ABOUT ME

I’ve had a passion for learning my whole life and always asking why, especially when it comes to the human body and all things nature. My grandmother likes to tell the story of how I could name most plants in her backyard by the time I was 3!

Fast forward, and I completed my B.S. in Food and Nutrition Science at the University of Alabama in 2015. After various volunteer opportunities and working in home health care (while also working as a bartender), I then furthered my knowledge about health and medicine through PA school, graduating in 2019 from UAB.

My own health struggles worsened during PA school. In 2018, I had 2 surgeries 6 weeks apart for thoracic outlet syndrome and lost most of the strength in my dominant right hand for months, amongst a cluster of other issues. My first ribs and two of the vertebrae in my neck fused incorrectly in utero, and the anomalous ribs were causing damage to blood vessels and nerves. I was then diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune thyroid disease) a couple months after surgery. Soon after that, a tick bite resulted in a classic bull’s eye rash of early Lyme disease.

I was stressed to the max, not sleeping much with training demands, often over-eating or drinking, and not taking care of myself. I kept pushing myself forward on the wheel of achievement, ignoring my body’s signs that something needed to change in how I was living.

For years, I was dragging myself out of bed each morning to write prescriptions for more antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, when I really wanted to talk to my patients about the deeper reasons behind why they’re not sleeping well, grinding their teeth, having pain flares, and how nutrition and exercise influence brain health.

I reached a deep level of burnout, struggled with chronic pain and “weird” symptoms, frequently got colds, had covid twice, and was stuck in “fight or flight” mode from a variety of things. I didn’t recognize myself, and now my body didn’t either—it was attacking its own tissues.

To be clear, I am so grateful for the advances in healthcare that are a byproduct of modern Western medicine. The work-up and evidence base provided by this system is crucial, and I’m thankful every day that I can take a medication to replace my lacking thyroid hormones or take an antibiotic if I really truly need it.

But it’s often not enough, and the setting is ill-equipped to dive into deeper healing.

Even though I worked and trained in it (and will always be grateful for the rigorous education), allopathic medicine alone failed me in areas. I knew there was more to feeling better than just taking a pill for the rest of my life.

I deeply rejected the notion of “there’s nothing else you can do.” However, I lived like there wasn’t for a while.

I felt deeply called to use my training + curiosity to journey down a new path to health.

So I started working with a career coach who previously left residency to start her own business, and I began planning to leave my career in academic medicine. I also realized how much relationships can affect your health.

I got clear on my purpose and values. I cut my alcohol intake. I did (and am still doing) subconscious mindset work. Learned about the dangers of perfectionism. I started deep-diving into scientific research and spiritual practices, which I had always loved combining.

I pulled out my anatomy textbooks and old PowerPoints to re-learn about the nervous system in a different light this time. Researched about the neurophysiology of acupuncture points and chakras.

Discovered loads of evidence and clarified underlying mechanisms for my ‘gut feeling’ that chronic stress was a huge factor in chronic disease.

I dove into the gut-brain axis, hormonal systems, neuroplasticity, breathwork, yoga, journaling, developmental psychology (aka inner child work), herbs and supplements, and of course, always learning about the power of food on our bodies.

I switched my definition of “traditional medicine.” This is what I had always been passionate about, but I got way off track. I had to massively course-correct.

Through both my personal and clinical experience, I created a holistic healing program focused on women with autoimmune or other chronic disease to reclaim their health.

This is NOT a substitute for your healthcare provider(s), medical advice, or a magic cure.

It is understanding how your body communicates, recognizing the patterns that keep you stuck and sick, developing a personalized toolkit for healing, and a journey to self-love and empowerment.