“Our bodies are always fighting to be well, and with the right tools, transformation is possible.”
Emily Criddle never set out to become a practitioner. Despite having a business degree, chronic illness became her full-time reality. Caring for her children, who faced their own health struggles, only deepened her commitment to finding answers. Each new tool, from applied kinesiology to herbs, essential oils, and muscle testing, gave her hope. Over time, her education grew through certifications and programs that ultimately led her to the Integrative Health Practitioner Institute (IHPI).
A Journey Through Chronic Illness
For 25 years, Emily faced chronic illness and countless treatments—doctors, prestigious clinics, eastern medicine, natural remedies, and endless research. Her determination was fueled by her children and by the mantra: “A worried mother does more research than the FBI.”
She explains, “I didn’t set out to become a practitioner or have any kind of career. I googled and researched and read and consulted and cried, studied, certified and researched some more. I was fighting to live my life, not just endure it.”
Her four children only deepened her search for answers. Each new health struggle increased her research exponentially, pushing her to look beyond temporary fixes. Emily says Dr. Cabral’s vision of “a health coach in every home” resonated deeply, but ultimately, she felt it was God who whispered louder—guiding her toward a path where she could help others feel better too.
Discovering the Power of Root Cause Healing
Emily’s philosophy is simple: eat real food, drink clean water, breathe deeply, and spend time in nature. Supporting deficiencies and eliminating toxins creates the foundation for health. She believes that our bodies are always fighting to be well, and with the right tools, transformation is possible.
Helping Children and Families Heal from Chronic Illness
One of Emily’s greatest joys is working with children. She reflects, “I get to change the trajectory of a child’s life and calm the nerves of worried moms and dads and grandparents and help them carry a burden that often weighs heavy and hopeless on their hearts and minds.”
She often wonders what her own life might have looked like if someone had understood her symptoms as a child. “My health symptoms started when I was very young. As an adult I’ve wondered, ‘what would my life look like if someone had known what to do for me when I was five years old?’ I get to be that person for others now.”
Emily is inspired by how resilient kids are when given the right support. “Knowing that they have all their years of health ahead of them and they are set up for success with healthy habits and awareness is incredible. Even my sickest, saddest kiddo clients have found hope and healing and peace.”
Children, she explains, don’t come with the same limiting beliefs adults carry. They are open, honest, and eager to heal. “They always tell me the truth. They believe they are already in healthy bodies fighting to be stronger and happier every day. They are joyful, imaginative, and quick to turn things around.”
Overcoming Challenges with Parents
Working with children often means working with their parents, who may feel exhausted and overwhelmed. Emily emphasizes that while kids are eager to learn and adapt, parents often need just as much support. She brings patience, encouragement, and practical tools to help entire families shift toward healthier routines.
Memorable Client Success Stories
Emily’s career is filled with moving stories, from children thriving after years of symptoms to families finding renewed hope. One particularly meaningful success was helping a couple struggling with infertility. With dedication to protocols and guidance, they welcomed a healthy baby girl after years of uncertainty—a moment Emily describes as sacred and deeply rewarding.
The Role of IHPI Training in Emily’s Success
Emily’s Integrative Health Practitioner training, from Levels 1 and 2 to Mastery and High-Performance Health (HPH), shaped her both personally and professionally. She appreciated the flexibility of learning at her own pace and the depth of knowledge in each certification. Mastery, in particular, taught her the importance of boundaries and balance, allowing her to care for clients without depleting herself.
The Power of Community
The IHPI community has been a life-changing gift for Emily. She explains, “Not only was I not looking for a career, I wasn’t really looking for new friends of like-minded, generous, brilliant, talented humans who live all over the world, either — but that is exactly what came to me as I dove into learning!”
Emily has stayed closely connected with a small group of practitioners she met through Mastery three years ago. “We live in three different countries and meet on a Zoom call twice a month to talk about our client cases, questions, concerns, and mostly a whole lot about our own families’ and personal health journeys.”
The friendships extend far beyond professional collaboration. “There are so many more practitioners that I refer to as my friends and know that they will answer my texts or calls anytime I reach out. It’s no wonder that meeting up with them in real life each October is something I look forward to all year long!”
These connections, along with lifetime access to updated course materials and responsive coach support, give Emily both confidence and reassurance as she continues to grow her practice.
Advice for Aspiring Health Coaches
Emily encourages anyone considering IHPI to take the leap: “You have nothing to lose and multiple lives to save!” She believes IHP Level 1 is beneficial for everyone, whether for personal health or professional growth. The skills gained offer practical tools to tackle chronic illness, support children, and empower families with lasting wellness strategies.
Final Thoughts
Today, Emily balances her thriving practice with raising four children and caring for her own health. She treasures the opportunity to hold space for clients until they believe in their own ability to heal. Her story is a powerful reminder that even the hardest journeys can lead to hope, healing, and purpose.
For more about Emily, visit veggiesandvilli.com or connect with her on Instagram and Facebook at @veggiesandvilli.
Did you miss our last blog? Check it out HERE and learn about a root-cause approach to behavioral challenges in children.
