Summary:
Cindy Battino is the founder and owner of Transformational Healing, and in the past 26 years, she has become a life coach, energy worker, and happiness expert. Cindy began her quest to help others find happiness in the fitness industry as an aerobics instructor, then became a personal trainer. Realizing in her early 30s that she could not seem to find happiness for herself, Cindy embarked on her quest for happiness by spending years in therapy, attending workshops, and reading self-help books. Once she learned how to love herself, she decided to dedicate her energy to leading the way for others with her business Transformational Healing.
The Rundown:
- Introduction to Cindy Battino.
- Healthy boundaries.
- The biggest benefits to therapy.
- Learning to get out of your own way.
- Cindy’s superpowers.
- Self-help recommendations.
Time-Stamped Show Notes:
[01:07] Why people come to Cindy for help.
[04:01] Speaking through the heart.
[04:49] Cindy’s background.
[06:16] Cindy’s quest for happiness.
[08:35] Healthy boundaries.
[09:58] Motivation behind living differently.
[14:52] Learning to get out of your own way.
[15:46] The most crucial improvements in people.
[20:25] Cindy’s superpowers.
[22:33] Self-help recommendations.
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EXPIRES: SUNDAY, NOV 4TH 2018
Life hits all of us unexpectedly. At its worst, it can scar us permanently whether it be physically, emotionally, spiritually, or mentally. This can make the path to recovery feel insurmountable. Especially when it comes to a negative prognosis. Jennifer Cochran, founder and owner of Fitness Design Solutions is here to tell us that your current condition isn’t your destiny. The best thing you can do? Keep moving. Not just mentally, but in all walks of life. The most effective way to get the gears rolling, and overcome willpower, starts with physical activity. Scientifically speaking, numerous studies have proven the positive health effects that result from staying active. Dopamine hits aside, Jennifer can speak to this first hand in her own journey. Following a car accident in 2006 that lead to knee trauma and a bilateral mastectomy in 2016, Jennifer realized one major gap for retention in physical therapy was a mental game. It’s part of why she is so passionate about meeting people where they’re at. If you’ve had nerve damage that sometimes makes it feel like that body part is wet, when it’s otherwise dry. You’re not crazy. She’s felt the same thing in own her knee. Likewise, she experienced the draining up-and-down weekly energy cycles many cancer fighters go through in their own chemo treatments. Fortunately, Jennifer was on her way to becoming a certified Cancer Exercise Specialist prior to her accident. Well before she was diagnosed with cancer herself. This helped her better navigate and understand many obstacles a survivor would need to overcome. Over a decade later, she now specializes in massage therapy, movement therapy, cancer exercise, and coaching. That said, you don’t have to be physically impacted to benefit from Fitness Designs. Jenn is just as excited to help those unsure where to start in their own fitness journey, whether they be stuck in a desk job with limited mobility, or tried going to the gym once, but left overwhelmed. “I want people to walk away [knowing] that wherever you are today [has no bearing on] whatever you want to be like. You can start today from wherever you are.” Jenn’s advice to entrepreneurs: speak your audience’s language. After Jenn’s website was rebuilt to reflect the experiences she had with cancer, she was able to engage her clients on a whole other level. Not only was she someone out to help cancer fighters and survivors, she became a living testimony. And more importantly, someone to relate to. You can learn more about Jenn and Fitness Design Solutions at: 
Anne Beverly
hole grains or no carbs at all? That is the diet question of 2018, in addition to all the other regular healthy snacking tips: eat more veggies, stock up on fats, etc. And while many people put effort into their own diet, even if for vanity’s sake, few people research the origins of their food. Nevermind their pets. Eric Parkhurst, founder/owner of EJ’s Meats and Treats, sought to change all that five years ago. It began as a small operation. Eric had experience smoking his own meat from a local farm, in response to an increase in imported meats from China. Soon after, the treats became a hit. Not just with the neighbors. Even the neighbors’ neighbors couldn’t get enough. Today, EJ’s Meats and Treats can be found in 9 stores. And while the growth and reception has been nothing put positive, what Eric didn’t anticipate was how much he’d learn about his own diet. From bleach-washing chickens, to the regulatory nightmares of “organic” certification, he found there are many food-processing practices people don’t consider when it comes to purchasing food. The one thing holding everyone back? Education. For instance, what many people don’t realize is that “free-range” doesn’t mean outside. Typically, free range is limited to “not caged” but still running around in their own feces. This can lead to increased disease, which requires antibiotics, and subsequently affects the quality of the meat. For this reason, and many others, EJ’s works with farms that have a natural pastured approach. I.e. rather than being caged or kept in a barn, animals live exclusively outside. The primary goal? Sourcing meat through humane and sustainable practices. But, high quality, naturally sourced meat also meant heavy research into packaging and distribution. Ensuring every product made it to store shelves, and beyond. Without preservatives. Considering the effort, some might question whether veganism is a better alternative. The short answer? No. While humans can sustain a vegan diet, according to many vets, dogs on vegan diets experience lower quality of life and die earlier than animals on a balanced diet. The better solution? Sourcing as much of your food from a local farm as possible. And while Eric recognizes this isn’t feasible for everyone, he advises everyone to be wary of the instinct to pick the food that “looks” the best. Appearances can be deceiving. Typically, food that looks identical or perfect, has been processed to appear that way. “Our tagline is good for you, good for your canine. [We want people] to buy something that fits within their conscience.” Eric’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs: Think outside the box. More specifically, approach an aspect of your business from a different industry. Initially fixated on making it into as many pet stores as possible, Eric realized more success selling treats at farms and in farmers markets. To learn more about EJ’s Meats and Treats, and the products and services they offer, visit: 
Not everyone is a fan of a rocky road. And while there’s something to be said about choosing a “flavor” in life, the biggest mistake people make is quitting too soon. Especially in entrepreneurship, just before they taste the sweet success of their labor. Had they asked Pamela Sams, founder and owner of Jackson Sams Wealth Strategies, they would have learned to stay motivated to the end. Their reward? Endless flavors to choose from, and insider knowledge on which ones are best. Pam has always been a go-to person for advice. But, her real specialty is helping women become empowered with their finances. Both current and future. The key [in achieving anything] is not losing sight of your goals. In fact, Pam learned the value of sticking through life’s ups and downs first hand. Shortly after Pam received an undergraduate degree in advertising, the market bounced. As such, she shifted her focus to investment banking and discovered a penchant for math. During this time, she had her two kids back to back. If discipline was her breakfast, follow-through was her dinner. Even so, the prospect of 80-hour weeks between parenting and investment banking was not ideal. And it wasn’t long before Pam became a personal financial advisor with American Express, which would provide the experience she needed to go out on her own. A few years later, Pam’s father passed. And like many women, Pam’s mother needed guidance due to insufficient financial training. It was then Pam realized financial education was abysmal for women everywhere. Itching to do something about it, she vowed to solve this societal issue. A decision that would set the foundation for Jackson Sams Wealth Strategies. The biggest issue holding women back? Education. Pam argues that the earlier women are introduced to the realities of money, the better. “Working with, earning, and managing money, reduces [women’s] fear, makes them more conformable, and builds [their] confidence in making decisions that improve their financial future.” It’s why Pam dedicates as much of her time to hosting workshops and teaching classes on a regular basis. Even if they don’t become her clients, she knows, they’ll walk away empowered. And more importantly, sleep well at night. Pam’s advice when seeking a financial planner? Steer clear of “promises.” In addition to credibility, you want someone you can trust. Not someone that’s going to sell you a plan, or make you choose a “flavor.” A good financial advisor tells you like it is and isn’t afraid to tell you what you need to hear. After all, it’s why you hired them in the first place. To find out more about Pam and the services she offers, visit: 
For new parents, there can be many fears surrounding the changes a child will bring. But, nothing is more terrifying than the first few nights before, during, and after a birth. Especially as a first-time parent. Add varying levels of medical expenses, limited and unpaid time off, and physical recovery for the mother… It’s no wonder parents are over-stressed! And that’s with no complications. Denise Stern, founder/owner of Let Mommy Sleep, experienced all the above in 2009 when her twin girls were born. One year after her son. On top of that, she also experienced birth complications which left her in fragile health. And like many Americans, her husband was not able to take paternity leave. The reality is that most people in the U.S. experience something similar. And yet, ironically, cultural attitudes towards new moms are merciless. The parenting double-standard aside, women come up against controversies at every turn. When, where, why, and how to feed a baby. Stay at home or go to work. Cloth diapers or disposable. Nothing is off limits. Even asking for and receiving help can be viewed as shameful, or exclusive to the wealthy. For Denise, this societal paradigm was unacceptable. Something had to change. And in 2010, within a year after having twins, she founded Let Mommy Sleep. A service dedicated to helping families navigate postpartum by stationing Registered Nurses and Newborn Care Providers in the home. Why RNs and NCPs? With the exception to licensed childcare centers, there is no certification or accreditation for watching a baby. Something Denise encourages every parent to consider when looking for care. It’s one of many reasons Let Mommy Sleep stands apart in the Baby Nurse industry. Every care provider is vaccinated, receives ongoing education, and is trained to stay awake through the night. What’s more, Let Mommy Sleep is the only agency to be awarded a government contract to teach newborn care. In fact, one of Denise’s greatest accomplishments was being invited to the White House to discuss national action on postpartum care. The first goal she hopes to realize in the next handful of years? Getting a 1-2 hour nurse visit within the first week of postpartum covered by insurance. In the meantime, Denise has been far from idle in making this a reality. In 2012, she founded Mission Sleep. A donation-funded, non-profit that provides free baby care for families with a parent who is deployed, wounded, or deceased. Her advice to entrepreneurs starting out: find a numbers person or hire an accountant. “Entrepreneurs have a ready, fire, aim mindset. With a ton of motivation. But at the end of the day, your business is going to live or die on your line items. Not just your excitement.” You can learn more about Denise, Let Mommy Sleep, and their services offered at: 
From taxes to quality of education, society has faced a sea of troubles for more than a century. But unlike one hundred years ago, today we face a sea of coaches. Business coaches, health coaches, holistic coaches, executive coaches, financial coaches, divorce coaches. You name it. Someone somewhere has become an expert in solving a specific problem. The real question is: Who to trust? This couldn’t be more true in the area of self-help, happiness, and personal growth. Luckily for the Northern VA Advice Giver reader, there’s Cindy Battino (BHSP) certified life coach, fitness trainer, Pilates instructor, energy worker and happiness expert. Cindy’s mission and purpose? Helping clients find happiness in their daily lives by teaching life and relationship skills. With this list of credentials, and more, one would think Cindy was born happy. Sadly, this was not the case. Nearly 27 years ago Cindy was living an idyllic version of the American Dream. But, despite the seemingly perfect lifestyle, inside, she was miserable. It was during this time Cindy experienced three epiphanies that changed her life forever. In recognizing she was the common denominator of her misery, Cindy realized she was never taught the skills needed to develop happiness. As such, she embarked on a journey for nearly a decade studying with the best coaches in the world, which included earning her second bachelor’s degree from the Barbara Brennan School of Healing. In 2011, Cindy founded Transformational Healing and has been helping people living a life of quiet desperation find true happiness. On the issue of pursuing results verses pursuing a passion, Cindy argues it’s less about making the “right” choice, and more about understanding the outcomes of each lifestyle. For her, being called to help others was paramount to the lifestyle she lead. But no matter where you’re at, Cindy encourages everyone to ask for help and surround yourself with people to help you succeed. Especially with people that possess knowledge you don’t have. “I think there are wake up calls and lessons we can either choose to learn from or choose not to. I really believe that obstacles in our path are there for a reason. The question is, ‘What’s the reason?’ ‘What are we supposed to learn?’” Outside of being a life coach, a large part of Cindy’s work is with energy, and helping people on their own metaphysical journey. Can anyone learn to work with energy? Yes. Just like any other area of study, developing the skills to do so takes time. Is it required? No. Energy work isn’t for everyone. To the open skeptic, Cindy suggests everyone experiences energy work with a certified expert at least once, to fully understand what’s involved. To learn more about Cindy, her work, her services, and set up a free 30 minute consultation, visit: 
