Healing Spaces: Wellness Support for LA Wildfire Relief

Coaching is mostly listening and helping people feel seen, heard, and understood. In times of crisis, that can be the most powerful gift we offer.” — Shelby Garay, M.Ed., NBC-HWC, FMCHC

In this episode of CoachConnect, Dr. Diego Salinas is joined by Shelby Garay, Senior Manager of Coaching at Headspace, and Erinn Chang, executive coach and holistic wellness expert.

They share the story behind Healing Spaces. It’s a grassroots initiative that offers coaching and therapy to those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles.

Shelby and Erinn explain how the project started. They talk about how it grew through collaboration between Headspace, NYU, Vibly, and local volunteers. They also highlight how the Vibly platform made it easy for providers and clients to connect.

This episode explores how coaching helps people in crisis. It also shows how coaching supports recovery and long-term healing. The conversation goes beyond crisis care. It looks at how coaching helps anyone facing change, uncertainty, or caregiving challenges.

Whether you’re a coach, therapist, first responder, or someone curious about coaching, this episode offers inspiration and action. It shows how listening and connection can be powerful tools for healing.

This episode is perfect for:

– Coaches looking to offer pro bono services

– Therapists and mental health providers interested in teamwork with coaches

– First responders and caregivers needing support

– Residents of Los Angeles affected by the 2024 wildfires

– Organizations and nonprofits exploring mental health partnerships

Shelby Garay, M.Ed., NBC-HWC, FMCHC – Senior Manager Coach, Headspace Training Institute

Shelby Garay is a nationally board-certified health and wellness coach and functional medicine health coach, currently serving as a Senior Manager Coach at Headspace Training Institute. She leads the Mental Health Coach Training Program at the Headspace Training Institute, an NBHWC-approved program that prepares coaches to support mental well-being in a clinical and community context.

Shelby’s work integrates health coaching, social justice, and systems-level thinking. She has spearheaded several DEIB initiatives within Headspace and developed innovative re-entry career pathways for justice-impacted individuals. With a master’s in higher education and a graduate certificate in social justice education, Shelby is passionate about empowering others through strengths-based coaching, especially in underserved communities.

Erinn Chang – Executive Coach & Holistic Wellness Consultant

Erinn Chang is a seasoned executive coach, well-being strategist, and holistic consultant with over 35,000 client sessions under her belt. She helps individuals and teams unlock their highest potential through integrative approaches that align wellness with performance. As a founder of wellness-focused businesses and a leader in the Healing Spaces initiative, Erinn combines insight, empathy, and structure to help communities heal, grow, and thrive.

Dr. Diego Salinas is the host of CoachConnect.

Dr. Diego Salinas is a neuroscientist, physician, and health coach. He is passionate about helping coaches grow their impact in the health and wellness space.

As the co-founder of Vibly, he equips coaches with the tools and support to build thriving practices and create lasting change.

Blending medical expertise with coaching experience, Dr. Salinas specializes in behavior change, mental well-being, and the role of coaching in healthcare. On CoachConnect, he explores the strategies and successes of top coaches, sharing actionable insights. A strong advocate for coaching in healthcare, he speaks at industry events and works to make quality coaching more accessible.

CoachConnect with Dr. Diego Salinas is a podcast for coaches looking to grow their impact, refine their strategies, and navigate the evolving world of health and wellness coaching.

Dr. Diego Salinas has a question for coaches and coaching industry leaders: “What makes coaching a powerful force for change?” In this podcast series, he sits down with top coaching professionals to uncover their insights, strategies, and personal journeys.

Each episode of CoachConnect delivers real-world strategies, success stories, and expert perspectives on coaching, mental well-being, and business growth, helping coaches at all levels unlock their full potential.