Michelle Schwarz, Ed.D., Ph.D.
Founder & CEO of Althea Academy LLC
"You don't need permission to evolve. Sometimes growth means choosing yourself in ways your past self never could.
You are allowed to change your mindset, your habits, your standards, your circle, your goals, and your entire direction in life.
The person you become in private eventually changes everything.
The quiet choices.
The unseen healing.
The boundaries no one claps for.
The standards you raise when nobody is watching.
First, your mind changes.
Then your energy.
Then your entire life follows.
So, go ahead.
Take up space.
Be the main character in your own life.
You were never meant to be a background character in your own story.
Be that person you came here to be.
Becoming is not about
changing who you are.
It's about revealing who you
were always meant to be."
-Dr. Michelle Schwarz
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Curriculum & Instruction:
Instructional Design & Technology
Liberty University
I hold a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) in Instructional Technology, a field dedicated to designing meaningful, research-informed learning experiences that empower learners to succeed. My work sits at the intersection of pedagogy, innovation, and strategy - where learning science meets practical application.
With advanced expertise in instructional design, curriculum development, and educational technology integration, I create learning environments that are engaging, learner-centered, and results-driven. My doctoral training equipped me not only with deep theoretical knowledge but with the ability to translate research into an actionable curriculum that improves performance, strengthens engagement, and supports measurable growth.
As a curriculum developer, I design with intentionality. Every objective, activity, assessment, and technology choice aligns with clear outcomes. I understand how adults and diverse learners process information, build competence, and sustain motivation. My approach integrates evidence-based frameworks, such as learner-centered design, assessment alignment, and motivational theory, to ensure that learning is rigorous and relevant.
As a teacher, I foster environments where learners feel supported, challenged, and inspired. I believe effective instruction balances clarity with curiosity, structure with autonomy, and high standards with encouragement. My goal is not only to deliver content but to cultivate critical thinking, confidence, and lifelong learning.
Ultimately, my doctorate in Instructional Technology enables me to bridge theory and practice - designing curriculum that is innovative, inclusive, impactful, and meaningful while facilitating learning experiences that truly transform.
Doctoral Candidate '26
Theocentric Psychology (PsyThD)
University of Sedona
I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Theocentric Psychology (PsyThD), a specialized doctoral degree focused on the study of human consciousness, spiritual growth, and psychological transformation through a God-centered perspective.
Theocentric Psychology is founded on the principle that God's Presence is the central reality within every individual and that genuine healing, growth, wisdom, and fulfillment arise from developing a deeper awareness of and relationship with the Divine. Unlike conventional psychological approaches that focus primarily on behavior, cognition, or emotion, Theocentric Psychology explores the interconnected relationship between God, mind, soul, and human experience.
My studies examine how spiritual principles, meditation, prayer, intuitive guidance, and higher consciousness can contribute to emotional well-being, personal development, inner peace, and purposeful living. Through extensive coursework, research, and doctoral dissertation work, I am exploring how individuals can more fully align with God's Presence and purpose in their lives while overcoming personal challenges, limiting beliefs, and obstacles to growth.
A central focus of this work is the understanding that true transformation begins within. By cultivating a conscious relationship with God and learning to recognize Divine guidance, individuals can develop greater clarity, resilience, self-understanding, compassion, and spiritual maturity. This approach seeks to integrate psychological insight with spiritual wisdom, creating a holistic framework for understanding the human experience.
My long-term goal is to offer spiritual counseling as a Metaphysical Minister, providing a supportive and compassionate space for individuals seeking spiritual growth, healing, guidance, and a deeper connection with God. Drawing upon the principles of Theocentric Psychology, I intend to help individuals navigate life's challenges, discover greater meaning and purpose, strengthen their faith, and develop a more conscious awareness of God's Presence in their daily lives.
Through my doctoral studies and ministerial calling, I am committed to serving others through spiritually centered counseling, guidance, teaching, and mentorship. My mission is to help individuals experience greater peace, clarity, personal transformation, and spiritual fulfillment, while encouraging them to realize the Divine potential within every person.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Holistic Life Coaching
University of Sedona
As a Doctor of Philosophy specializing in Holistic Life Coaching, I bring a unique integration of academic research, professional training, and heart-centered practice to every client I serve. My doctoral dissertation from the University of Sedona, Transformative Effects of Holistic Life Coaching on Personal and Professional Development, explored how coaching that addresses the whole person—mind, body, spirit, and environment—creates deeper, lasting change than approaches that only focus on one area of life.
Unlike many coaches who specialize narrowly in one niche, my holistic perspective allows me to guide people from diverse walks of life. Whether you are seeking clarity in your career, healing in relationships, improved health and vitality, or greater spiritual alignment, I help you uncover the root patterns that hold you back and empower you to step into your fullest potential.
My various Health & Wellness and Life Coaching training from various teachers combines rigorous professional standards, evidence-based methods, and transformative tools with intuitive, compassionate guidance:
- International Coaching Federation (ICF) - The Confidence in Coaching training that I participated in ensures my practice meets the highest global standards of ethics, skills, and professionalism.
- National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBH-WC) - The Institute for Integrative Nutrition Certified Professional Health Coaching training equips me with science-backed strategies to help clients achieve sustainable behavior change in health and lifestyle.
- Certified HeartMath® Practitioner™ - This heart-brain coherence training allows me to teach techniques that regulate stress, increase resilience, and create heart-brain coherence, tools that clients can use immediately to shift their emotional and physiological state.
- Professional Life Coaching Diploma - This training from Light University equips me to be a servant leader to actively develop and guide others in areas of personal and organizational fulfillment toward successful lives.
- Certified 500-Hour Meditation Teacher - This training deepens my ability to guide clients in mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation practices that restore balance, clarity, and inner peace.
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) - This technique provides me with powerful strategies for reframing thoughts, language, and behavior patterns to accelerate personal growth.
- Shadow Work Facilitation - This deep work enables me to help my clients integrate hidden or suppressed parts of themselves, turning inner blocks into sources of strength and authenticity.
- Motivational Interviewing - This technique gives me with evidence-based conversational tools to help clients uncover intrinsic motivation and take empowered, lasting action.
What makes working with me different is the holistic lens I bring. I do not see you as a problem to be fixed, but as a whole person with untapped wisdom and potential. Together, we bring the practical and the spiritual, the scientific and the intuitive, to create transformation that touches every dimension of your life.
If you are ready to discover not just what you do, but who you are meant to become, I will walk beside you as a guide, a mentor, and a partner in your transformation.
Certified HeartMath® Practitioner
HeartMath Institute
I am a Certified HeartMath® Practitioner through HeartMath Institute, with advanced clinical training in stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation.
My certifications include:
Clinical Certification for Stress, Anxiety, & Self-Regulation
HeartMath Interventions Program
The Resilient Heart Certification
Trauma-Sensitive HeartMath Certification
What is HeartMath?
HeartMath is a research-based system that bridges physiology, neuroscience, and emotional regulation. It focuses on the connections among the heart, brain, and nervous system and teaches practical techniques to create measurable shifts in emotional state and stress response.
Unlike purely cognitive approaches, HeartMath works directly with:
Heart rate variability (HRV)
Autonomic nervous system balance
Emotional coherence
Real-time stress regulation
It provides tools that are simple, practical, and physiologically grounded, not abstract theory.
How does this strengthen my coaching and teaching?
- Evidence-Based Nervous System Regulation - My work is not based on trend-based nervous system language. It is grounded in Clinical stress science, measurable physiological regulation, and structured interventions. This allows me to teach emotional self-regulation in a practical, embodied, and repeatable way.
- Immediate Tools - Not Just Insight - Insight alone does not calm the body. Through HeartMath training, I guide clients in techniques that reduce anxiety in the moment, stabilize emotional overwhelm, increase clarity under pressure, and restore internal coherence. High-achieving women do not just need understanding - they need tools that work in real life.
- Trauma-Sensitive Approach - With HeartMath certification, I approach regulation work with awareness of the nervous system thresholds, emotional safety, gradual stabilization, and avoiding reactivation. This ensures that the work remains empowering rather than overwhelming.
- Resilience Under Pressure - The Resilient Heart framework directly supports sustained leadership capacity, emotional steadiness in high-responsibility roles, decision-making without depletion, and regulation without suppressing ambition. This aligns deeply with my focus on high-capacity women who want sustainability - not withdrawal from responsibility.
What makes this different?
Many coaches speak about nervous system healing. Few are trained in structured, research-informed regulation systems with clinical applications.
This means our work together is:
- Grounded in science
- Structured and measurable
- Safe for complex emotional systems
- Designed for real-world application
- Physiologically informed
- Psychologically aware
- Designed for sustainable high capacity
Metaphysical Practitioner
Ordained Metaphysical Minister
International Metaphysical Ministry
Master of Metaphysical Science (M.Msc.)
University of Metaphysics
In addition to my work as a coach and teacher, I am a Metaphysical Minister and hold a Master's Degree in Metaphysical Science from the University of Metaphysics. I am also a dedicated practitioner of metaphysics in my personal and professional life.
What is Metaphysics?
Metaphysics is the study of the nature of reality, consciousness, identity, and the unseen principles that shape our lived experience. It explores the relationship between mind and matter, thought and manifestation, emotional patterns and lived outcomes, and spiritual law and human behavior.
At its core, metaphysics asks: "How does inner consciousness shape outer experience?"
It integrates philosophy, spiritual psychology, universal law, and the development of higher awareness.
Rather than focusing only on external change, metaphysics addresses transformation at the level of identity, belief, and consciousness.
How this shapes my coaching and teaching:
- Root-Cause Orientation - I do not work only at the surface level of habits or behaviors. I explore the underlying identity patterns, subconscious belief structures, and emotional conditioning that drive burnout and over-functioning.
- Consciousness-Based Transformation - Rather than "fixing" you, I examine how your internal narratives, energetic patterns, and self-concept shape your external life. Sustainable change happens when consciousness shifts, not when you simply try harder.
- Integration of Spiritual & Psychological Principles - My work bridges emotional regulation, nervous system awareness, and spiritual awareness. This allows for transformation that is grounded, embodied, and practical, not abstract or performative.
- Non-Dogmatic, Applied Practice - As a practitioner of metaphysics, I apply these principles in lived experience, not just academically. My approach is not about belief systems or religion; it is about cultivating awareness, responsibility, and alignment between the inner and outer life.
What this means for you?
If you work with me, you are not entering a motivational container.
You are entering a structured space where:
Identity patterns are examined
Emotional burnout is understood at its energetic and psychological roots
Self-leadership is developed from the inside out
Sustainable ambition replaces self-abandonment
My metaphysical training deepens the lens through which I see burnout - not as failure, but as a signal of misalignment between identity, consciousness, and lived reality.
This allows our work together to move beyond coping...
and into recalibration at the level of self.
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.
