Name
Anna M Pearson
Age
36
Company/Organization
Beacon Health System and A. Pearson Wellness L.L.C.
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
Beacon Health System is a community-focused healthcare organization that provides comprehensive care across a wide range of services. Within Beacon, I work in the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program, where we help people recovering from heart and lung conditions rebuild their strength, improve their quality of life, and gain confidence in managing their health. We focus on more than just exercise—we incorporate stress management, education, and lifestyle changes to support the whole person. Alongside my role at Beacon, I also run my own business, A. Pearson Wellness, where I offer wellness coaching, acupressure, and zero balancing. Whether I’m working in a clinical setting or one-on-one through my business, my passion is helping people take control of their health and feel empowered in their healthcare decisions. I truly believe that when people understand their bodies and feel supported, they can make lasting changes.
Education
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Michigan Technological University. Since then, I’ve continued to build on that foundation with advanced training and certifications that support both clinical care and holistic wellness. I’m a Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP), a Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP), and hold a Certificate in Pulmonary Rehabilitation. I’m also a Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach and an American Heart Association instructor for both BLS (Basic Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support). Right now, I’m working toward becoming a Certified Zero Balancing Practitioner through the Zero Balancing Association and a Clinical Acupressure Practitioner through Insight Acupressure. I love blending evidence-based practices with integrative approaches that help people feel more in control of their health and well-being.
Accomplishments
Over the course of my career, I’ve been fortunate to lead initiatives that blend innovation with compassionate care. Most notably, I guided Memorial’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program to win the 2024 Linda K. Hall Innovation Award from the AACVPR, recognizing our successful integration of stress management and acupressure techniques into rehab care. Beyond my clinical role, I founded A. Pearson Wellness, where I provide wellness coaching, zero balancing, and acupressure services tailored to individual needs. Through my business, I also host community classes that share general wellness strategies inspired by evidence-based practices, designed specifically for the broader public’s health and well-being. I’m also proud to serve as the acting Treasurer and Board Member for the Michigan Society for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (MSCVPR) and as an Affiliate Leader for the AACVPR. These roles give me the chance to help shape the future of our field and support other professionals doing important work. At the heart of everything I do is a simple goal: to help people feel confident and in control of their own health so they can live their best lives.
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
By the time I turn 40, I hope to expand both my clinical and community impact by continuing to develop innovative, integrative approaches to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation that truly put patients in the driver’s seat of their health. I want to grow A. Pearson Wellness to reach even more people who are looking for personalized, holistic support outside of traditional healthcare settings. Additionally, I aim to complete my certifications as a Zero Balancing Practitioner and Clinical Acupressure Practitioner, deepening my ability to combine conventional and complementary therapies. On a broader scale, I hope to take on more leadership opportunities within professional organizations to help shape the future of cardiac and pulmonary rehab and advocate for patient-centered care models. Ultimately, my goal is to empower more individuals to understand and take control of their health, so they can lead fuller, healthier lives—while also inspiring others in the field to embrace innovation and compassion.
Current City
I live in Galien, Michigan, and do a lot of driving between South Bend for work and St. Joseph for my wellness business. It keeps me busy, but I love being able to connect with people across the area.
Place You Were Born
I was born and raised in St. Joseph, Michigan, where I grew up through high school. It’s been home for most of my life, and I love staying connected to the community that shaped me.
What was your first job?
Throughout high school, I worked at Culver’s in Stevensville, and during college, I balanced my studies with night janitor shifts at MTU. Along the way, I also gained experience as a cashier at Harding’s Grocery Market, a wine consultant at a local winery, and an eye technician at an ophthalmologist’s office. All these roles taught me the importance of adaptability and staying connected to people from all walks of life. My first career position was in cardiac rehab at Lakeland Healthcare, where I stayed through the organization’s changes and mergers as it became part of Corewell Health. This journey reinforced my commitment to delivering compassionate, people-based care, no matter the setting.
What’s the best advice you ever got?
The best advice I ever received was to always stay curious and open to learning—no matter where you are in your career or life. It’s a reminder that growth comes from embracing new ideas, listening to others, and being willing to adapt. That mindset has helped me not only in clinical work but also in building my wellness business and connecting with the community. Staying curious keeps me passionate and grounded in the work I do.
Who inspires you most?
What inspires me most are the individuals facing health challenges who refuse to give up. I’m deeply moved by those who keep questioning, learning, and advocating for themselves—even when the road gets tough. These are the people who take the time to understand their health, explore their options, and make informed decisions that feel right for them. Their strength, resilience, and determination to be active partners in their care inspire me every day and remind me why empowering people is at the heart of what I do.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
One thing people might be surprised to learn is that I’ve been riding horses since I was eight. Growing up around animals and nature has deeply shaped who I am and taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of staying grounded—qualities that carry over into both my personal life and my work in healthcare.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
In my downtime, I prioritize finding peace by spending time outside and connecting with nature. Whether it’s riding horses, caring for animals, or simply enjoying the quiet moments outdoors, being in nature helps me recharge and stay grounded. It’s a vital part of maintaining balance in my busy life.
What book are you reading now?
I read a lot—44 books so far this year—mostly in the fantasy genre, though I like to mix in a few others when something catches my eye. One book that’s really stuck with me is 52 Pieces by Dr. Marina Kostina. It caught me off guard in the best way with its raw emotion and unexpected perspective. I love books that challenge the way I think or feel—those are the ones that stay with me.
Volunteer activity you love the most.
I’ve been volunteering at the Berrien County Youth Fair since I was 19, and it’s still one of my favorite things to do. I help out with the grandstand stage crew during fair week—setting up and tearing down for the nightly shows. It’s a completely different environment than my usual work, which makes it fun. I get to work with all kinds of people, learn things I wouldn’t normally be exposed to, and sometimes even meet the performers. At the end of each night, our crew shares a big dinner together—it’s a chance to relax, laugh, and feel like part of something special. I look forward to it every year.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
I feel really rooted in this community—it’s where I grew up, where I live and work, and where I’ve built so many connections over the years. Giving back feels natural because I genuinely care about the people here. I’ve seen how much of a difference it can make when someone takes the time to show up, share knowledge, or simply lend a hand. Whether it’s through my wellness classes, volunteering, or just being present, I want to be part of making this area stronger, healthier, and more connected.
What Superpower would you most love to have?
If I could have any superpower, I think I’d choose the ability to instantly help people feel calm and centered—kind of like flipping a switch for inner peace. So many of the people I work with are carrying stress, fear, or uncertainty, and I’d love to be able to give them a sense of clarity and calm in the moment. I think we’d all move through life a little better if we felt more grounded.
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone?
I hope my legacy is one of empowerment—that I helped people feel more in control of their health, more confident in their decisions, and more connected to themselves and their communities. Whether through clinical care, wellness coaching, or community education, I want to be remembered as someone who listened, showed up, and made people feel seen and supported. If I’ve helped even a few people believe in their own strength and take charge of their well-being, that’s a legacy I’d be proud of.
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
Being named a 40 Under 40 honoree is incredibly meaningful—it’s a reminder that the work I care so deeply about is making an impact. So much of what I do happens quietly, behind the scenes or one-on-one with individuals, so this recognition feels like a reflection of the bigger picture. It’s an honor to be included alongside so many driven, community-focused people, and it motivates me to keep showing up, keep growing, and keep finding ways to serve and support others.
