Thrive In Your Prime: Health Solutions for Women Who Do It All!

Meet the Founder of ProAge Collective

Founder's Story

It felt as though the moment I hit fifty, menopausal symptoms overwhelmed me overnight! The challenges I faced were weight gain, hormonal acne, brain fog, hot flashes, headaches, severe abdominal bloating, sensitive skin, sleepless nights, depression, and heightened anxiety.

I worked in an unhealthy environment where I endured prolonged stress, resulting in rapid weight loss, frequent anxiety attacks, burnout and depression (which I did not fully realize at the time). In addition, my primary care provider diagnosed me with high blood pressure and prescribed medication, and I began seeing a therapist. At that moment, I realized that my health had to become a priority. Otherwise, like so many other women I know, I was about to further spiral into a cycle of unwanted chronic disease and sickness. I committed to restoring my mental, physical, and emotional well-being using nutrition, exercise and my faith in God. Consequently, I was able to lose weight, eliminate my chronic stress, and discontinue high blood pressure medication.

I quickly realized that the weight loss strategies and exercise routines I once relied on were no longer effective in restoring my previous shape. After trial and error, I've begun to understand what works for me as a post-menopausal woman, and I'm still learning along the way. I am working to lose additional unwanted pounds. My faith has sustained me through this stage in my life and the insights I've gained will enable me to lead a longer, stronger, healthier, and happier life!

My quest to achieve my health goals inspired me to become a certified nutrition coach and group fitness instructor, so I can help others on their journeys too. The confidence I've gained through my own transformation and developed through research and education about nutrition, fitness and menopause has been invaluable. My health journey has fueled my passion to start my own health and wellness coaching business, where I can support other women. I am on a mission to help other women in midlife, look and feel their very best!

I'm thrilled to assist you in reaching your personal health goals. With the launch of ProAge Collective, my aim and God-driven purpose is to inspire and empower you to embark on your health journey with bravery and support!

Let's Do Life Together,


Coach Maleeka


My Education & Credentials


I am a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified Nutrition Coach and completing a NASM Certified Group Fitness Instructor certification, dedicated to providing evidence-based nutritional guidance and engaging fitness programs. With a Master of Social Work (MSW), I understand the psychosocial factors influencing health behaviors, allowing me to take a holistic approach. With over 20 years as a licensed liturgical dance minister, I have honed a deep understanding of the power of movement and implementing faith into any healthy living practice. I held a 30-year career in higher education with roles as a faculty member, a high-level administrator and academic staff. Additionally, my NASM Weight Loss Specialization equips me to create effective, sustainable weight loss strategies. My qualifications enable me to research, design and teach health and wellness curriculum to support clients in achieving healthier lifestyles through a comprehensive and empathetic approach.


My Personal Results


I discovered that achieving health and wellness is an ongoing journey that experiences ups and downs. However, by staying consistent and embracing health as a lifestyle, the rewards significantly outweigh the initial challenges. Consequently, I developed new eating and lifestyle habits, prioritized strength training, and shifted my focus from extreme workout regimens and diet plans to consuming nutritious meals that include all my macronutrients while increasing my protein intake at each meal. I transitioned to a plant-based vegan diet to expedite the process and effectively address the issues I was facing. Additionally, I adopted a workout routine that aligns with my lifestyle and incorporates strength training to build muscle and reshape my body which has successfully aided in my 15-pound sustained weight loss thus far. PRAISE JESUS!

Have you ever felt like you were losing it?

...I can totally relate


As a health coach in midlife, I understand the unique challenges you face. You might be an empty nester, or almost there or maybe you are single with a fur baby like me, with a full life and suddenly you may be feeling a mix of emotions: pride, relief, and maybe even a bit of fear about this new chapter. Juggling responsibilities at work and home, managing stress, and prioritizing your health can feel like trying to spin too many plates at once—but where do you start?

Remember those sleepless nights and seemingly endless days? Your body remembers too. Midlife often brings hormonal shifts, weight changes, and new aches and pains that can be frustrating. You might feel like your body is no longer your own, that it’s rebelling against you.

Let me tell you, you’re not alone. Many women share your frustrations. They talk about the guilt of taking time for themselves, the confusion of navigating conflicting health advice, and the disappointment when old habits seem impossible to break.

But here’s the good news: It’s never too late to rewrite your story. Together, we can create realistic goals, find the joy in movement, and develop a balanced nutrition plan that works for you. Small, consistent changes can lead to big, lasting improvements.

Let’s embrace this journey together. You deserve to feel vibrant and strong at every stage of life. Your health and well-being are worth the investment.

What women say about working with Coach Maleeka...

Latisha G.

Excited To Serve

Maleeka brings an energy to exercising that I do not have on my own. She is always encouraging and ready to get moving. Her energy and excitement are contagious and gets me excited about moving my body. I enjoy that the exercises take into consideration any physical limitations I may have as a woman in her forties. Because the community is for those over the age of forty, I don’t feel the pressure to move at a certain pace or appear a certain way. I know that we are all wanting to attain optimal health at this stage of life. I also enjoy ending each class in prayer and that the music used is God centered.

Atashua L.

Engaging and Motivating

I enjoy Maleeka as an instructor and coach because she is engaging and motivational. She encourages us to push beyond our age, fears and limitations to overcome our challenges to live healthy and fit. Maleeka is knowledgeable about health and fitness practices and trends and is able to answer questions about those topics. She is organized and adjusts workouts to fit the needs and interests of the class as needed. I enjoy being able to work out with a group of women who share my interests, values and challenges in a motivational and spiritual environment.

Janis S.

Knowledgeable

Maleeka is excellent and very encouraging as she instructs. Because she is a former musician and a liturgical dancer, she knows what music to choose to help keep you moving all the way through the allotted class time. I enjoy being connected with other women who are dealing with the effects of perimenopause and post menopause on our bodies.

Your radical obedience is the key to receiving what you've prayed for...come get this health!

-Lisa A. Smith (Pharm to Table Plant-based Health Coach, Podcast Host, Business Coach, Motivational Speaker & Author)

Copyright © 2025 Wake Forest, North Carolina