I used to think it was inevitable — that constantly pushing myself (and being pushed) beyond my physical and emotional limits was just part of the job. But as a master's level professional in public health and a certified yoga and fitness instructor, I wasn’t engaging in my own best practice.
My experience has not only inspired but required me to view wellness more holistically. Society often urges us to compartmentalize wellness, framing it as a personal choice. And while there is certainly some truth to that, it is essential to recognize that we cannot ‘self-care’ our way out of toxic environments, employers, or relationships.
I have since redefined wellness as a balance of individual, social, professional, and environmental well-being. To me, it’s an umbrella term — an interconnected system, not a checklist.
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, my work blends public health principles with personal wellness practice, grounded in lived experience. As the founder of Gemma C. McFarland Consulting, I partner with organizations and institutions to design and implement programs, initiatives, and systems that promote well-being and social good.
I have had the privilege of contributing to projects in mental health promotion, case management, victim advocacy, program evaluation, corporate social responsibility, community health, and more.
