About Me
Professional certified holistic life coach instructor.
Hello! My name is Jeff and I am based out of Austin, Texas in the United States of America (USA). I just turned 60! It’s a milestone but I feel the best I ever have! I’m a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Thank you for checking out my website! I look forward to connecting with you on this exciting journey of growth, peace, wellness, and spirituality.
I have certifications as a Holistic Life Coach, Hatha/Vinyasa Yoga Instructor, Mindfulness/Meditation Instructor, and Grief Yoga Instructor.
My Life Journey:
I was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I am a Magna Cum Laude Bachelor’s degree graduate from Louisiana Tech University with a focus in Zoology and Psychology. I have a Master’s work in Health Education from Texas State University.
I always wanted to be of service to others. Upon moving to Austin, most of my adult career has been working in Public Health and Social Services at non-profit agencies and state government. The majority of my work life has been helping people, in the fields of HIV/AIDS prevention and services, women’s health and family planning, adolescent health and wellness, early childhood intervention (helping families of children with disabilities), and family/domestic violence services and prevention. I started off my career in direct service for “disadvantaged populations” (10 years), then moved to train health professionals on working with these clients (for 10 years); then in the role of contract management of agencies providing this work (for 8 years).
I’ve been through many challenges in my life, and yoga and meditation helped to center me through those challenges. I’ve been practicing Yoga on a regular basis for 27 years, and Meditation daily for 6 years. I was lucky enough to have the gift that others felt comfortable sharing their problems, and I would listen empathically and without judgment. I decided to utilize these gifts as I move into a new phase in my life.
I have the following certifications:
• Holistic Life Coaching certification through the Foundation for Holistic Life Coaching and mentor Alan Cohen, author of 28 Inspirational books (www.alancohen.com), in March 2022.
• 200-hour Yoga Alliance certified yoga instructor in Hatha/Vinyasa/Yin/ and Restorative Yoga. Completed in May 2018 through Yoga Yoga Studio in Austin
• 30-hour certification course in Mindfulness and Meditation from Dallas Yoga Center in June 2020.
• 100-hour certification in Yoga to Heal from Grief and Loss through Paul Denniston (www.griefyoga.com)
• Event Coordinator and Facilitator of workshops at Lotus Bend Sanctuary (www.lotusbend.net)
• Certified Texas Contract Manager: June 2015-2023
• Spiritual Leader for Celebration of Spirit, a New Thought congregation
Spirit Group Facilitator for Unity Church, 2015-2022
Jeff Wagers
My Story
I have survived many challenges in my life and I take the lessons I have learned and use them to help coach others dealing with similar issues. I am the survivor of domestic violence and abuse as a child; anxiety; homophobia; a devastating car wreck in 1991; a near-death experience in 2003; was diagnosed with a chronic illness in 2003, have gotten laid off from a job (2012), and buried 3 family members in the last 9 years. I have survived, grown, and thrived as a result of all of these experiences. I was the primary caretaker for my mother during her illness and passing in 2013, as well as the executor of her estate. My father passed in 2014. I was the caretaker, and medical and fiscal power of attorney for my younger sister, who had a chronic illness, multiple sclerosis. She passed in 2020 (right at the beginning of the pandemic). I have dealt with the issues of caretaking and a significant amount of grief and loss.
All of this being said, I believe what doesn’t kill you helps you heal, grow, become stronger, and ultimately heal. I would like to help others deal with these issues through motivational speaking, life coaching, workshops, and utilizing meditation, breath, and body movement.
I’m a Spiritual Practitioner of a Course in Miracles, a member of the New Thought and Unity churches/spiritual movements, a Spirit Group Facilitator, a Workshop Presenter and Facilitator, an Inspirational Speaker, and a Public Health Practitioner.
I feel I have a “calling” to do this type of work at this point in my life, and follow a path that incorporates my passion! It’s also time for me to do things that I love; help others heal, and solely focus on myself for the first time in a long time! Namaste!
Personally:
I have many interests. Travel is my favorite thing to do – all of my extra income goes to travel, and I love seeing new places, meeting new people, and learning new cultures. I’ve road-tripped to every state in the United States except two. I’ve been all over North America and two other continents. My goal in the next few years is to travel to the remaining four!
I’m an avid cyclist and hiker. I love photography (especially nature). I enjoy being out in nature; doing yoga; walking; Scuba diving; and skydiving. I love animals and have the pleasure of taking care of a 19-year-old Chiweenie (chihuahua/ dachshund mix), who had been my mother’s dog, and who takes care of me. I love the ocean and the mountains, journaling, writing, playing tennis, and dancing, especially salsa/bachata and country-western. I can’t wait to meet you and start on this journey together!
~Namaste
Vision
To build a community of individuals who are dedicated to self-improvement and self-empowerment, and who share a commitment for personal growth, transformation, and positive change.
Mission
To guide individuals towards a healthier, happier and more holistic life through coaching, yoga, meditation, and training.