I used to think I was “doing wellness right.”
I exercised. I worked hard.
I checked all the boxes.

But deep down, I didn’t feel well.

A person in a beige sweater is eating a plate of rice, beef stew with vegetables, and a salad. There is a glass of yellow beverage with a straw on the table, along with a basket of bread rolls and breadsticks.

My relationship with food was chaotic, my energy was unpredictable, and stress had me running on fumes. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, everything stopped. And in that silence, I realized I wasn’t living the life I wanted—physically, emotionally, or mentally.

That wake-up call sent me on a mission—not just to heal, but to understand what true well-being looked like. I returned to school, became a certified coach, and immersed myself in the science of behavior change.

I discovered that health isn’t a destination—it’s a set of small, daily choices that accumulate over time. And it’s easier when we’re not doing it alone.

That’s why I built Wellness Five—and why I’m proud to work alongside a dedicated team of coaches who share my commitment to making health simple, sustainable, and human.

Together, we’ve helped thousands of people rewrite their wellness story—and we’d be honored to be part of yours.

Two women having a conversation in a cozy room with a bookshelf background. The woman on the left has blonde hair, and the woman on the right has gray hair, glasses, and is wearing a blue sweater and pearl necklace.

Meet Lisa Burbage

Founder & CEO | NBC-HWC | CDC/DTTAC Master Trainer

Through Wellness Five, Lisa leads a CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program provider and Medicare-enrolled Diabetes Prevention Program supplier. She also trains and supports Lifestyle Coaches, develops community and healthcare partnerships, and helps organizations strengthen participant engagement, retention, and program quality.

Lisa is an experienced speaker and facilitator whose presentations focus on prevention, nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and realistic behavior change. She has presented for the South Carolina Trucking Association, Lowcountry Senior Network, Duke University Health & Well-Being Coach Training graduates, DisruptHR Charleston, the Charleston CFO Council, and community organizations throughout the Lowcountry.

Connect with Lisa
Portrait of a smiling middle-aged woman with short gray hair, wearing a white denim jacket over a yellow top, with her right hand on her hip and a large ring on her finger.

She earned a Master of Education in Counseling and Higher Education Administration from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the College of Charleston. Lisa also serves on the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Board in Charleston and the City of Charleston Health and Wellness Committee.

Her approach is built on a simple belief: better health does not require a perfect plan—just practical steps, compassionate support, and the willingness to begin.

Meet our Lifestyle Coaches

  • Irma Riddick

    As a National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) Lifestyle Coach, Irma loves helping people realize that healthy living is not only possible but enjoyable. She lives and works in Summerville, South Carolina.

  • Nicole Bernier

    As a former healthcare leader, Nicole has extensive experience in patient advocacy, employee coaching, and workplace well-being. She’s certified in health and lifestyle coaching, burnout and resilience, and mental health and stress first aid.

  • Kiersten Alhm

    Kiersten is a board-certified health and wellness coach who loves helping people live happier, healthier lives. With degrees in Psychology (B.S.) and Education (M.Ed.), she brings both heart and expertise to her work. She lives on beautiful James Island with her husband and three rescue dogs.

  • Ashley Moss Kurkiewicz

    Ashley’s lifelong interest in health and fitness became more personal after facing her own health challenges. As a Certified Lifestyle Coach for the National Diabetes Prevention Program, she helps others make realistic, sustainable changes that support their health and overall well-being.

  • Melita Crutcher

    With over 15 years of experience, Melita helps women and men over 40 move from simply surviving to truly living—with more energy, better health, and habits that feel good. As a Naturopathic Practitioner, Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) Lifestyle Coach, she guides individuals to prevent or delay the onset of many chronic diseases through sustainable lifestyle changes.

  • Mila Rihter

    Mila holds a BS with background in medical education. A Certified Lifestyle Coach for the National Diabetes Prevention Program, she is a Duke-trained Health and Well-Being Coach with additional training in nutrition strategies. She is a certified Reiki Practitioner and Reiki Master Teacher, bringing a whole-person perspective to evidence-based nutrition and behavior change.

  • Yvonne Bradley

    Yvonne’s passion for diabetes prevention was inspired by her mother’s experience living with the disease. As a Certified Lifestyle Coach for the National Diabetes Prevention Program, she helps others make small, sustainable changes to reduce their risk and build healthier lives.