Meet Jackie deMontmollin, Ed.D. | Independent Certified OPTAVIA Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackie deMontmollin, Ed.D. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackie, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
My mission is to help others find much-needed balance in their lifestyles and wellness choices. I want this career to be marked by a legacy—a ripple effect of lives changed for the better, and a shift in culture, to valuing choices that make us feel well: building healthy community, healthy movement, prioritizing hydration, rest & sleep, and healthy fueling of the body. Simply having even energy throughout the day, without brain fog or energy crashes is life changing for busy people. And helping clients set in structure and experience solutions is very rewarding.

I love to help others build sustainable habits, embrace an abundant mindset, taking radical responsibility for their lives & choices. It’s exciting to support people boldly stepping into the life they were meant to live. At this stage, giving back is the mission—and impact is the measure.

That’s because in many ways, I’ve already completed a full and fulfilling 33-year career as an arts educator, professor, and fine arts administrator. I retired from that chapter with a sense of deep purpose and accomplishment. But retirement didn’t mean stepping away from impact—it meant shifting direction.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
After a 33-year career as an arts educator and fine arts administrator, I didn’t expect to start a second act—but I did, and it’s been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. I’m now an Independent Certified OPTAVIA Coach, helping people take back their health, reclaim their energy, and find true balance in their lives.

What sets my business apart is the deep focus on mindset and sustainable habits. I’m supporting people in transforming how they live their lives. We use the Habits of Health Transformational System, developed by Dr. Wayne Anderson, as a guide to help clients shift from short-term fixes to long-term wellness. I pair that with real coaching—compassionate accountability, individualized support, and a belief that anyone can create a vibrant life at any age.

How did you get here? Was it easy?

Absolutely not. I started coaching while still serving in a demanding administrative role. I had to learn how to run a business, overcome my own limiting beliefs, and balance being a leader, coach, mentor, and learner. But what helps me is consistency, mentorship, a willingness to grow, and surrounding myself with people who lift me higher.

One of those people is my mentor, Ginger Schwartz, who has walked alongside me for over six years. Her belief in me taught me to believe more deeply in myself—and I strive to pass that belief on to my clients and coaches.

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud that our Inspired Health team of OPTAVIA Coaches has helped thousands of people improve their health and their lives. I’m proud that we’re working together to build a culture of growth, gratitude, and mindfulness, and that we’re inviting others into a space where they can succeed—not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and even financially. And I’m proud to say that what we do is about well care—not sick care. It’s proactive, empowering, and transformational.

What do you want the world to know about your brand and story?

I want people to know that it’s never too late to begin again. That your second act can be your best act. That health isn’t about perfection—it’s about taking the next right step, over and over, until it becomes your new normal.

My brand is about freedom through wellness, about choosing an abundant life, and helping others do the same. I believe in this work because I’ve lived it—and now, I’m helping others live it too.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Denton for a week, here’s how I’d make sure they had the BEST time ever: Day 1 of “Dentoning”: Welcome & Wellness Reset
We’d kick off with a calm and grounding evening—starting with a healthy home-cooked meal made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Think grilled salmon, roasted seasonal veggies, and a fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette. Afterward, we’d unwind with a sound bowl healing session led by my dear friend Nissa Gordon, also a Certified Coach and owner of Om Sweet Dome, helping us release travel stress and start the visit with peace and clarity.

Day 2: Exploring Denton Vibes-
We’d head downtown for brunch at Chestnut Tree, an amazing woman owned restaurant on the Square. Then we’d explore the historic Denton Square—browsing through the many shops for quirky gifts and local treasures. We’d grab coffee at West Oak Coffee Bar, then wind down the afternoon at LSA Burger Co. on the rooftop with music and views.

Day 3: Art & Soul-
We’d spend the afternoon at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, home of the Greater Denton Arts Council, where I proudly serve on the board. We’d take in the current gallery exhibition, chat with artists, and maybe even attend a talk or workshop. In the evening, we’d grab a clean, delicious dinner at GreenHouse Restaurant or Komodo Loco for creative, healthy options with a twist. In the evening we’d visit the Campus Theatre and see a live performance. There is so much local talent here!

Day 4: Nature & Nourishment-
Morning walk at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center or along South Lakes Park, followed by a smoothie or protein-rich fueling at home. That afternoon, we’d stock up at Natural Grocers or Sprouts for another delicious meal we’d cook together—maybe lettuce wraps, roasted sweet potatoes, and sparkling cucumber mint water.

Day 5: Self-Care & Pampering-
We’d enjoy a spa day at Soma, owned by my great friend & client Amber Briggle. Then maybe a gentle Pilates or yoga class at On Point Pilates with Michelle Lawyer. Dinner would be at Hannah’s Off the Square or Queenies, followed by a walk around the courthouse lawn.

Day 6: Music & Meaning-
If this is Saturday morning we would definitely visit the Denton Community Market for local handmade treasures, farm to market fresh foods, and an incredible Denton vibe!
And you can’t visit Denton without some music! We’d catch a live set at Dan’s Silverleaf, Rubber Gloves, or Harvest House. Before the show, dinner might be Thai at Andaman. or Thai Square.

Day 7: Reflect & Reconnect
Our final day would be about grounding and reflection—talking life, passion and purpose over coffee, a final walk or class, maybe jewelry making with local artist Lisa Bonneau. We’d prep one more nourishing meal together, reflect on the joy of the week, and—of course—wrap up with Nissa again for a closing sound bowl session, sending my friend home restored, inspired, and connected.

The perfect is about presence.
Wellness, creativity, connection, and joy… that’s how we do Denton!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to Dr. Wayne Scott Anderson, the visionary behind the Habits of Health System and author of the Lifebook—a true blueprint for sustainable wellness and lifelong transformation. His work continues to be the foundation of literally millions of life-changing journeys, including my own. I’m also deeply grateful for my clients and inspiring community of fellow coaches. Together, our team has empowered people to find better balance in their lives—shifting from reactive “sick care” to proactive well care. This is a movement, and I’m honored to be part of it.

And finally, a huge thank you to my personal coach and mentor, Ginger Schwartz. For the past six years, Ginger has stood by me, guided me, challenged me, and celebrated with me. Her unwavering support and leadership continue to light the way.

This journey is about transformation—and no one does it alone. Community is key to building wellness.

Website: https://coach.optavia.com/Jackiede

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiedemontmollin

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jackie-demontmollin-87538029/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackie.demontmollin

Other: Wellness Contact Survey: https://forms.gle/BSduD6FwMrsc8W537

Image Credits
Amber Briggle-Getty Images