Michelle Schwarz, Ed.D., Ph.D.
Founder of Althea Academy LLC
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Curriculum & Instruction:
Instructional Design & Technology
Liberty University
I hold a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) in Instructional Technology, a field dedicated to designing meaningful, research-informed learning experiences that empower learners to succeed. My work sits at the intersection of pedagogy, innovation, and strategy - where learning science meets practical application.
With advanced expertise in instructional design, curriculum development, and educational technology integration, I create learning environments that are engaging, learner-centered, and results-driven. My doctoral training equipped me not only with deep theoretical knowledge but with the ability to translate research into an actionable curriculum that improves performance, strengthens engagement, and supports measurable growth.
As a curriculum developer, I design with intentionality. Every objective, activity, assessment, and technology choice aligns with clear outcomes. I understand how adults and diverse learners process information, build competence, and sustain motivation. My approach integrates evidence-based frameworks, such as learner-centered design, assessment alignment, and motivational theory, to ensure that learning is rigorous and relevant.
As a teacher, I foster environments where learners feel supported, challenged, and inspired. I believe effective instruction balances clarity with curiosity, structure with autonomy, and high standards with encouragement. My goal is not only to deliver content but to cultivate critical thinking, confidence, and lifelong learning.
Ultimately, my doctorate in Instructional Technology enables me to bridge theory and practice - designing curriculum that is innovative, inclusive, impactful, and meaningful while facilitating learning experiences that truly transform.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Holistic Life Coaching
University of Sedona
As a Doctor of Philosophy specializing in Holistic Life Coaching, I bring a unique integration of academic research, professional training, and heart-centered practice to every client I serve. My doctoral dissertation from the University of Sedona, Transformative Effects of Holistic Life Coaching on Personal and Professional Development, explored how coaching that addresses the whole person—mind, body, spirit, and environment—creates deeper, lasting change than approaches that only focus on one area of life.
Unlike many coaches who specialize narrowly in one niche, my holistic perspective allows me to guide people from diverse walks of life. Whether you are seeking clarity in your career, healing in relationships, improved health and vitality, or greater spiritual alignment, I help you uncover the root patterns that hold you back and empower you to step into your fullest potential.
My various Health & Wellness and Life Coaching training from various teachers combines rigorous professional standards, evidence-based methods, and transformative tools with intuitive, compassionate guidance:
- International Coaching Federation (ICF) - The Confidence in Coaching training that I participated in ensures my practice meets the highest global standards of ethics, skills, and professionalism.
- National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBH-WC) - The Institute for Integrative Nutrition Certified Professional Health Coaching training equips me with science-backed strategies to help clients achieve sustainable behavior change in health and lifestyle.
- Certified HeartMath® Practitioner™ - This heart-brain coherence training allows me to teach techniques that regulate stress, increase resilience, and create heart-brain coherence, tools that clients can use immediately to shift their emotional and physiological state.
- Certified 500-Hour Meditation Teacher - This training deepens my ability to guide clients in mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation practices that restore balance, clarity, and inner peace.
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) - This technique provides me with powerful strategies for reframing thoughts, language, and behavior patterns to accelerate personal growth.
- Shadow Work Facilitation - This deep work enables me to help my clients integrate hidden or suppressed parts of themselves, turning inner blocks into sources of strength and authenticity.
- Motivational Interviewing - This technique gives me evidence-based conversational tools to help clients uncover intrinsic motivation and take empowered, lasting action.
What makes working with me different is the holistic lens I bring. I do not see you as a problem to be fixed, but as a whole person with untapped wisdom and potential. Together, we bring the practical and the spiritual, the scientific and the intuitive, to create transformation that touches every dimension of your life.
If you are ready to discover not just what you do, but who you are meant to become, I will walk beside you as a guide, a mentor, and a partner in your transformation.
Teaching Philosophy:
Self-Determination Theory
As an educator, coach, and lifelong learner, I believe that the most profound and lasting growth occurs when students are empowered to take ownership of their learning journey. My teaching philosophy is rooted in Self-Determination Theory, which emphasizes that human beings thrive when three core psychological needs are met: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
I create learning environments that:
- Foster Autonomy - I encourage students to make meaningful choices in their learning process by providing opportunities for them to explore, question, and apply concepts in ways that align with their goals, values, and unique paths. By empowering them to direct their growth, I cultivate intrinsic motivation and a sense of personal responsibility.
- Develop Competence - Learning flourishes when students feel capable and confident. I design experiences that balance challenge with support, offering clear instruction, constructive feedback, and real-world application. My aim is to help students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the skills and self-belief to apply it effectively in their professional and personal lives.
- Build Relatedness - True transformation happens in a safe and connected community. I prioritize genuine relationships, active listening, and spirit of collaboration. In every interaction, I strive to create an atmosphere where students feel respected, supported, and inspired to contribute their voices and perspectives.
