Catherine Marlena Garcia

Beyond my professional life, I am deeply grateful for the strong support system I have in my female friends and inner circle. They uplift me, challenge me, and remind me of my strength and purpose, even in moments of doubt. Their encouragement pushes me to continue growing, to stay true to myself, and to follow my heart with confidence and intention. Having a community of women who genuinely celebrate each other’s successes and provide unwavering support has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. What fulfills me most is helping others and making a meaningful impact in my community. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to support someone through their health journey, especially my clients as they work toward positive lifestyle changes. Whether it’s helping them learn to manage stress, become more present, or prioritize their physical and mental well-being, I find purpose in guiding them to reconnect with themselves through health coaching. Seeing their growth, resilience, and transformation reminds me why I do what I do. I am passionate about empowering others to recognize their worth and take ownership of their health, knowing they have only one body and one life to care for. Being a source of encouragement, accountability, and compassion for others is not just part of my role, it’s a calling that continues to inspire me every day.

Chief Rosie Medina has been the most impactful person in my career and my greatest inspiration. I have always admired her, but since she took me under her wing, my appreciation has grown immensely. Her leadership, compassion, and unwavering support during my time at the El Paso County Juvenile Justice Center have truly shaped both my personal and professional journey. She is a rare kind of leader, as she is genuine, caring, and deeply committed to others and her influence has changed my life in meaningful ways. I credit much of my success to Chief Medina. She has continuously encouraged me, believed in my potential, and pushed me to grow into the person I am today. I am especially grateful that she has supported my passion for health and wellness by allowing me to use our department as a platform to promote well-being in the workplace. Together, we have created spaces and initiatives that support our staff in managing daily stress and prioritizing self-care. We introduced a coffee and tea lounge where staff can unwind during their breaks, along with our “JPD Little Library” for moments of quiet reflection. We’ve also incorporated meditation sessions, walking breaks, and even a run club to encourage movement and connection. Seeing these efforts come to life has been incredibly rewarding, and it means so much to have a chief who values and supports wellness in such a meaningful way.

Now in my mid-40s, I wish I had trusted myself sooner. I wish I had been brave enough to take risks, follow my instincts, and pursue the things that truly called to me without hesitation.

So my advice is simple: be unapologetically yourself. Do what excites you, what fulfills you, what challenges you. Don’t wait for permission, and don’t let fear or outside opinions silence your voice or dim your light. The truth is, people will always have something to say but your life is yours to live. Take the leap, trust your heart and follow what pulls you, even if it feels uncertain oand uncomfortable. Growth lives in those moments. The sooner you start believing in yourself and acting on your dreams, the more time you give yourself to become the person you’re meant to be.

I only wish someone had told me that in my 20s and 30's, but now I share it so others don’t have to wait as long as I did.

One of the biggest challenges I see in the health and wellness industry is that many individuals are simply afraid to change or try something new. Whether it’s adjusting their nutrition, stepping into a new fitness routine, or pushing themselves beyond their comfort zone, fear often becomes the biggest barrier. Change can feel overwhelming, and the unknown can be intimidating; however, staying in the same place often comes at a greater cost to our health and well-being. I see this even more with women. So often, women put themselves last, as they are constantly showing up for everyone else while neglecting their own needs. They give their time, energy, and care to their families, their work, and their responsibilities, leaving little to nothing for themselves. Over time, this can lead to burnout, stress, and a disconnect from their own health. The truth is, taking care of yourself is not selfish but absolutely necessary. When women begin to prioritize their well-being, even in small ways, it creates a ripple effect in every area of their lives. Making healthier food choices, carving out time for movement, or simply allowing space for rest and self-care can be transformative.

Kindness has always been my top value and it’s truly at the core of who I am, and it’s even where Ness originates from. I firmly believe that you never know what someone else may be going through, so no matter the situation or whether someone is being negative or difficult...I choose to lead with kindness. I trust that what you put out into the world will always find its way back to you.

Alongside kindness, being a strong and intentional leader is deeply important to me. In my role as a manager for the juvenile justice, I strive to practice active listening, empathy, and compassion with everyone I encounter. I make it a priority to create an environment where people feel heard, respected, and supported. These values guide how I lead and how I show up each day, and I truly wish there were more of these type of leaders in every workplace.

In my personal time, I prioritize movement and self-care as part of my daily routine. I start my mornings early with an early morning run, as running is something I genuinely love to do daily. Afterward, I spend about 10 minutes in my sauna, where I meditate and ground myself for the day ahead. That quiet time helps me reset mentally and physically. I also value having consistent morning and evening routines, making sure I take care of my body, my skin, and my overall well-being. During the workday, I make it a point to step away and take two 15-minute walks to stay active and refreshed. In the evenings, I like to wind down by reading or researching by using that time to learn, reflect, and grow in my business. I often attend Bible study, which connects me to my spirituality, and I’m a member of the Border Toastmasters Club in my community which has helped me grow tremendously in my public speaking and impromptu skills. On the weekends and sometimes in the afternoons, I dedicate time to my health coaching sessions, making myself available to support others whenever needed.