My journey started after a divorce, which was full of stress and a lack of support from friends and family. Shortly thereafter, I was diagnosed with reflux/chronic gastritis. Throughout this journey over the years, I always felt that I was different and that there had to be a better way to live and be healthy. Of course, my doctors placed me on medications, and really all I did was mask what was really going on in my body (and mind)… At the time, I also struggled with depression and anxiety. I was always just told to go on medication, which I refused to do.
The pivotal point was when a friend recommended an Ayurvedic practitioner to me. During my first visit, non-evasively, she determined that my body was overcome with yeast, my liver was inflamed, and that my digestive issues were not being addressed by the medications. She also told me that my vitamins, supplements, and meds, were what was causing my liver to be aggravated. It was all tied together. The remedy was an approach of natural herbs/teas and creams, in addition to dietary changes, and probiotics (that actually work). This was life changing. I have not been on medication for my gastritis since that visit 10 years ago.
Ah, and then the birth of my daughter Sophia! I had a corporate career and was not passionate about it. I took time away from my job to raise my daughter and discovered that nutrition, natural remedies, Ayurveda, and health and wellness, were my passion. I did not know what to make of this or what to do with this new found discovery. When Sophia was a toddler, I researched Nutrition and discovered the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). I spoke to someone but did not think I was ready to make a change or devote my time to online studies. In the meantime, my daughter was afflicted with chronic ear infections. Once again, my experience with Western Medicine was that they prescribed antibiotics and did not delve into the cause or prevention. It has been a long journey and now I wish to share my knowledge and experience with others and to help people to have the courage to explore other options.
If you are one of those individuals who feel like they are crazy or just feel like you “Fit Out”, then you are in the right place. This is just the beginning of a better life and lifestyle. I am here to help you navigate through it. It is almost a full time job sifting through all of the information that is out there concerning food and nutrition, let alone finding the time to know what is best for you and your family. You can change your relationship with food. Food can be medicine and you can develop new and healthy habits for a happy and healthier life! The power all lies within you.
I received my Health Coaching certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and have completed the program at the School of Applied Functional Medicine in preparation to be a certified Functional Medicine Health Coach. The Functional Medicine approach to health coaching focuses on getting to the root cause of any dis-ease or the absence of wellness in the body. My education involves the interpretation of lab work, symptoms analysis, lifestyle choices, diagnostic tests, and diet and nutrition. Two of the most prominent Functional Medicine pioneers are Dr.’s Mark Hyman and Jeffrey Bland. These doctors, along with Functional Medicine health coaches like me, are working towards making Functional Medicine a household word.
My Approach
I practice a holistic approach to health and wellness, which means that I look at how all areas of your life are connected. Does stress at your job or in your relationship(s) cause you to overeat? Does lack of sleep or low energy prevent you from exercising? As we work together, we will look at how all parts of your life affect your health as a whole.
I work with my clients to get in touch with their body’s needs because I understand that life happens and your needs will change. I want to equip you with the self-awareness to make the best decisions for yourself in any given circumstance. I believe each person is fully capable of making well-informed decisions as their own expert, not the latest magazine article or fad diet book.
Let’s define what you value most from your well-being. We’ll use these visions to motivate specific goals that bring you closer to where you want to be. As your coach, I will not dictate a diet for you, but together we will explore why some foods make you feel better than others and how to strategically use that feedback. Together we’ll co-create your health goals within reasonable time frames and actionable objectives so you know exactly what you’re working toward.
My Credentials:
•Wellness Code Academy – currently enrolled Jan. 2022. Trauma Informed and Energy Medicine Coaching.
•2019 - Certified Applied Functional Medicine Health Coach, The School Of Applied Functional Medicine.
•2016 - Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, The School of Integrative Nutrition. New York, New York.
•Master of Science Degree, Human Resources Management, Widener University, Chester, PA
•Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Minor in Business Administration, La Salle University, Phila., PA
Training:
•HTMA Training, Amanda Montalvo
•Bryan Walsh’s Functional Medicine Lab Tour - October 2019
•Specialized training in Functional Medicine Testing and Lab Analysis
•DUTCH, Organic Acids Tests, Comprehensive Stool Testing, KBMO Food Sensitivity Tests.
•Dis-ease and the Gut
•Thyroid and Hormones
•Allergy and Asthma
•Diabetes
•Supplements
•Cellular Metabolism
•Heavy Metals/Toxicity
