About Us
Join us in transforming lives of children, teens and families through the power of health coaching
Our mission is to train and equip professionals with health coaching skills and behavior change techniques that effectively improve the lives of children, teens, and families. We are creating a community of pediatric health coaches dedicated to promoting optimal physical and mental health.
Our Story
The Pediatric Health Coach Academy (PHCA) began with the simple goal to help more families build lasting healthy habits. Over ten years ago, Dr. Thea Runyan and Dr. Arielle Levi worked together at Kurbo Inc., the first digital health company to offer evidence-based, 1:1 health coaching for kids and teens. With Thea’s extensive background in public health and pediatric coaching at Stanford, and Arielle’s expertise in behavior change and coach training, they created a program that reached thousands of families and delivered stronger outcomes than many traditional approaches.
Their work supported families around the world, including clients from Fortune 500 companies, the U.S. Military, and the Singapore Ministry of Health. The success of that personalized, evidence-based coaching model became the foundation for PHCA.
PHCA was created to train health coaches who are ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, teens, and families. The training is grounded in science and real-world experience designed to be flexible, accessible, and truly supportive. Whether participants come from a clinical or health coaching background or are simply passionate about helping families, they leave PHCA equipped with the skills and confidence to create lasting change.
PHCA is the only program approved by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching that meets all national standards while also specializing in how to apply those skills when working with children, teens, and families.
We are proud to be building a more effective, accessible, and family-centered future for health coaching.
The Founders
Thea Runyan, DrPH, MPH, NBHWC
Arielle Levi, PhD, NBHWC, PCC
Dr. Thea Runyan, DrPH, MPH, is the CEO, Co-Founder, and Lead Faculty of PHCA. She is a nationally recognized expert in child and family health with more than 20 years of experience in public health.
As Co-Founder of Kurbo and a Consulting Scientist for the CDC, Thea has led efforts to expand access to family-based programs for childhood obesity treatment. A mom of three daughters, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her teaching, preparing coaches to make a real difference in families’ lives.
Dr. Arielle Levi, PhD, PCC, NBC-HWC, is the Chief Science Officer, Co-Founder, and Lead Faculty of PHCA. She is the lead designer of PHCA’s curriculum and Program Director, with over a decade of experience in pediatric health, wellness coaching, and coach training.
Previously, she trained more than 1,500 coaches at Kurbo and conducted research on the qualities of top-performing pediatric health coaches. A mom of three boys, Arielle blends science, experience, and warmth in the classroom, guiding future health coaches with energy and care.
Meet the Team
Our experienced and passionate team guides every student through the Pediatric Health Coach Academy. With expertise in pediatric health and coaching, they provide mentorship, practical insights, and support to help you gain the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact.
Carol McDermott
Program Manager
Carol brings over 20 years of healthcare experience and a passion for supporting future pediatric health coaches as they develop the skills to make a real difference in children and families’ lives.
Lauren Mbae, MBA NBHWC
Coach Mentor
Lauren combines her expertise in emotional eating, nutrition, and culinary coaching with personal experience to help future pediatric health coaches support children and families in building healthier relationships with food.
Heather Proknal NBHWC, CHC
Coach Mentor
Heather combines her pediatric occupational therapy experience with a passion for making wellness fun, flexible, and sustainable, helping future pediatric health coaches support children and families in building healthy, joyful habits.
Esther Levy,MSc
NBHWC
Coach Mentor
Esther combines over a decade of hands-on experience with children and adults in health, nutrition, and coaching. Her passion for exercise and music therapy shapes her approach, helping future pediatric health coaches guide families toward balanced, joyful wellness.
Bita Arabian, NBHWC
Enrollment Coach
Bita is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach with a background in youth arts, nutrition, and movement. She is dedicated to supporting families’ health, and her passion for creativity, food, and community guides her work, helping future pediatric health coaches feel inspired and supported.
Ann-Marie Monteiro MSCN, CHC
Guest Lecturer
Ann Marie, founder of 3 Whole Plates, is a mom, chef, and Certified Health Coach with an MS in Clinical Nutrition. Her passion for food as medicine guides her work, helping future pediatric health coaches support children and families in building healthy, nourishing habits.
In addition to our core team, we regularly bring in guest lecturers and industry experts to share their insights and experiences.
This collaborative approach gives students exposure to a wide range of perspectives and ensures they have the support and resources needed to thrive throughout the program.