personally and professionally.  

What can’t you stop talking about?

Reading ingredient labels.  As a professional ingredients label reader, I still occasionally am tricked.  Always read the label.  Companies will take the opportunity to save money or make something taste better at the expense of our health.  

Where can we find you when you’re not working?

I love what I do so much that I do not consider it work.  I am always on a quest to stay informed about everything that affects our health and wellness.  This includes environmental issues, toxicity in the home caused by hidden and unhidden chemicals, toxicity in the body hidden or obvious, etc.  

My favorite thing is to cuddle with the dogs on the couch with a book or to spend time with my kids which always involves much laughter.  Together, my children and I train in the Martial Arts.  I have my Black Belt in Kempo Karate, accomplished after my breast cancer.

Each day, working or not, is a celebration of life: live, love, laugh. 

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

With my children and my Italian Greyhounds, Bella and Louie.  I come from a large Italian family and we celebrate together, often.

How long have you been doing what you do?

I have been coaching and presenting various workshops and talks for about two years.

Where did you grow up and why aren’t you there now?

I grew up in East Lyme, Connecticut.  I left for college, beginning at George Washington University in D.C. and graduated from John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio.  After spending 15 years in and around Cleveland I relocated back to Connecticut to raise my family with my family.  

Any nonprofits you love, & why?

I am currently a member of the Lyme-Old Lyme Junior Women's League and have served as Treasurer on the Board of Trustees.  Our organization provides college scholarships and is currently raising funds to replace an outdated playground here in town. 

Any awards or medals, or even medallions? Personal okay, too.

I recently earned my Black Belt in Kempo Karate.  I continue to train in various Martial Arts, striving to learn as much as I can about how to 

What would be impossible for you to give up?

My computer. I am constantly researching for the latest in food, nutrition, health and wellness, to meet the needs of my clients. 

Why would someone not want to work with you?

If they don't want a tough coach.  I hold you accountable and will push you to get closer to your health and wellness goals.

How do you want to be remembered?

As someone who helped others prevent illness to live a longer, healthier, happier life.

Who do you work with?

I work with everyone, primarily women 35 years of age and older who have busy lives.  I also work with those who are interested in doing as much as they can to reduce their risks of illness.