I spent most of my childhood and young adult years in a cycle of digestive discomfort. I would easily go a week (or more!) completely constipated, then have a rough few hours doubled over in pain in the bathroom, followed by a bout of… well… the opposite of constipation. Rinse and repeat. FOR YEARS. I vividly remember my mom sitting on the edge of the bathtub while my legs were full of pins and needles from sitting so long – commiserating about how she went through the same thing (and still did), and thinking this was just going to be my “normal” for the rest of my life.
I’ve mapped out the nearest bathrooms on my commute to work. I’ve canceled dates because I was too scared to go to a new restaurant, unsure how my stomach would react. I can tell you exactly how many tiles are on the bathroom floor of my childhood home (52). I’ve used the grossest porta-potties and public restrooms and I’ve even hopped out of the passenger side of the car in bumper-to-bumper traffic outside the Holland Tunnel to run into a restaurant bathroom. I’ve eliminated my favorite foods and still, nothing seemed to help.
The last straw for me was when I was dealing with daily nausea. I went to a doctor, who ran one test and prescribed medication. I remember when she called me and said “your test results came back normal so… You have your prescription.” I hung up thinking, that’s it? But… what’s next? WHY am I constantly nauseous? Don’t you want to run other tests? What’s the next step? And honestly, if that were to happen today, I would have asked those questions. I think I was so frustrated at the time, I didn’t bother (after all, I was so used to hearing “your labs are normal” when it came to my autoimmune disease for years).
After years of dealing with the frustrating and dissatisfying healthcare system and not seeing any symptom relief, I knew there had to be a better way. I started working with a functional medicine doctor and nutritionist. This. Was. EVERYTHING. They helped me discover the root causes of my symptoms and treated me as a whole person – including nutrition, stress, sleep, and movement into my plan. This sparked something in me.
I decided to make a career change. I went back to school and earned my Master’s of Science in Holistic Nutrition. I later furthered my education by becoming Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition and a Restorative Wellness Practitioner (level 1) with specialized training in gastrointestinal healing. I learned how to use functional lab testing to get down to the root causes of symptoms and develop targeted, holistic plans to address those causes for true healing – not just quick band-aid “fixes.”
And now? It’s been years since I’ve experienced those symptoms. I’m pooping like a champ and never worry about how my stomach is going to react to food. I don’t have to decline invitations to check out a new restaurant and I don’t even think about where the nearest restroom is (ok, maybe if my son is with me I do). You can imagine how life-changing this was for me, because you dream of a life like this too. Life without constant digestive issues.
For me, this is where I truly found my calling. Today, I help others find the root causes of their symptoms so they can ditch the Pepto and Tums and live a life without bloating, fatigue, and food fear.
I was a licensed clinical social worker for close to 15 years, advocating for the needs of children and families. I've always been passionate about helping others.
I drink iced coffee all year round. Don't you dare try to take it away from me.
If I'm doing any kind of housework or chores, you can bet I'm listening to a podcast - whether it's true crime or Bravo recaps.
Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. Give me all the spooky decorations, scary movies, and crazy costumes.
Die Hard is my favorite movie. And yes, it is a Christmas movie.
I live with my husband, 7 year old son, and two fluffy cats near the shore and absolutely love the ocean (Pisces all the way).
Master's of Science in Holistic Nutrition (MSHN)
Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition (BCHN)
Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP-1)
Member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP)
Ongoing continuing education to maintain my credentials
