Interview with Ashley Riesenberger, a Longevity Coach 

A few years ago, I had the privilege of becoming acquainted with Ashley Riesenberger while we attended the same church. Even then, she was a natural leader, especially in music. She often led congregational singing as a chorister or shared special music, blessing us with the Lord's gift of her beautiful soprano voice. 

 

In addition to music, Ashley was also actively engaged in health ministry. As time went on, I learned that we had a mutual interest in health and wellness coaching and were even in the process of training and practicing these newly acquired skills. Today, Ashley continues to lead in a coaching chorus of active listening, engaging questions, and motivational interviewing to inspire lasting change in others. 

 

Tell me about your journey in becoming a health coach. What motivated you to become a health coach? 

I didn't set out to pursue health and wellness coaching—it was something that unfolded along my journey. My academic path began in music. Before college, I experienced a personal conversion that reshaped my life. I was deeply moved by the Adventist health message, especially the principles of NEW START, and I began to see just how transformative they could be. 

 

Earlier in life, I had been immersed in the performing arts. While it seemed exciting at the time, the lifestyle often left me feeling unbalanced—late nights, indulgent food, and a rhythm that wasn't sustainable. As I embraced NEW START principles, everything began to change. My health, energy, and outlook improved, and I found myself wondering: How can I turn this into a ministry? 

 

In my very first semester of college, I switched my major from music to pre-med. My interest in nutrition and medicine led me to shadow professionals in those fields, eager to learn more. I started out at community college, but through God's providence, I received a full tuition scholarship to Arizona State University. There, I graduated with honors, completing dual bachelor's degrees and a certificate in health and wellness coaching. 

 

While studying, I also worked as a student success coach. Though the role wasn't directly health-focused, it gave me valuable one-on-one experience where I could practice the very skills I was learning—listening mindfully, asking thoughtful questions, and guiding others toward their goals. 

 

Tell me what kind of training and/or certification you have. 

I hold a certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching from Arizona State University, approved by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. I earned dual bachelor's degrees in Health Science and Nutrition (Dietetics). In addition, I am a certified Lifestyle Coach through the National Diabetes Prevention Program. 

 

 

What influenced you to acquire them? 

Back in community college, I stepped into the role of a peer mentor—and it quickly became one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. I loved sitting down with students one-on-one, listening to their struggles, helping them solve problems, and dreaming together about what their future could look like. It wasn't just about academics—it was about envisioning possibilities and creating a plan to get there. 

 

Later, at Arizona State University, I worked as a student success coach. Once again, I found myself engaging in those meaningful conversations, guiding students as they navigated challenges and discovered their strengths. What struck me most was how naturally this connected with ministry. 

 

What is your current coaching specialty? 

Currently, my focus is longevity coaching. I have merged [my] ministry interests with my husband's. We developed a coaching framework we call ETERNAL LIFE—a model rooted in God's Word and built around the theme of longevity. Each letter speaks to a vital area of life that affects our overall health. Proverbs 3:1–2 captures it well, [which says] God doesn't want to merely add years to our life, He wants to add life to our years. 

 

What other specialties have you coached in? 

My coaching journey began with peer mentoring and success coaching in college. I have also provided diabetes prevention and management coaching services.  

 

How long have you been a health coach? 

I've been coaching for nine years now. Six years ago, I completed my formal certification, which deepened my skills and granted me credentials.  

 

What surprised you about health coaching? 

What surprised me most about health coaching was just how practical it is in everyday life. I expected to learn skills for helping others, but I didn't realize how much it would transform my own communication. So often in daily routines, we rush, interrupt, or assume we already know what someone means. Coaching taught me something different. Truly listening, showing empathy, being comfortable with silence, and giving people space to think and reflect are all areas of communication we could improve in to be more empathetic and Christ-like. Those simple but profound skills haven't just shaped the way I coach—they've enriched every area of my life! 

 

What are you hoping to accomplish in your coaching career? 

What I hope to accomplish through coaching goes far beyond helping people eat better or manage stress. My deepest desire is to weave eternity into every conversation, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the process. Physical health matters, but it's not the final finish line. What good is it to live longer on earth if we miss out on everlasting life with Christ? I don't want people to settle for being "healthy sinners." My prayer is that coaching will become a doorway to something greater: hearts awakened to Christ's love, lives aligned with His design, and more souls accepting the invitation to join His kingdom. 

 

What do you know now that you wish you knew early in your coaching career? 

Looking back, I wish I had understood more about the business side of coaching when I first started. Coaching itself came naturally—I loved the conversations, the problem-solving, and seeing people grow. But launching a coaching business/ministry is more than just coaching. There are administrative details, confidentiality and legal issues, and so much to learn about technology, websites, and building a platform. I've come to see that running a coaching business requires just as much intentionality as the coaching itself, and I wish I had been given more direction in this area early on. 

 

What are some things you enjoy as a health coach? 

One of the things I enjoy most as a health coach is the privilege of coming alongside someone, encouraging them, and helping them see what's possible. I love being a connector, pulling together resources, and fitting the puzzle pieces of a person's wellness journey into a clearer picture. Problem-solving together, looking at the different parts of someone's life, and exploring practical solutions never gets old. 

 

What are some challenges of being a health coach? 

One of the challenges I face as a health coach is working with individuals who have more complex medical situations—things like multiple medications or conditions that go beyond a typical coaching conversation. It can be tricky to know who to refer to, how to navigate those gray areas, and still provide meaningful support. But I've come to see those challenges as a blessing. They stretch me, push me to keep learning, and ultimately expand my ability to help more people in a safe and effective way.  

 

How have you used coaching in ministry or how could you use coaching in ministry? 

I've had the privilege of using coaching in ministry through volunteering at health fairs and free community events. These settings are full of people who need encouragement, a listening ear, and greater confidence to take the next step in their health journey. Sometimes it's offering a word of hope, other times it's praying with someone right there on the spot. 

 

What are three things you would like to share with potential health coaches? 

•  Keep your focus eternal.  Matthew 6:33 reminds us [to] "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Coaching is never just about the here and now. God cares about health and abundant life, but He cares even more about eternal life. Always remember—you are working for Him, and He is your true Employer. Invite His blessing into every step. 

• Let prayer guide every conversation. Never be afraid to pause and pray before a session, whether privately or with the person you are coaching. We don't prescribe or act as the expert—we walk alongside, listening and guiding. The Holy Spirit is the true Counselor, and He can bring the right question, thought, or encouragement to mind in the very moment it's needed. 

• Don't limit what God can do through coaching. It's easy to box coaching into what we think it should look like, but God has far bigger plans. If you surrender your agenda and let Him "take the wheel," He can open doors and opportunities you never imagined. Coaching becomes not just a career, but a calling—one that He can use to change lives for eternity.