Discovering Health

 I began my HOLISTIC journey into FUNCTIONAL medicine by default, as a patient and parent seeking personal knowledge and the best care for my children, while looking for the cause of my constant exhaustion, overall pain, brain fog and digestive issues.  It is very difficult for traditional western physicians to dig deep when they are restricted to ten minute appointments, but I needed to know how I had gotten to this point and how to dig my way out.  I was willing to do the work and preferred to try a more natural route first.  I hated the 'band-aid' prescriptions typically handed out for symptoms, and felt there had to be a root cause of my issues that weren't being looked at.  I was an avid gardener with backyard chickens growing organic vegetables for my family.  I had enjoyed walking, hiking and practicing yoga for the past 25 years, but barely had energy for any of it.  I knew 40's and 50's was still young(!) and I shouldn't feel this way.  As a special education advocate for the past 20 years I knew being PROACTIVE was the only route to success.  I was seeking WELLNESS medicine.
 
I'm a researcher by nature.  In 2013 I decided to leave my marketing career in my family's business after 30 years and FOCUS on my daughter's and my health. I was discovering my preferred holistic approach to life was taking a step further - looking at NATURE through scientific, peer-reviewed research; viewing the whole body as an integrated, functioning system, with root causes for most dis-ease.  After listening to my gut (literally the second brain) and tuning into my body, with the help from a knowledgeable nurse practitioner and physician, I began to heal my body and got my life back - COMPLETELY.  During my research and healing I discovered the Institute for Integrative Nutrition* and after a year of intensive training I attained certification as an Integrative Nutrition* Health Coach; then continued another nine months focusing on the MICROBIOME, the Mind-Body-Gut connection - our 'second brain'.  

I discovered exercise, managing stress, being spirituality centered, eliminating environmental/personal care toxins, and engaging in meaningful relationships were just as important as the organic food I had always grown and cooked.  AND, the latest diet that worked for someone else, just might not be best for MY body, or the next person's bio-individuality*.   I learned that gut microbiome is critical to our wellness, and the unbalance caused by many treatments is the cause of many issues, which can be restored.  I am now coaching clients to become attuned to their bodies and create a lifestyle that fuels wellness. 
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I have always been an advocate for people struggling.  I LOVE helping others and feel the purpose of my TWO decade journey was to help others rediscover their health, happiness, and peace.  Today I am pain-free, healthier than I have been in 20 years, and have more energy than ever after focusing on my WHOLE health.