I used to think it was inevitable—that constantly pushing myself beyond my physical and emotional limits was just part of the job. But as a master's level professional in public health and human services, and a certified yoga, pilates, and fitness instructor, I wasn’t engaging in my own best practice.
It wasn’t until I reached a breaking point that I realized it didn’t have to be this way. Much of my cyclical burnout stemmed from patterns and behaviors that were well within my control. I began applying the tools I’d gained through my education and years of experience in the public health sphere and fitness industry to develop a more comprehensive understanding of wellness. This journey ultimately led me to launch Gemma C. McFarland Consulting, fueled by a passion for helping others avoid the same pitfalls. While I don’t believe we can 'self-care' our way out of toxic relationships, employers, or situations, my experience with chronic burnout taught me that we can take a holistic approach to defining wellness for ourselves—and that this definition profoundly impacts both our personal and professional lives.
To me, wellness is all-encompassing, integrating our experiences individually, socially, and professionally. My background in fitness, public health, social impact, and human services has not only inspired, but required me to address wellness from a more holistic perspective, recognizing that these dimensions are interconnected.
With dual Master’s degrees in Public Health (MPH) and Sociology (MA) and over a decade of experience across corporate, nonprofit, higher education, healthcare, and fitness sectors, I bring a comprehensive understanding of wellness and organizational health to my work with clients. I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse environments—from academic research and victim advocacy to corporate social responsibility and public health program development.
