ABOUT ME
My life has been a journey of overcoming challenges, finding joy, and realizing my dreams. I grew up in Paris (France) where I had to deal with dyslexia, abusive teachers, sexual assaults, and the painful loss of my best friend by suicide. Table tennis, travel, and Buddhism helped me heal, grow, and design my dream life. I became a world-class athlete, a successful entrepreneur, and a wellness leader from my rebellious teenage years. I coached world-class athletes, recreational players, and young children. I worked in the metal industry for a few years to supplement my coaching income. As an import-export specialist and sales representative, I traveled through Europe and the United States.
In 1985, I worked for Metalimphy, Inc. as an import-export manager in the United States. Soon after, I met my future husband, our son was born and I returned to teaching tennis and table tennis. My sporting career came to an abrupt end after major physical issues that required surgeries. I was left partially paralyzed in my right leg and worked hard to recover most of my leg abilities. I then decided to go back to school to study two fields: culinary arts and the physical-mental preparation of athletes. I worked in the restaurant industry for a while and became a chef. While working as a chef at Paris Bistro (San Diego), I was invited to host a special healthy lunch for the Miss America Teen Competition. I then decided to work part-time in kitchen schools to understand children's diets in the USA. I deepened my knowledge of sports dietetics and health by taking certification courses. They made me realize the importance of the relationship between good nutrition, fitness, mental wellness, and a healthy lifestyle.
Since my teenage years, I studied Mahayana Buddhism under my root teacher, Master Nguyen Tien, a Vietnamese Zen Master. Over 30 years, I practiced intensively along his side. I then explored Buddhism with other major Masters. The Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh come to mind. Shortly before my root teacher's death, I received his permission to teach Buddhism.
In 2000, I launched my coaching business with the main goal of promoting healthy eating and lifestyle. My professional mission led me to work with the scientific and medical communities, the fitness and sports industries, chefs and culinarians, educational and non-profit organizations, farmers, and religious leaders. I published dozens of healthy eating books and created various educational programs. I coached enterprises and many individuals to embrace a healthy lifestyle. I certified thousands around the world through my Healthy Chef Certification Program. Looking back, I am proud to have inspired healthier approaches in many industries in the United States and abroad. I invite you to check out my work and credentials below.
Coaching is my passion and making a difference in people's lives is truly a joy to me. Helping others is my gratitude, as I have received much kindness throughout my life.
MY MISSION
To promote health, wellness, consciousness, and personal responsibility. To share the path that leads to life improvement while reducing suffering. To ultimately promote love, compassion, serenity, joy, and happiness.
MY CORE VALUES
Love, Respect, Integrity, Responsibility, Service, and Excellence.
St. Vincent de Paul - Mercy House - CareMore Medical Health Care Group - Diabetic Association - Multiple Sclerosis Association/Foundation - Nesta - Spencer Enterprises - Dr. Apostolos Pappas - Dr. Stuart Fisher - Lucho Crisalle, R.D. - James Villepigue, Fitness Guru - Hugo Rivera, Fitness Expert - D. Dunn, Football Professional - McDermott-Will & Emery Law Office - Prudential California Realty - Farmers Insurance -
MLC Solutions - ii Chef International Association -
Ben's Original, Mars Company - French Gourmet -
Food Power, Inc. - Paris Bistro - Century Business College - Coronado Yacht Club - France Organics - Girl Scouts of America - Allstate Insurance Company - Community Senior Services, Inc. - Kid Healthy - Cooking Up Change - Premium Gold Flax/Miller Family - LMDT French Organic Products - Crispa Crepes -
Kum Ng with his Parkinson Disease Book - OCSA - OC High Schools - ACF - Local Colleges - World-Class Athletes - Thousands of Individuals.
The Elles Collective, Network Ambassador, to support and empower French Women Entrepreneurs in the USA and France.
I honor and appreciate the trust and confidence that many have placed in me these past decades, especially when sharing some of their deepest, often difficult, personal issues with me.
Marie-Annick is a professional, knowledgeable, compassionate, and skillful individual who brings undeniable human progress. She is a joy to work with and very supportive. I highly recommend her services. Her inspiring coaching finally made me make the changes I needed in my life. I could not be happier. Thank you, Coach Marie. Annette D.
Marie-Annick provided us with a great in-depth analysis of our business. She was very instrumental in the improvement of our menu, healthier recipes, and customer relationships. She made great business recommendations that proved to be right.
C. Curs, Crispa Crepes Owner.
Coach Marie-Annick, we would like to thank you
for your wonderful presentation that was not only helpful but also amusing. It was a very enjoyable evening, and we can all benefit from your healthy suggestions. Executive Women International, California.
MARIE ANNICK'S AWARDS
2015 to 2024 - Spectrum Award For Excellence in Customer Service for 10 years in a row!
2011 to 2014 - Kid Healthy OC Volunteer Recognition Award
2011 to 2013 - Outstanding Service Award - ACF OC/LA
2012 - Santa Ana Certificate of Recognition - ACF Chef & Child Foundation.
2012 - OC Fair Excellence in Culinary Arts and in Culinary Judging.
2011 - Santa Ana Proclamation for Recognizing Childhood Nutrition and Hunger Day, Malnutrition, and Obesity.
2010 & 2011 - IIChef - Honorary CEO of USA and France - Creation of specific formulation for dietary programs for school cafeterias and colleges.
Marie-Annick Coaching in the Press
I am honored and grateful to be featured
in various media outlets over the last decades.
Thank you for the recognition of my work and your support.
- French & European Table Tennis Champion
- Sports Psychology Certificate - INS FFTT
- Certified Club, State, and National Coach - FFTT
- Certified Club, State, and National Coach - USTTA
- Top-ranked Tennis Player in the United States
- Certified PTR Tennis Coach - USTA Accredited
- Certified Soccer Coach - CYSA
- Commerce & Business Management Certificate - CCI Paris, France.
- Culinary Arts Diploma - Century Business College
- ACF and IACF Accredited World Pastry Training
- Certified Level I, II, and III - Wilton Cake School
- Certified A to Z Guide Wines - Winemaker
- Ecole des Vins de France: Viniculture & Oenology
- Certified WSET - Level 2 Wines and Spirits
- Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist and Coach - Exercise & Nutrition Works
- Studies and Certifications in Fitness Training, Nutrition, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Sports Performance, Sports Hypnosis, Life Coaching, Online Coaching, and Master Health and Wellness Coach - Nesta
- Certified Train The Trainer - Peak Potentials
- Certified for Good Brain, Bad Brain, and Brain Function - University of Birmingham
- Certified Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance - Monash University
- Certified Food as Medicine - Monash University
- Certified Cognitive-Emotional Re-Alignment with Hemispheric Integration - Success Design International
- Trained in physical, mental, and spiritual health through mindfulness, cognitive behavioral modifications and stress relief (similar to CBT and MSBR), science-based nutrition, mindful lifestyle, and multiple relaxation techniques.
*Master Creator and Teacher of The "Healthy Chef Program", a certification syllabus that promotes healthy eating and lifestyle.
*Master Creator and Teacher of the 3D Method, a Buddhist-based practice for the right development of the mind, body, heart, and healthy lifestyle.
- Buddhist Master - Transmitted Mahayana Teachings with more than 40 years of practice. I received the authority to teach from my longtime Teacher, Master Nguyen Tien.
- Master of Buddhism Studies - ULC Modesto Seminary
- Ordained Minister - ULC Modesto Seminary
And let's not forget the lessons learned, the knowledge acquired, and the skills developed through all my life experiences!
Marie-Annick's Credentials.
Copyright © 2024 Marie-Annick Courtier - All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
The ideas and suggestions contained in this website are for educational purposes only.
In no case should it be a substitute for, nor replace, a healthcare professional.
Consult your healthcare professional before starting any new diet.
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