Today we’d like to introduce you to Fonda Fracchia.
Hi Fonda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my career in 1985 as a flight attendant where I worked for 11 years, but the demands of constant travel eventually led me to my true calling: fitness.
What started as a personal stress-management tool evolved into a lifelong mission. I decided to turn in my “wings,” and earned my degree from the University of Memphis while serving as one of the city’s first personal trainers. To build a rigorous clinical foundation, I completed internships in corporate and community health before earning my Master’s from Delta State University. Over the last few decades, I’ve viewed the industry from every angle—from leading operations at the Memphis Country Club, Desoto Athletic Club, and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, to serving as faculty at Southwest Tennessee Community College. My leadership experience also includes roles as Director of Tele-Health for Lifesigns – Prevention Group and Corporate Health Coach for Healthways Inc. In 2019, I came full circle, returning to the University of Memphis as a Career Specialist/Coach for Health and Wellness students. In addition, I have been a Health Coach Instructor for the last 5 years and obtained my certification as a National Board Certified Health Coach in 2020. Throughout these transitions, my mission has remained constant: leveraging my technical expertise and personal journey through burnout to help others experience the transformative power of exercise.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has definitely been a “winding road” with many unknown turns along the way!
The struggles along the way were:
– Career transitions/career pivoting/job loss
– Limited growth opportunities in my area of expertise/job no longer aligned with my goals
– Finances
– Health challenges
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Fonda Fracchia, M.Ed., is a dedicated wellness consultant and National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach with more than 25 years of experience across the public and private sectors. Currently serving as the Assistant Director, Career Readiness Health Wellness Liaison at the University of Memphis, Fonda supports the College of Health Sciences, the Loewenberg College of Nursing, and 23 health-related majors. As the Career Specialist for health professions at the University of Memphis, she facilitates vital connections between students, faculty, and the broader healthcare community.
With over two decades in higher education, she specializes in bridging the gap between academic development and professional connection for students and faculty. Her influential career includes developing state-level wellness guidelines for Tennessee’s parochial schools and leading community initiatives for underserved populations. A lifelong advocate for holistic growth, Fonda holds advanced certifications as a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Certified Wellcoaches Health and Well-being Coach (CHWC), Primary Group Exercise Instructor and Certified Personal Trainer (AFAA/NASM) and Yoga Instructor (YOGA FIT). She holds multiple leadership certifications in Conflict Resolution (The Peace Makers Principles), Stress Management (Wholistic Stress Control Institute), 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 5 Choices (Covey Series), Life coaching (AFAA), Building Your Telehealth Program, and Bringing Telehealth to the Consumer (American Tele-Medicine Association) and is Certified in CPR/AED American Heart Association. Fondas leadership is fueled by a passion for helping others succeed and thrive.
The areas where I thrive is Stress Management support and personal training.
What sets me apart from others is my “authenticity.”
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Advice:
Find mentors who are leaders with similar goals and career paths.
Nurture the relationship.
Find people who are authentic.
What has worked well for me:
Networking in different spaces such as health & wellness events, virtual spaces and meeting one-on-one for lunch or coffee.
Pricing:
- Pricing for Personal Training: $55-$125/hour or Packages of 10 (1-hour) sessions – $850.00
- Coaching Packages: $147-$1697
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wellnessbyfonda.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fondaf/
- Other: https://members.nbhwc.org/members/?id=73324118
