Mercedes James

Behavioral Health Coach

Professional Overview

Mercedes James is an accomplished Behavioral Health Coach with expertise in public health, wellness program design, and organizational development. She draws on her diverse background in research ethics, compliance, and health & wellness consulting to empower individuals and communities towards holistic well-being.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Behavioral Health Coach, Bend Health (2024-08-01 to Present)

• Provides personalized coaching and support to clients, helping them navigate mental health challenges and develop sustainable lifestyle habits

• Collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based behavioral health solutions

• Designs and facilitates interactive workshops and group programs focused on topics such as stress management, mindfulness, and emotional regulation

Associate Director of Health & Compliance, KIPP DC (2023-10-01 to Present)

• Oversees the development and implementation of health, safety, and compliance protocols for a network of public charter schools

• Collaborates with school leaders and community partners to promote student and staff well-being through tailored programs and initiatives

• Ensures organizational compliance with local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to public health and safety

Co-Founder | L&D | Brand & Culture, Raines Park (2020-12-01 to Present)

• Co-founded a boutique consulting firm specializing in organizational culture, leadership development, and brand strategy

• Designs and delivers customized training programs that empower leaders and teams to cultivate positive, high-performing work environments

• Provides ongoing advisory services to clients, helping them align their brand, culture, and talent management practices

Founder | Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach | Public Health Consultant & Well Event Designer, Mercedes Shanelle Health & Wellness Consulting, LLC (2020-12-01 to Present)

• Established a successful health and wellness consulting practice, offering individualized coaching, corporate wellness programs, and public health event planning

• Collaborates with clients to create holistic, evidence-based solutions that address physical, mental, and emotional well-being

• Designs and facilitates immersive wellness experiences, retreats, and workshops that promote self-care and community engagement

Previous Experience

Research Ethics & Compliance Specialist, Penn State University (2021-10-01 to 2023-10-01)

• Provided guidance and oversight to researchers on the ethical conduct of human subjects research

• Reviewed research protocols and informed consent documents to ensure compliance with institutional and federal regulations

• Facilitated training workshops and developed educational resources to promote a culture of research integrity

Academic Background

Mercedes holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Michigan, with a concentration in Health Behavior and Health Education. She is also a Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and a certified Well Event Designer.

Areas of Expertise

• Behavioral health and mental well-being

• Organizational culture and change management

• Public health program design and implementation

• Wellness coaching and holistic health solutions

• Research ethics and regulatory compliance

• Event planning and experiential learning

Professional Impact

• Developed and facilitated a series of wellness workshops that helped a Fortune 500 company reduce employee burnout and absenteeism by 18% over 12 months

• Designed and launched a community-based mental health initiative that connected underserved populations with culturally-responsive resources and support

• Played a key role in securing a $1.2 million grant to fund a comprehensive school-based health and wellness program, positively impacting the lives of over 3,000 students

Conclusion

With her diverse expertise, Mercedes James is a dynamic Behavioral Health Coach and public health professional committed to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to prioritize holistic well-being. Her passion for fostering positive change, coupled with her proven track record of delivering impactful solutions, makes her a valuable asset in the fields of behavioral health, organizational development, and public health.