Jessica Matthews

Jessica is an associate professor and program director in the College of Health Sciences at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU). An award-winning and innovative educator, she created the Master of Science in Kinesiology- Integrative Wellness program at PLNU, a graduate degree blending lifestyle medicine and health and wellness coaching. Additionally Dr. Matthews serves as director of health and wellness coaching at UC San Diego Health. There she leads the development and delivery of health coaching within clinical practice and research, to include overseeing a team of national board certified health and wellness coaches in the Centers for Integrative Health.

A passionate advocate for lifestyle medicine and whole person health, Dr. Matthews serves on the board of directors for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) and in 2021 was named a Fellow of ACLM for outstanding achievement in the field of lifestyle medicine and exceptional dedication to advancing the organization’s mission. With a background in exercise science, Dr. Matthews has served as a consultant and senior advisor for leading fitness and wellness organizations, and in 2017 she was honored as the IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year—a top award recognizing superior instructional abilities, leadership skills and positive influence in the global health and fitness industry.

For over a decade Dr. Matthews has regularly contributed as a health and wellness expert to numerous national media outlets, including, but not limited to, CNN, The Washington Post, Women’s Health, NPR, Doctor Radio and O, The Oprah Magazine. She has also authored and edited several books and chapters, and in 2019 delivered a TEDx talk titled “Reclaiming Wellness.” Dr. Matthews received her doctorate in behavioral health with a focus in clinical integrated care from Arizona State University and she holds numerous professional certifications, including as a certified lifestyle medicine professional (DipACLM), national board certified health and wellness coach (NBC-HWC), personal trainer (CPT) and experienced registered yoga teacher (E-RYT500).