AllerCoach™ Spotlight: MaryKate Hughes

AllerCoach™ Spotlight: MaryKate Hughes

AllerCoach Graduate and Founder of FACTS Coach: Food Allergy Consultation, Training & Support

MaryKate Hughes
Facts Coach

What is your professional background?

Education.

Explain how allergies have affected your life or the life of someone close to you.

I am the parent of a child with multiple, life-threatening food allergies. The impact of this on her life and on mine is hard to quantify. We, together, have learned so much about emergency action planning, anaphylaxis, epinephrine, and other types of reactions. We have learned what is in our food and how it is made, and how and what to eat to keep her body safe and healthy. Beyond this, food allergies have helped both of us learn to speak up to advocate for our needs, to know and communicate what will and will not work for us, and to prioritize people and relationships over the importance of any specic food. Food allergies have made us more vulnerable and stronger, all at once.

What motivated you to become an AllerCoach?

I believe we are stronger together. Allergies are on the rise, and the experience and knowledge of how to thrive on a special diet is out there but is not always easy to find. I have a passion for talking with people, teaching new ways of doing things, coaching them through issues and challenges to develop new mindsets, and helping people grow through what they go through. My daughter, who is almost 8, was also very supportive and encouraging. She is eager to share her knowledge and support with the world as well. I am motivated to model for her that our challenges can be our strengths when we share what we know with others to make their journey a bit easier and their load a bit lighter.

What were your key takeaways from the AllerCoach program?

The AllerCoach program taught me so much about the prevalence of food allergies and the huge gap that exists between diagnosis and daily living. The systematic approach to cooking, dining out, travel, and self-care amplified my toolbox and expanded my awareness and empathy for the diversity of special diets in my community and around the world.

How have you implemented what you learned from the AllerCoach program?

I launched my coaching business and blog during Food Allergy Awareness Week this year, and am working with clients to identify needs and goals, and offer services matched to their needs. Many of my clients have specific needs around meal-planning and identifying safe foods, while others access my support to plan for safety at school. Still others are working through challenging symptoms and seeking answers. Regardless of where someone is on their journey, I am honored by the opportunity to coach them through it.

How has the AllerCoach certification helped you personally?

I love writing, teaching, and connecting with people, and this allows me to do all three on a regular basis. It has expanded my knowledge, confidence, and skill set to take my experience, passion and abilities into the world to support others who are dealing with food allergies.

How has the AllerCoach certification helped you professionally?

The Allercoach certification taught me so much about how to start and run a successful coaching business. The step-by-step guidance in addition to opportunities for reflection and inspiration have helped me envision my business but also bring it to fruition. I am grateful for the balance of content knowledge, business-building skills, and practice this program offers.

Please tell us more about your AllerCoach business:

You can find me at www.factscoach.com, on Twitter @factscoach, and on Facebook at FACTS Coach. Please reach out - I would love to hear from you!