Our Team

Health Coaches & Technicians

Jiaying Bao, MS, RDN – Health Coach

(517) 205-4869 - jbao1@hfhs.org

Jiaying is a Registered Dietitian and a Health Educator for the It’s Your Life program at Henry Ford Health Jackson. She has a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from Indiana University Bloomington and a master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Saint Louis University. She is currently in training to become a certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and also provides inpatient tobacco treatment services. In addition, Jiaying works as an Outpatient Dietitian providing medical nutrition therapy for various health conditions. Jiaying enjoys hiking and playing musical instruments in her free time.

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Julie Bloomfield, MA, LPC — Health Coach

(517) 205-7426 - jbloomf1@hfhs.org

Julie has been a Health Educator/Coach with the Prevention & Community Health department at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital since June 2014. Julie received her Master of Arts in Counseling degree from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Albion College. Julie has over 30 years of experience in the education field, including 18 years providing counseling services. She taught a Stress Management course at Jackson College for twelve years and has a passion for wellness. Julie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and reading.

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Leslie Downs, BS — Health Coach

(517) 205-7424 - Ldowns5@hfhs.org

Leslie has been a Health Educator/Coach for the It’s Your Life program since 2001. She has a degree in Exercise Science from Central Michigan University. Leslie has been at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital since 1996, working first in the Wellness Center as an exercise specialist. Leslie’s experience helps her to guide people into making lifestyle changes or developing self-management skills. In addition to coaching her participants, Leslie is also involved in teaching self-management classes, coaching other community groups and is an active volunteer for many Jackson-area community events.

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Ellen Gillespie, RD — Health Coach

(517) 205-6914 - Egilles1@hfhs.org

Ellen is a Registered Dietitian and a Health Educator/Coach for the It’s Your Life program at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. She has a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from Michigan State University and has 30 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian. She is certified as a Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise and as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Ellen is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Along with her passion for health coaching, Ellen has participated in marathons, obstacle course races and enjoys many forms of strength and conditioning, including CrossFit.

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Michael Helisek, BS, MA – Health Coach

(517) 205-7423 - mhelise1@hfhs.org

Michael is a Health Educator for the It’s Your Life program at Henry Ford Health in Jackson. He earned his B.S. in Education from Eastern Michigan University and an M.A. in Counseling from Wayne State University. Mike taught health and physical education in the Dearborn Public School system for 15 years before changing careers to become a firefighter. He recently retired from firefighting after 20 years of service and joined the Henry Ford team in 2024. He has two children and loves spending time on his boat as well as traveling. He also enjoys physical activity and has run several half-marathons.

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Carol Zawacki, RN, LMSW, TTS — Health Coach, Tobacco Treatment Specialist

(517) 205-7444 - Czawack1@hfhs.org

Carol is a Health Educator and Tobacco Treatment Specialist for the It’s Your Life program. She has a degree in nursing from Jackson Community College, a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan and is a certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. Carol has been with Henry Ford Jackson Hospital since May of 2008 and has over 30 years of experience in the field of behavioral health services. Carol provides tobacco treatment services to the Jackson Community, including 1:1 counseling, group counseling and through the HFAH lung screening program. In addition, she also provides health coaching support as needed. In her free time, Carol enjoys travel, adventure and relaxation with family and friends.

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