About Me
Hi! My name is Dr. Andrea Niestas. I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and over 25 years of experience in behavioral health. I spent 20 years working in a behavioral health hospital, with 15 years in leadership, where I mentored others, provided training, and developed various programs.
I am now a wellness coach and speaker who supports individuals ready to move beyond simply existing and toward fully living. I work both one-on-one and at the community level, offering workshops that encourage shared growth and collective change. In addition, I provide professional development workshops for organizations looking to have a confident, thriving team.
I am also a psychology professor and community wellness instructor, as well as a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. I am actively involved in my community and have created several nonprofit initiatives focused on giving to others.
I am a survivor of several near-death experiences from medical issues that lead to a 101-day hospitalization and 18 month recovery. This has created a stronger commitment to inspire others to live with purpose and a belief that meaningful change is always possible. Fostering kindness, courage and hope in others has become my daily aspiration.
Education & Training
Education
- B.A. Psychology - California State University, Bakersfield
- M.A. Clinical Psychology - California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego
- Ph.D. Clinical Psychology - Alliant International University, San Diego
Credentials
- Certified Insight Coach - Insight Coaching Community
Recent Trainings
- QPR Gatekeeper Training - QPR Institute
- The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale Training - The Columbia Lighthouse Project
- Servant Leadership: The Essence of Leading People - Kern Community College District
- Letting Them Have Your Way: The Path to Effective Negotiation and Problem Solving - The Bodine Group
"My Story" Media
Positive Vibes with Nicki Dennis - 100 DAYS IN HOSPITAL - 5/27/2026
"One moment, Dr. Andrea was launching a new chapter in life. The next? She was fighting to survive. 100+ days in hospital; A coma... Ventilators... Hallucinations... Fear... And yet somehow… hope still found her. This episode is one of the most emotional conversations we’ve shared on Positive Vibes with Nicki Dennis. Andrea’s story is a reminder that life can change instantly… but so can perspective. If you’ve been feeling stuck, exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected from purpose… this conversation is for you."
The MP Podcast Show - Dr. Andrea Niestas, a professional psychologist and founder of 'Life Coaching by Andrea' - 4/14/2026
"Dr. Andrea shared her journey from a small-town upbringing to establishing a coaching practice focused on emotional well-being and fulfillment. She discussed her academic background, and her 19-year career at a behavioral health hospital before transitioning to teaching and coaching. The conversation explored her personal philosophy centered around gratitude, kindness, and giving, particularly after a life-threatening illness taught her the importance of daily appreciation and self-value. They discussed the power of small acts of kindness and the connection between giving and receiving, with Andrea sharing her ongoing work through workshops and inspirational material."
Purpose Beyond Burnout Podcast - Overcoming Burnout /Depression/Hospitalization: How Dr. Andrea found Success, Healing & Purpose - 4/8/2026
"This episode is a life-changing conversation with Dr. Andrea Niestas, a professional psychologist turned wellness coach, who shares her incredible journey from hospitalization to healing, and how mindset and gratitude became her path to purpose.
If you're ready to transform your stress, redefine your purpose, and live more fulfillingly, this episode is your wake-up call."
"My Life Celebration Day" Open Mic Storytelling - 10/29/2025
I had the privilege of performing at my first Open Mic, hosted by the Bakersfield College Arvin Educational Center. I did a reading of my blog "My Life Celebration Day" for the event theme "The Story of Arvin" [CA].
My Blog
Keynote Speaker
Keynote Speaker
Book me as your keynote speaker here.
Memberships and Committees
Arvin Calvary Baptist Church
American Psychological Association Member
American Psychological Association Member
I am a member of Arvin Calvary Baptist Church in addition to the ACBC choir.
Arvin CBC is a community of faith rooted in the love of God. We believe our purpose is to know and love Jesus Christ and to share this knowledge and love with others.
American Psychological Association Member
American Psychological Association Member
American Psychological Association Member
I am a member of APA for 2025-2026.
The APA is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 190,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students as its members. It's mission is to promote the advancement, communication, and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives.
Boys & Girls Club of Kern County ArtFest 2026 Planning Committee
Boys & Girls Club of Kern County ArtFest 2026 Planning Committee
Boys & Girls Club of Kern County ArtFest 2026 Planning Committee
I am a member of the planning committee for the 2026 BGCKC ArtFest event.
The mission of Boys & Girls Club of Kern County is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Women's Mental Health Conference 2026 Planning Committee
Boys & Girls Club of Kern County ArtFest 2026 Planning Committee
Boys & Girls Club of Kern County ArtFest 2026 Planning Committee
I am a member of the planning committee for the 2026 WMHC.
The WMCH improves care for people identifying as women by promoting competency in women's mental health.
"The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever."
-Sonia Sotomayor
Copyright © 2022 Life Coaching by Andrea - All Rights Reserved.
"Kindness. Courage. Hope."
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.