Meet the Clinical Team: Tanya

Meet Tanya!

Tanya Johnson, RN, BSN, NBC-HWC is a health coach focused on empowering people with chronic conditions to improve their quality of life.

We sat down with Tanya to learn more about her career, passions, goals, and personal favorites.

Did you always know you wanted to be in healthcare?

In some ways, yes. My entire life I was always drawn to caring for people, but I didn’t put it all together until a friend in college asked me why I wasn’t studying nursing. It was an “aha” moment for me and I never looked back.

Why did you decide to become a health coach?

After working in the hospital setting as a registered nurse for many years, I took time off to be home with my two boys while they were young. Around the time I decided to return to work, I discovered health coaching.

I felt so drawn to this new to me way of having a positive impact on the health of others. I was so excited and passionate about the opportunity to partner with people and meet them where they are at, with the ability to focus on fostering the development of the skills, tools, and confidence needed to create a foundation for sustainable changes. Being able to support health and wellness in such an individualized and impactful way felt like a perfect progression and fit for me.

How many years have you been in healthcare?

19

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is forming relationships where I am gifted the opportunity to facilitate and witness individual empowerment and self-discovery, with the realization that they now have the answers.

I love that by working in digital therapeutics, I can reach so many people where they are at and where they are most comfortable, which makes the connection feel that much more authentic, organic, and fruitful.

What is the most common misconception about pain management?

This is only my opinion, however, I would have to say not having a clear understanding of how pain management is more than just about the pain and the importance of the mind/body connection.

It is so important to me to have discussions about how we are so much more than our pain. Stress, support systems/relationships, sleep, how we nourish our bodies and minds, along with addressing how interrelated they all are, all play a part in healing holistically.

Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun?

First and foremost watching my older son play hockey and my younger son play music! I also love anything that involves the ocean and have a hobby of designing and making jewelry, which I don’t do often enough!

Do you have any pets?

We recently got a new kitten from the local shelter. She is 3.5 months and her name is Marlo.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?

Right now my answer would be Portugal because that was going to be my family’s next trip before the pandemic. We need to start planning again 🙂

What’s your favorite way to relax after a long day?

Playing music as I cook. Inevitably everyone ends up singing, dancing, and eating — which is the absolute best trifecta!

What motivates you?

I think most importantly what motivates me is being a positive role model for my boys and anyone I get to coach. Knowing that they witness the things I choose to do and that I’m authentic with not only my words but my actions, intrinsically motivates me to show up for myself, work hard, and find balance.

About Kaia Health
Kaia’s digital therapy app offers 24/7 access to a clinically validated program and access to coaches and PTs to help alleviate back, neck, muscle, or joint pain. Through only a smartphone or tablet, Kaia’s technology guides members through proper exercise and provides real-time feedback on movements as accurately as a physical therapist.