Meet the Founder of Althea Academy
Michelle Schwarz, EdD, PhD

Michelle is a Metaphysical Minister of the International Metaphysical Ministry and an IIN Certified Professional Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She has a Bachelor's and Master's in Metaphysical Science from the University of Metaphysics, a Bachelor's of Information Systems and Operations Management from Fairfield University, a Master's in Management from American Military University, an EdD in Education: Curriculum & Instruction: Instructional Design and Technology from Liberty University, and a PhD in Holistic Life Coaching.

She is a retired veteran of the United States Navy and is dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey toward sustainable health and well-being. Her approach blends science-based strategies with holistic wisdom, offering a truly integrative path to transformation. She has transformed her life from being a service-connected disabled veteran into a successful and aligned being with a purpose to help other people to reach their highest versions of themselves, while meeting them where they are at and letting them discover their internal, inherent and divine power.

As a certified 500-hour Meditation teacher, Reiki Master, and a HeartMath® Certified Practitioner, Michelle supports not only physical wellness but also emotional resilience, inner peace, and mind-body balance. She is trained in both NBHWC (National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching) and ICF (International Coaching Federation) coaching frameworks, ensuring her guidance is rooted in globally recognized standards of excellence.

With experience spanning instructional design, coaching, nutrition, mindfulness, energy healing, and personal development, her mission is to guide you in achieving holistic transformation, nurturing harmony between the body, mind, heart, and soul.

Teaching Philosophy:
Self-Determination Theory

As an educator, coach, and lifelong learner, I believe that the most profound and lasting growth occurs when students are empowered to take ownership of their learning journey. My teaching philosophy is rooted in Self-Determination Theory, which emphasizes that human beings thrive when three core psychological needs are met: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

I create learning environments that:
  • Foster Autonomy -  I encourage students to make meaningful choices in their learning process by providing opportunities for them to explore, question, and apply concepts in ways that align with their goals, values, and unique paths. By empowering them to direct their growth, I cultivate intrinsic motivation and a sense of personal responsibility.
  • Develop Competence - Learning flourishes when students feel capable and confident. I design experiences that balance challenge with support, offering clear instruction, constructive feedback, and real-world application. My aim is to help students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the skills and self-belief to apply it effectively in their professional and personal lives.
  • Build Relatedness - True transformation happens in a safe and connected community. I prioritize genuine relationships, active listening, and spirit of collaboration. In every interaction, I strive to create an atmosphere where students feel respected, supported, and inspired to contribute their voices and perspectives.
Through the lens of Self-Determination Theory, teaching becomes more than the transfer of knowledge - it becomes an act of empowerment. My role is to guide, inspire, and equip learners to step into their fullest potential, knowing that they are capable, autonomous, and deeply connected to a greater purpose.

PhD in Holistic Life Coaching:
Transformation through Holistic Life Coaching:
Intuitive and Principal Integration

Holistic Life Coaching is a sacred and transformative partnership that honors the wholeness of every individual. Rooted in metaphysical principles and informed by spiritual psychology, it integrates intuitive guidance with practical tools to support lasting personal and professional transformation.

I believe that coaching is not about "fixing" people - clients are not broken. Transformation is not something we force; it is something we reveal. Through presence, deep listening, and powerful questioning, I help clients dissolve limiting beliefs, integrate shadow aspects of themselves, and realign with their soul's purpose.  

This approach blends universal spiritual wisdom with evidence-based coaching methods such as Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Core Competencies. At its core, Holistic Life Coaching is devotional work; creating a sacred mirror in which clients remember their power, reclaim their voice, and reconnect with the divine consciousness within.  

The journey is one of self-remembering - guiding each person back to the truth that they are already whole, worthy, and capable of creating a life aligned with their highest potential.