Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTashia Kiel.
Hi LaTashia , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Prior to 3rd grade if you had asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up my response was, “The 1st Black Woman President of The United States.” However, I met someone who changed my life when I was in the 3rd grade. My grandfather who had Type 2 Diabetes had to have both legs amputated above the knee leaving him wheelchair bound. He struggled for many years prior to his death with his new found handicap and being on dialysis due to the complications of his diabetes, but he always managed to find a smile when his nurse, Sharon showed up to care for him. I decided at that stage in my life that whatever Sharon was doing is exactly what I would do when I grew up. And so I did. I knew my family couldn’t afford to send me to college so I put a lot of effort into track and field to try to get a scholarship. I received a full scholarship to run track and graduated from The University of Texas at Austin. This marked the 1st time in the history of the school that a student athlete ever successfully finished nursing school and continued the sport. We won x 2-national championship team titles and several Big 12 championships while I was there. I went on to obtain my Master’s in nursing at UT and eventually became a professor there and obtained my doctorate in nursing. I had hoped each degree would get me closer to my dream of helping others.
I have worked in health care for >15 years in various positions including: emergency and trauma care, network house supervision managing 13 hospitals in central Austin, clinical assistant professor at The University of Texas at Austin, founding and managing a nonprofit highlighting colorectal cancer, and I eventually went to get a post-master’s certification to become a Nurse Practitioner. This new certification landed me in cardiology. I started my new career excited to address the Number #1 cause for death in America- Heart Disease. After caring for patients for more than 2 yrs in cardiology, I came to a somber realization– our healthcare system neglects prevention. This eye-opening conclusion left me disenfranchised.
I have experienced the failures of our healthcare system multiple times personally, through my family & friends, and professionally with how I was allowed to care for patients within healthcare institutions. I experienced first hand the reality of people looking for help. They wanted to avoid sickness. They were tired to being prescribed more pills. They hoped for better care. Through my work in cardiology managing a weight loss clinic, I began to see how patients lacked the education and expertise, accountability, and resources they needed to live healthy lives. Through my work, I was able to spend more time with my patients and provide them with the skills they needed to succeed.
It was then I decided it was time to go back to the root of the problem and address issues that could be modified early on. This idea birthed Heart & Soul Health.
Today, I am a divorced mother of two. I own a health coaching practice, I lead the Health Awareness ministry at my church. I am a friend, mentor. But, most of all I am blessed.
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?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I have struggled over the years in many areas. Prior to my doctoral training, I struggled immensely with imposter syndrome. And I still do at times. In several positions that I have held I have had to advocate for myself given many times I am the youngest person at the table, the darkest person at the table, and sometimes the only woman at the table. I have had to tailor my communication skills to ensure that others around me are not offended and intimidated by my intelligence. We call that code switching. Often times, as a doctoral prepared nurse practitioner I get questions about being a “baby doctor in training.” I’ve learned to not take offense to this as the general public is typically not well versed in the difference in schooling. Also, a huge, often unseen struggle, is every time I get ready to enter a patient’s room I have to brace myself because I never know how they are going to respond to me walking in the door as the provider. Many other people in my same field have no idea what that feels like.
As you know, we’re big fans of Heart and Soul Health . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Today, I have Heart and Soul health coaching that offers tailored chronic disease management and prevention that meets people where they are. I am working on a cardiometabolic clinic that focuses on obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes as well. In my practice I take my time, I listen, I provide solutions, I guide, and I pray. I believe in a total wellness approach that addresses the mind, the body, and the soul. Each person’s plan is specific to their needs so no two programs are identical. My business is cash pay only and I provide several options for payment. I do not accept insurance at this time partly because insurance only covers the “standard of care.” My services are over and beyond the standard of care.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Easily authenticity. Personally, people want to feel connected more than a typical how are you doing question that rolls right off the tongue. And our normal robotic response of a simply “fine.” I find that being genuine and trying to find connection points with people leads to better understanding. Besides, we were created to be in relationship with one another. Professionally, I get clients all the time that freeze up when I ask them what the barriers are to their health. I ask them what’s the one thing that you refuse to give up? They hesitate because they are used to being given the patriarchal stare of shame and told to eat better, exercise, and take this prescription. I tell them “okay! Let’s keep the chocolate cake, but let’s do it in a way that helps you instead of hurts you. Let’s be realistic and come up with a plan you will actually stick to.” And, they appreciate that. People can tell when they are not being taken seriously, when they are being rushed out of an encounter, and when they are not heard.
Pricing:
- initial consultation (60-90 mins)-$300
- 6 month BioBalance Program is $1500 (paid in full, payment plans, HSA options, care credit coming soon)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heartandsoulhealthcare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtashexplainsitall/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575337746245
Image Credits
Monica Blackshire
