Welcome, friend! I’m Rachel. 

Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach & Women’s Health Specialist

I know what it’s like to feel exhausted, frustrated, and dismissed when it comes to your health. My own journey through debilitating fatigue, digestive struggles, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune disease led me to where I am today—helping other women reclaim their energy and feel like themselves again.

For over 14 years, I’ve been immersed in the health and wellness industry, starting my career as a personal trainer and fitness coach before shifting my focus to nutrition, hormone health, and functional medicine. I spent seven years running my own personal training business, working with hundreds of women—including brides preparing for their wedding day—to improve their energy, confidence, and well-being. My work was even featured in The Buffalo News and UB Today Magazine.

But three years into my business, I noticed something troubling—some of my clients weren’t seeing the typical results, despite doing everything “right.” That realization sent me down a path of deeper learning. I became a Certified Health Coach and dedicated myself to understanding how food, lifestyle, and metabolic health influence results—and my clients saw incredible transformations.

Until I worked with someone with PCOS.

That client challenged everything I thought I knew. I had always understood that hormone health was complex, but now I saw firsthand how conventional advice often fails women with more intricate imbalances. I needed real answers—answers that went beyond surface-level solutions.

I turned to functional medicine, and as I continued my training, I found myself working alongside Shae Leonard, a leading functional medicine practitioner. That experience lit another fire inside me. I knew my purpose: to become the practitioner I WISH I had when I was struggling.

Now, as a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, I specialize in women’s health, functional nutrition, and hormone optimization. With advanced training in hormone health, functional blood chemistry, and nutrition, I help women who are tired of quick fixes and one-size-fits-all advice. Through my work at Shae Leonard Wellness, I support ambitious women in restoring balance, improving gut and hormone health, and finally feeling in control of their well-being.

But beyond my credentials, I’m just like you—a woman who values faith, family, health, and making the most of life.

I launched this blog to share resources that will help you build resilient health—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about getting to know your body and giving it the support it needs to thrive.

I’m so glad you’re here.

Want to know more about me?

I live in Buffalo, NY, with my husband, Darren, and our sweet fur babies, Leo (Leonidas the Ninja Warrior King) and Xander (Alexander the Great, Conqueror of All Obstacles). Yes, we’re an American Ninja Warrior family! We own The Warrior Factory Buffalo—a ninja gym dedicated to helping others build strength and confidence through obstacles. Our mission? To put the FUN back into fitness.

When I’m not coaching clients, you’ll find me walking my dogs, spending time outdoors, experimenting with organic skincare formulations in my kitchen, or connecting with like-minded women in the Buffalo community. I love creating aromatherapy and skincare products that support both inner and outer well-being—because just like food, what we put on our skin matters.

Let’s connect! Say hi on Instagram @rachelsunley—I’d love to hear from you!

my story

Why I Became A Health Coach

For years, I struggled with debilitating fatigue, painful, irregular cycles, mood swings, digestive distress, hair loss, and acne. No matter how many doctors I saw, the answer was always the same—birth control, antacids, laxatives. Quick fixes that never addressed the real problem.

Then one morning, at 23 years old, I couldn’t lift myself out of bed. My body had reached its breaking point. After multiple specialists and countless tests, I was diagnosed with Raynaud’s Syndrome and an autoimmune condition (UCTD). My options? Rely on medication indefinitely or search for a deeper answer.

I chose the latter.

Everything changed when I started working with a health coach who introduced me to a root-cause approach. Within weeks, my digestion improved, my energy returned, and for the first time in years, I felt like myself again. Within a year, I was symptom-free.

That experience changed not only my health but my entire career path. I became deeply committed to understanding how and why these chronic health struggles happen—especially in women who are told their symptoms are “just stress” or that “their labs are normal.”

I’ve faced my own ups and downs since, including breast implant illness, but one thing remains clear: our bodies are not broken—they are brilliant. Symptoms aren’t the problem; they’re signals. And when we listen, decode, and address what’s beneath the surface, healing is possible.

Now, my mission is to help other women do the same—to reclaim their energy, balance their hormones, and feel truly well—without the confusion and frustration of trying to figure it out alone.

WORK WITH ME

my training

Education & Certifications

  • Master of Public Health (MPH), Concentration in Health Behavior – University at Buffalo
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Buffalo State University
  • Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach – Institute for Integrative Nutrition
  • Certified Holistic Nutritionist – American Fitness Professionals & Associates
  • Certified Personal Trainer & Behavior Change Specialist – National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

Advanced Training in Functional Medicine & Nutrition

  • Master of Science in Human Nutrition – University of Bridgeport (In Training)
  • Applied Functional Medicine Certified (AFMC) Practitioner – School of Applied Functional Medicine (In Training) 
  • Mastering Blood Chemistry with Emily Morrow (MBCE)
  • Hormone Health Course – Institute for Integrative Nutrition 
  • Talking Toxins – Lara Adler
  • Mold Detox Diet – Dr. Clayton & Dr. Christensen

take the next step…

Your body is always communicating with you. If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or out of balance, it’s time to stop guessing and start getting real answers. You don’t have to do this alone.

Learn How We Can Work Together

Personalized wellness support, backed by a root-cause approach. If you’re struggling with fatigue, gut issues, hormone imbalances, or cycle concerns, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Through my work with Shae Leonard Wellness, I support women in getting to the root of their symptoms and creating a science-backed, sustainable plan that works with their bodies—not against them. Let’s find the best next step for you.

WORK WITH ME

Book A Free Health Strategy Call

Not sure where to start? Let’s talk. This 20-minute strategy call is designed to help you get clarity on your health goals and explore whether a root-cause approach is right for you. Schedule your free call today and take the first step toward feeling your best.

BOOK A CALL