Who is Dee Petersen?

I am a wellness and life coach, nurse, and cancer survivor. My life experience has created in me a passion for and commitment to well-being. I began my work in the healing arts in 1968 upon receiving a BSN Degree from UNC Chapel Hill, and later received a MA Degree in Adult Education from Appalachian State University. I worked for over 37 years as a Registered Nurse and Educator. I have been the coordinator for a community college nursing program, a director of nursing for a local community hospital, the coordinator of a local hospice program and the practice manager for a physician practice.

I have been a cancer survivor since 1991, during which time I became a student of alternative/complimentary approaches to health and wellness. Through my own healing process, I developed a deep awareness of the profound relationship between the body, mind, and spirit in maintaining health and well-being.

I began my coaching for well-being work in 2004, fulfilling a dream that unfolded as a result of my cancer experience and personal journey to wellness. I have completed the “Specialty Training in Wellness Coaching Course” through the Institute for Life Coach Training and am a Certified Wellness Inventory Coach. After working as an independent coach in my own multi-faceted business, Great To Be Alive, since 2004, I have fulfilled on the dream of working in a community with like-minded professionals as an associate with jl. Gould & Associates.

My coaching style involves taking a very individualized approach with the main focus being to empower my clients to create what they want in their lives. My three-step process involves assessment, action and accountability addressed in an environment of acceptance, support, encouragement and celebration. I guarantee results from my coaching which is well-described in this statement from one of my clients:

"For me it’s more than coaching. It’s a partnership.  In one month’s time, Dee assisted me in clarifying and organizing the ‘loose ends’ of my wellness. I’ve really enjoyed the boost of personal empowerment and satisfaction.  My wellness inventory score increased 12% in just one month!" ~ KB, West Jefferson NC

I walk the talk by participating with a coach mentor to assure my own continued personal growth and development.

I am also committed to the well-being of my community. The primary focus of my volunteer work has been in the area of breast health education since 1994 when I joined the Southern Appalachian Leadership Initiative Against Cancer (SALIC) and started the Ashe County Women’s Cancer Support Group. In 1997, I received the Volunteer of the Year Award in Ashe County for my work in this area. Prior to establishing my own business, I was employed as the Project Manager for the Blue Ridge Cancer Coalition, a five-county coalition with the purpose of “saving lives through cancer education and prevention”. I am involved actively in my church. I am a graduate of the Ashe County Leadership Challenge and a member of the local Chamber of Commerce.

I feel that I have transitioned into the 2nd third of my life. The first third involved a traditional nursing career, lots of volunteer work in the areas of cancer and terminal care/hospice, a personal experience with breast cancer in 1991 and work with three network marketing companies that market wellness products. I am a family person and enjoy a wonderful relationship with my husband, Walt, who has been a true blessing in my life, and a great relationship with my son’s family and three grandchildren. I am grateful for the privilege of working out of my home office in the North Carolina mountains. For fun, I enjoy playing with my amazing canines, nature walks in the mountains, rides on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and restful get-a-away weekends at special secluded places.

Contact Dee for more information.