Meet Your Health Coaches

Michael Bishop, MSC/CPT

Mike comes to CCM as a 20-year USAF veteran/retiree. During his time in the military, he completed four tours in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and one in support of evacuation efforts in Bosnia. Mike found his love for fitness and Health/Wellness during this time while maintaining an absolute state of military readiness.  He has garnered both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Sports and Health with an emphasis in Coaching Studies and is currently in his 3^rd year of study towards completing his Ph.D. in Performance Psychology. He is also a certified personal trainer and has served as a strength and conditioning coach for numerous military warrior sports events such as the Wounded Warrior Games and training camps. In his spare time, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife of 23 years and kids, golfing, coaching high school football, and glorifying God in both his actions and words.

Laurie Brachna, MS, ACSM-EP

Laurie is a certified Exercise Physiologist and Weight Loss Specialist with a master’s degree in Exercise Science. She began her education and career in the health and wellness field because her true passion is to be able to make a positive, lasting impact on peoples' lives. She believes that each person’s wellness journey is unique and each individual has the ability to accomplish all they have set their minds on. Laurie is very excited to be working as a Health Coach with Christian Care Ministry where she has the opportunity to walk alongside and empower others to pursue a healthy lifestyle and ultimately find their purpose in living a joyful, healthy life for the Kingdom of God. If Laurie is not soaking up the sun at the dog beach with her French Bulldog, you can find her weight lifting in the gym, taking a spin class, or enjoying a new healthy dessert recipe with close friends and family!

Angela Dodson, CCN, RT, CPT, CHWC

Angela is a Wellcoach Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America Certified Personal Trainer. She has a background in Chiropractic Nursing specializing in rehabilitation of sports injuries. She has studied Greek, Systematic Theology, exegesis of Scripture, and Christian Counseling at Reformed Theological Seminary. For more than 30 years, Angela has also studied nutrition and enjoys vegetarian cooking. Her passion is to educate, empower, equip, and encourage growth in Christ through healthy lifestyle choices. Angela has personally coached over 700 Medi-Share members. She enters each life as a foreordained connection of God for the member’s good and God’s glory. She takes each call as a very serious opportunity and a sweet privilege. Angela is an accomplished Martial Arts Instructor, competitor, and qualified for the USA Olympic team in 1988. She is a happily married pastor’s wife and delights in teaching Scripture and singing in the choir. 

Lisa Eliason, MA, CPT, CHWC

Lisa is an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and RRCA/USATF Certified Running Coach. Her educational background includes a BA in Christian Ministry and MA in Coaching and Athletic Administration. She has been in the Health and Wellness field for 15 years, starting first as a youth and collegiate running coach and then working for eight years as Wellness Coordinator at the YMCA in her hometown in Wisconsin. Lisa enjoys working with those new to the pursuit of health and wellness. Her driving passion is to help them to BELIEVE in what is possible and then to reach their greatest potential, experiencing all God has intended for them in body, mind and spirit! Her favorite side interest is continuing to run competitively in road races far and near (which has included a few trips to the Boston Marathon), but she also enjoys hiking, biking, playing the piano and writing Bible study materials that focus on what the Lord continues to teach her daily. She considers her greatest earthly gifts, however, to be her 4 adult children (and the 2 “bonus” in-laws!), and seeing their desire to use their lives and talents for HIS glory.

Wendy Ferguson, CPT, CHWC

Hello, my name is Wendy Ferguson, my husband and I have four adult children. Two of them are married and have given us five grandchildren: Holland, Wakely, Cohen, Seren, and Noelle. We both went to Rhema Bible Training Institute in Tulsa, Ok and now live in sunny Central Florida which allows us to participate in an abundance of outdoor activities.  We love the beach but grew up in the mountains of the Shenandoah Valley. One of my fondest memories was exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway. The time spent hiking vertical mountain trails, or inner tubing down raging rapids, or even snow skiing in frigid temps, have taught me that our Heavenly Father is even more vast then I had imagined, and that He has provided everything we need for Life and Happiness. Learning to respect the blessings that God has provided have made me who I am today. Making health conscience meals packed with fruits and vegetables as solutions to offset fast-food options has created an environment of sustainably healthy living in our family. As a little girl, my mother gave me space for my very own garden, and boy was I proud to eat those vegetables. I’ve worked hard to pass that on to our children and our children’s children. My goal is to help everyone I meet to reach their full potential and become the healthiest person possible body, soul, and spirit.

Daniel George, BS Exercise Science, ACSM-CPT, PPSC

Danny grew up being very active in sports; with five older brothers, there was no shortage of friendly competition either. After excelling in track and field during his high school career Danny decided he wanted to help athletes reach their full potential through human performance.

Over time Danny realized there was a dire need for the general population to know and implement the fundamentals of exercise and nutrition for improved health. He decided to get a bachelor’s degree in exercise science to sharpen his skills and give him a good foundation for coaching.

Now, Danny is committed to serving others by teaching them how to sift through the ever-confusing waters of the health and fitness industry. Danny is a certified personal trainer and pain-free performance specialist who specializes in exercise design and performance. He has a strong desire to help people live a healthy life through a Biblical lens of bodily stewardship.

Katie Kolb, MS, ATC, CHWC

Katie is a Wellcoach Certified Health and Wellness Coach, licensed and certified athletic trainer, and has a master’s in health and human performance. Exercise is an area she is passionate about. In her undergraduate studies, she enjoyed exercise physiology so much that she ended up tutoring other students and later teaching a similar course to non-majors as an adjunct. The science behind how God has designed our bodies to adapt to physical stressors fascinates her! Her husband is a brilliant and respected strength and conditioning coach at West Virginia University so they have captivating dinner conversations! She has personal experience providing healthy meals to everyone from children to powerlifters and everything in between. She is well versed in both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes having many friends and family with each. She loves being outside. Moving to West Virginia, with its abundance of white water, woods, and rock faces, is one of the best things that happened to her family after living in Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Michigan, and North Carolina.

Marisa Laboy, MA, CHWC, CHHS, CHN, ACE-CPT

Marisa has been in the health and wellness field for 10 years. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Arts in Human Services (Counseling): Marriage & Family. She is an AFPA Certified Health & Wellness Coach, AFPA Certified Holistic Health Coach, AFPA Certified Holistic Nutritionist, AADP Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, and holds multiple group fitness certifications.

Marisa loves learning how cooking, nutrition, and fitness can benefit overall well-being. As a trainer and coach, she believes that people feel happier and more fulfilled when they lead a holistically healthy lifestyle. Marisa’s motivation for wellness comes from her desire to see the body of Christ thrive with their health, enjoy their lives, and pursue the passions the Lord has given them.

 Nikki Lansing, BS, CHWC, NASM-CPT

Nikki was born and raised on the sunny east coast of Florida where she has grown to love the outdoors, anything and everything involving water, and sunscreen! Nikki obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietetics & Nutrition from Keiser University and completed her dietetic internship at local hospitals where she enhanced her skills and knowledge in Clinical Nutrition and Public Health Nutrition. 

When Nikki is not researching new health-related topics, she can be found in her kitchen cooking up plant-based recipes, attending workout classes, diving into God’s word, or exploring new places to travel with her husband and family. 

Nikki is extremely passionate about providing individuals the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to prevent or reverse America’s most preventable diseases while providing prayer, accountability, and encouragement.

“I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord.

Jeremiah 30:17 (NLT)

Kristina Matthiesen, MPH 

Kristina completed her Health Coach training program through Emory University and holds a Master’s degree in public health with a concentration in Health Education & Promotion. Helping others make small sustainable steps toward better health is her passion and brings her great happiness.

She was first introduced to nutrition-based lifestyle changes for better health outcomes in 2015 after reading The China Study and has continued to pursue her personal and professional interest in living a healthy lifestyle ever since.

In her spare time, Kristina enjoys participating in R&R (reading & running) any chance she gets. After living across the U.S. and overseas most of her adult life, she now resides in the beautiful Emerald Coast Panhandle of Florida with her family.

Joining the CCM family as a health coach has been an incredible blessing in Kristina’s life. Sharing God’s love with members and supporting them on their health journey is both a privilege and a joy.

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Karen Selby, BA, CPT, CHWC

For three years, Karen was blessed to live on Okinawa, an island known for healthy longevity. Meals were aromatic, colorful, and full of amazing flavors. Meat was included, but vegetables filled most of each bowl or plate. Groups exercised together in front of businesses, at parks, and even on planes. This powered Karen’s drive to learn even more about aging vibrantly.

As a health coach, Karen collaborates with each individual to overcome their unique challenges. She’s enjoyed celebrating with Medi-Share members who have reversed hypertension, lowered cholesterol, and overcome type 2 diabetes through the Health Partnership program. Karen is also excited to share her own health testimony. After years of painful rheumatoid arthritis, she was able to reach remission using the anti-inflammatory approach found in the Health Partnership program.

Karen has completed graduate courses in health behavior, exercise physiology, and reducing the risks of lifestyle diseases. She is currently working toward her MPH with an emphasis on health education and wellness coaching. Karen is certified as a health coach through Wellcoaches® and the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching. She earned her personal trainer certification through the American College of Sports Medicine while in her early fifties. The desire of Karen’s heart is to help people of all ages to achieve optimal health.

Kristy Siddel, CHWC, CPT

Kristy is a Wellcoach Certified Health and Wellness Coach and American Association of Drugless Practitioners Certified Health Coach and an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer. Kristy has long been interested in wellness and has a heart that wants to serve and walk alongside others as they work on their health goals. She believes God designed our bodies to be able to heal and rebalance if it is given what is best. She finds it amazing how our bodies respond to positive lifestyle changes. She enjoys being available to members to give support and encouragement. She is the proud mom of three boys and enjoys birdwatching and kayaking.

Miranda Stewart, NASM CPT

Miranda is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. Her husband is also a Certified Personal Trainer and both share a passion for exercise and nutrition. For more than five years, she lived in another country where locally grown produce was prevalent. This realization prompted her to focus on our food epidemic here in the US. Once, while traveling back home to the States, her doctor said that her labs were the best he ever saw. This was all attributed to limiting processed food and eating locally grown produce. Her father was a bodybuilder so exercise was always a focus growing up. In her personal life, she struggled with weight after having children and lost a total of over 360 pounds combined over the years. She knows what it feels like to try everything for weight loss. Miranda hopes to empower members with the knowledge that food can heal the body and that with Jesus all things are possible. She is a proud mom of 3, loves partaking in full-time ministry, and enjoys strength training at the gym regularly.

Stephani Spangler
Director of Health & Wellness

It's an honor to Serve!

Since 2010, I have been serving at Christian Care Ministry in the Health & Wellness Department, and as the Director since 2019. I have enjoyed more than 30 years of business experience in the wellness field with 16 years as the Marketing Director and a Corporate Trainer for Jenny Craig. I love being able to bring ideas that offer the perspective of business and weight management. I studied Business Communications at Heald Business College. In addition, I am Wellcoach Certified and a Personal Trainer.

Service in Action!

One of my favorite things is collaborating to offer unique health programs by incorporating both research and biblically-based content. I have a passion to inspire others to improved health outcomes that lead to a better quality of life in service to the Kingdom and community.

Jesse Wirges
Manager of Health & Wellness

Promoting Faith & Fitness!

I have had the joy of working at Christian Care Ministry in the Health & Wellness Department since 2018 and the fitness industry as a whole since 2015. I am a NASM certified personal trainer as well as a WellCoach certified health coach with a diverse background of clinical personal training working with post-surgical rehabilitation, geriatric, youth, and general population patients. I obtained bachelor's degrees in Exercise Science and Biblical Theology and am passionate about helping the navigation of nutrition, exercise, and holistic health through the promotion of God-honoring, balanced lifestyles. I lead our team of health coaches as they walk alongside Medi-Share members throughout their health journeys to collaborate in the promotion of Biblical truths and implementation of healthy lifestyle habits.

I have a passion to see the Kingdom of God impacted through bodily stewardship and the discovery of lifestyles that promote health and longevity for His glory.

Megan Moore
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Dedicated to providing the most up-to-date and accurate nutrition advice!

I have been a Registered Dietitian since 2004 and have had the privilege to serve in Christian Care Ministry’s Health & Wellness Department since 2019. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Texas Tech University and completed a dietetic internship at Vanderbilt University. I am a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist as well as a Certified Personal Trainer. My main role is to advise and equip our health coaches with the most up-to-date and evidence-based nutrition information. I am passionate about using my God-given gifts and experience to teach others proper nutrition and help them make it a practical part of their everyday healthy lifestyle.