Eswara achieved her certification after completing Mesa’s Health and Wellness Certificate
program in 2023. At the time, she was already a pharmacist with a master’s of science
degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, along with a master’s in business administration
from California State University, Sacramento.
Her journey to wellness coaching began 20 years ago, after she was diagnosed with
breast cancer. Eswara underwent chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries while
raising her 4-year-old daughter. She said the challenging and life-changing experience
fueled her desire to support other women facing similar ordeals.
Though she had always loved helping others, it wasn’t until a friend suggested she get certified as a health and wellness coach that Eswara considered turning that passion into something more.
After extensive research, she discovered the program at San Diego Mesa College, which is approved by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. The one-year program — with tuition for California residents costing approximately $746 — offered the best value with its excellent faculty and fully online format, Eswara said. This mix of live and asynchronous classes made it easy for her to participate, despite living in the Sacramento area.
Eswara said the Mesa College faculty, especially professor Jennifer Davenport, provided practical advice and support to help jumpstart students’ success, even after the program ended. Program director Kelsey Graham was also deeply invested in supporting students, Eswara said, including expanding the program to meet the needs of a diverse student population.
Mesa College now offers two Health and Wellness Coaching tracks: a 19-unit certificate of achievement and a 10-unit certificate of performance. The certificate of performance, which is launching in fall 2024, is for people already working in the health or wellness industries or who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a similar field.
After completing the certificate of achievement program and earning her NBC-HWC certification,
Eswara founded Sierra Cancer Wellness LLC., a health and wellness coaching service
that offers personalized coaching and group workshops to provide holistic support
to women affected by breast cancer.
She is now working with cancer centers in the greater Sacramento area to support patients
and survivors, and was recently appointed to the board of directors at Snowline Health.