Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Vander Valk.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I spent 18 years working in education, and at my core, I’ve always been passionate about helping people grow. Helping students learn, build confidence, and discover who they were was incredibly meaningful to me. But my path to health coaching was shaped by my own personal journey—especially my struggle with infertility.
That experience changed my relationship with my body and my health. There were seasons of grief, stress, and feeling disconnected from myself. Our lives were scheduled around early morning appointments and hormone injections, and every decision—from whether we could travel to what I would eat—was influenced by our hope of having a baby. I listened to all the advice from doctors, nurses, acupuncturists, and nutritionists, trying to do everything “right.” But in the end, I walked away from that chapter a different person, carrying not only emotional scars but also many unhealthy “health” habits.
It was during my coursework with the Integrative Institute of Nutrition that I began to truly understand health in a more holistic way. I started focusing on small, supportive habits—movement, sleep, stress management—not to control an outcome, but to care for myself. Those changes helped me feel stronger, more grounded, and more like myself again.
That experience changed everything. I realized I wanted to help others navigate their own challenges in a supportive, realistic way. That led me to start Balance to Thrive, where I help people create balance and build sustainable, meaningful health from the inside out.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Infertility was one of the most difficult challenges I’ve faced. It tested me emotionally, physically, and mentally, and there were many moments where I felt stuck and uncertain. But it also taught me resilience and forced me to learn how to truly care for myself.
Professionally, leaving a 18-year career in education to start my own business was both exciting and scary. I was stepping away from something familiar into the unknown. Building a business from the ground up comes with a lot of self-doubt, vulnerability, and patience.
But those challenges shaped me. They gave me empathy, perspective, and a deeper purpose. They’re also what allow me to connect with my clients in a very real way, because I know what it feels like to rebuild and start again.
As you know, we’re big fans of Balance to Thrive. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Balance to Thrive is a Health Coaching business that focuses on health holistically. I work virtually one on one with clients to help them achieve their health goals. We can work on goals related to nutrition, movement/exercise, sleep energy, mindset etc.
I believe what sets Balance to Thrive apart from others is that I am not selling a one size fits all product to clients or quick fixes. The idea is that I get to know who they are, what their goals are, what their barriers are and we work together to figure out how to make healthy changes that are sustainable.
I am proud that my work focusses on the client as an individual. With me you will get. a coach that truly listens and wants to create a plan that works best for the clients life.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was always very shy and reserved. I loved being with my friends, but larger gatherings always made me a little nervous. Swimming was a huge part of my life growing up, from our backyard pool to participating on the swim team. I also really enjoyed reading and baking.
Pricing:
- $360 for 3 months ( 2 sessions a month)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.b2t.life
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diana_b2t/
