
Behavioral Scientist Executive Leader
Mental Resilience Expert
You’ve built a successful life through hard work, discipline, and resilience, but success comes with pressure that few ever see. As a leader, you carry the emotional and cognitive load of your teams, your organization, your decisions, and your identity.
I understand that load in a rare and specialized way.
I am Dr. Jacqueline Nelms, a behavioral scientist, seasoned healthcare executive, and mental resilience coach and & executive leadership coach with 25 years of experience leading operations in major health systems across multiple states. My doctoral research focuses on organizational behavior, leadership psychology, and mental wellness in high-stress professions, including law enforcement, healthcare, and executive leadership. Today, I help high-pressure professionals develop the mental resilience, emotional intelligence, and strategic presence necessary to lead effectively in environments where the stakes are high and the margin for error is small.
My Mission
To strengthen leaders, elevate organizations, and advance mental resilience through evidence-based coaching that honors both the mind and the body.
My Philosophy
Leadership begins within. Resilience is trained, not inherited. Change is possible at any level. And high performers deserve support, too.

1. Executive Coaching & Leadership Development
2. High-Performance Mindset Coaching
3. Emotional Intelligence Coaching for Executives
4. Organizational Resilience Training
5. Executive Resilience Coaching
6. Behavioral Science–Based Executive Mindset Coaching
7. Law Enforcement Mental Wellness Coaching
I serve executives, organizational leaders, organizations, teams, groups, and law enforcement.
- Executive & Organizational Leadership
- Behavioral Psychology & Emotional Intelligence
- Identity & Mindset Transformation
- High-Performance Stress Management
- Resilience Training for First Responders
- Strategic Communication & Influence
- Executive Coaching & Organizational Consulting
To ensure flexibility and accessibility, sessions are typically held via Zoom. Phone sessions are available by request, and in-person sessions can be arranged when feasible. This allows clients from any location to access consistent, high-quality support in a format that fits their lifestyle.
Leaders chose to work with me because of my 25 years of experience in executive healthcare leadership. I hold a doctorate in health sciences with a concentration in organizational behavior and leadership, which makes me a behavioral scientist. I am a researcher in mental wellness for high-stress professions, an executive coach, and the creator of the ASCEND™ & EMERGE™ frameworks.
Coaching is a process—not a one-size-fits-all solution. Most clients experience meaningful progress within 3 to 6 months, while others continue beyond that for ongoing development and support. The pace is tailored to your specific goals and level of engagement.
Most coaches rely on motivation. I rely on behavioral science. Most programs focus on surface behavior. I focus on the internal patterns driving behavior. Most leaders are taught what to do. I help them understand why they do it and how to change it. My coaching blends leadership strategy, neuroscience, emotional intelligence, stress physiology, and evidence-based behavioral frameworks to create profound, lasting change.
Mental wellness is not a separate “add-on” in my coaching practice; it is the foundation that strengthens every aspect of growth, leadership, and performance. As a behavioral scientist and mental resilience coach, I integrate evidence-based psychological principles into every session to help clients build clarity, confidence, and long-term emotional strength. My coaching blends scientific insight, leadership psychology, and practical resilience tools to support clients in high-stress professions, leadership roles, entrepreneurial journeys, and significant life transitions.
While no coach can guarantee specific outcomes, my clients often achieve transformational growth when they fully commit to the process. Coaching success depends on your consistency, openness to change, and active participation. I provide the structure, tools, and support; you bring the dedication to elevate your life.
If you’re ready to grow without burning out, lead without losing yourself, or evolve into the leader you were meant to be…I’m here to guide your transformation.
Absolutely. Your privacy and trust are paramount. Everything discussed in our sessions is fully confidential and handled with the highest level of professional integrity.
I ask that all cancellations or reschedules be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged for the session. I understand that life happens, and I’ll do my best to accommodate when unexpected situations arise.
Simply schedule a complimentary Empowerment Discovery Session through my website. This introductory session is a chance for us to connect, explore your needs, and determine whether we’re a great fit to work together.
Education
Doctor of Health Science (DHSc), Concentration in Leadership and Organizational Behavior — A.T. Still University
Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA), Rollins Crummer School of Business (ABD)
Master of Science in Strategic Leadership (MSSL) — Rosemont College
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BS) — Rosemont College
Professional Certifications
Social and Behavioral Research Certification — CITI ProgramCredential ID: 62083411
Certified Professional Life Coach — Transformation Academy
Certified Mental Health First Aid — National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Thought Leadership
LinkedIn published the white paper "Perceived Usefulness of Employment-Related Psychological Assessments among Law Enforcement Officers.
healthXchange — Revenue Cycle Patient Access Expert Panel Presentation (2023)
HIMSS — Proactive Patient Estimates for True Out-of-Pocket Costs (2022)
NAHAM — “How Patient Access Can Boost the Bottom Line” Journal Article (2018)
Healthcare Finance News — “How Revenue Cycle Technology Helps Small Hospitals Manage Denials” (2017)
NAHAM — Transforming Financial Performance in Patient Access Presentation (2017)
Languages
English, German, Spanglish
Ready to Elevate Your Life?
Let’s start with a powerful conversation designed to uncover your goals and explore how coaching can support your next level of growth.