Meet Dr. Russell Spafford, PhD, BCC

At Spafford Coaching and Consulting, I help mission-driven professionals—people like you, who are deeply committed to service, purpose, and growth—lead with intention and thrive in both their work and well-being.

With a PhD in Nursing and advanced degrees in clinical exercise physiology and kinesiology, I bring over 20 years of interdisciplinary experience in health, education, and leadership. My background includes roles in academic medicine, higher education, clinical care, and research, as well as direct service as a Board Certified Coach, Execuitve health Coach, and Nutrition Specialist.

Whether in a hospital system, university setting, or nonprofit space, I’ve seen the same need emerge again and again: leaders want to feel aligned, energized, and effective—but they often feel stuck or stretched too thin.

That’s where I come in.

I've led strategic initiatives, guided teams through complex transitions, and designed programs that translate research into meaningful community impact.

My coaching approach is grounded in systems thinking, compassion, and practical strategy.

I partner with leaders and changemakers across the country to:

Build sustainable habits that support personal and professional well-being
Clarify values and align them with vision
Navigate uncertainty and transition with confidence
Strengthen leadership presence and resilience

Clients often come to me feeling overloaded or off-course. They leave with greater clarity, renewed purpose, and tools that actually work.

If you’re ready to move forward—with intention—I’d love to connect.

Coaching Approach

What You Can Expect:

Practical, goal-oriented coaching
Deep listening and strategic support
Customized solutions, not one-size-fits-all
Experience-informed insights from health and education systems

Areas of Specialty

I combine over 20 years of experience in performance, research, and holistic health to help clients protect their brains and bodies for life. My work focuses on:

Brain Health & Longevity – Supporting memory, focus, and resilience from early development through aging.
Nutrition for Cognitive Wellness – Guiding dietary choices that strengthen physical, emotional, and mental health.
Alzheimer’s & Chronic Disease Prevention – Evidence-based strategies to reduce risk and promote healthy aging.
Integrative Health Approaches – Blending science with complementary practices for whole-person wellbeing.

My goal is simple: to help people live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

Meet Paulette Spafford, MS

At Spafford Coaching and Consulting, Paulette partners with individuals and organizations to cultivate leadership, foster creativity, and bring clarity to complex challenges, all with a deep commitment to growth, purpose, and service.

With a Master's in Education from St. Mary’s and a B.A. in Art History from UCSB, Paulette brings over two decades of experience as a master educator and leader in both public and private school systems. She’s an award-winning teacher, trusted mentor, and accomplished facilitator known for her work in strategic planning, project management, and team development.

Throughout her career, Paulette has held numerous leadership roles where she helped schools and educational teams navigate change, build community, and improve outcomes. Her approach is equal parts strategic and heart-centered, anchored in clarity, creativity, and connection.

Outside of education, Paulette is a certified yoga instructor, aspiring writer, and passionate WWII history buff. She also works as a travel consultant, combining her love for exploration with a knack for thoughtful planning and meaningful experiences.

At Spafford Coaching and Consulting, Paulette offers clients a unique blend of insight, structure, and inspiration. Whether she’s leading a workshop, guiding a team through change, or supporting a leader one-on-one, her goal is the same: to help others grow with purpose, clarity, and confidence.