Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Colleen Kurtz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Colleen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

The defining moment in my career began with my own health crisis in my 20s. I spent nearly five years navigating severe fatigue, migraines, joint pain, and stomach issues, consulting countless specialists only to receive alarming potential diagnoses—or worse, no answers at all. After being handed an expensive “clean bill of health” that dismissed my suffering, I was left frustrated and unheard. No one thought to examine my diet or explore the deeper connections between my symptoms.

Out of desperation, I took matters into my own hands and made significant changes to how I nourished my body. Within two weeks, I experienced remarkable improvement—something no specialist had been able to offer. That moment was life-changing. It not only transformed my health but also ignited a new passion that altered the trajectory of my career. I returned to school and entered the field of functional nutrition to help others feel seen, heard, and truly supported. The lesson I carry with me? True healing starts with understanding the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. That’s where transformation happens, and it’s what I strive to offer every woman I work with.

Colleen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi! I’m Colleen, a clinical therapist turned functional nutrition practitioner who specializes in helping burnt-out moms in their 30s and 40s overcome chronic fatigue, anxiety, and low mood so they can reclaim their energy and thrive. With over 15 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and more than 5 years practicing functional nutrition, I approach healing holistically, addressing the mind, body, and spirit to create sustainable transformations for my clients.

What sets my work apart is my ability to combine deep clinical knowledge with personalized, actionable strategies. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions or quick fixes. Instead, I dig into the root causes of my clients’ struggles—whether they stem from hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, chronic infections, or the mental load of motherhood—and create customized plans to help them feel like themselves again.

Through one-on-one coaching and my group program, Fatigue to Flourish, I’ve helped countless women reconnect with their bodies, regain their energy, and experience the joy of living fully. What I’m most proud of is the transformation my clients experience—not just physically, but emotionally. Seeing a mom go from barely making it through the day to thriving in her relationships, career, and personal goals is what drives me every day.

The main thing I want people to know about my work is this: you don’t have to live in survival mode. Your body has the capacity to heal, and you deserve to feel vibrant and alive. I’m here to guide you on that journey, one step at a time.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

In my field, empathy and the ability to truly listen are absolutely essential. Working with burnt-out moms who feel unseen and dismissed requires creating a safe space where they feel heard and validated. Beyond training, it’s about building trust and meeting clients where they are, without judgment.

Another key factor is persistence and adaptability. Healing isn’t linear, and every woman’s journey is unique. It takes creativity and determination to identify the root causes of their challenges and tailor solutions that fit their lifestyle. Most importantly, success comes from genuinely caring about each client’s well-being and being invested in their transformation. When you’re deeply committed to seeing someone thrive, that passion shines through, and it inspires both you and your clients to keep going, even when the process feels tough.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that pushing harder and doing more is the only way to solve a problem. As a natural overachiever, I believed that if I wasn’t getting results, I just needed to work harder, try more, and sacrifice rest to make it happen. It wasn’t until I slowed down and prioritized rest, nourishment, and listening to my body’s signals that I started to heal.

Now, I carry this lesson into my work with clients, many of whom also feel like they have to push through their fatigue or stress to “fix” themselves. The truth is, healing often requires doing less, not more—giving your body and mind the space to recover and thrive. Unlearning that “hustle more” mentality has been transformative, both personally and professionally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mindfully-nourished.com
• Instagram: @colleen_mindfullynourished
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindfullyNourish/

Image Credits

Amanda Zabrocki Photography