I received my certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I was trained in more than one hundred dietary theories and a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods. Drawing on this knowledge, I will help you create a completely personalized “roadmap to health” that suits your unique body, lifestyle, preferences, and goals. Learn more about my training and my unique approach to health coaching at www.integrativenutrition.com.

I became a Health Coach through IIN because I am drawn to helping others achieve their goals in health and wellness. I have also overcome a disabling,  chronic illness. In 2004, I found myself going to countless doctors trying to find the answer to unexplainable symptoms; cardiac, neurological, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, insomnia, migraines, sudden weight gain, cognitive dysfunction. After a couple of years of diagnostic work, the problems were finally recognized as an autoimmune disease, which for me became life threatening. It was all made worse by stress, which had led to a very unbalanced life.

I never thought of myself as a highly stressed person. I taught school for 29 years in a career I loved.  I found myself becoming unhealthier over a two-year period before being diagnosed.  The symptoms were treated with conventional western pharmaceutical treatment and each medication brought its own round of side effect symptoms.  I reached a point I was using a power scooter and cane to get around and was on oxygen 24 hours a day.  I finally had give in to the challenges the illness brought and had to leave the career I loved, becoming permantly disabled. I remember thinking, “How can I keep on?” 

This illness impacted the relationships with the people I loved.  I had reached a point that my life as I knew it was lost and it couldn't continue the same way much longer.

A turning point came with discovering IIN and having a health coach teach me to listen to my body and trust some simple changes.  I enrolled at IIN and with support, education and practice my health began turning around.

  I have a great working partnership with my primary physician and other specialists.  They encourage the path I am taking and are astounded by the changes I have made.  I have lost more than 100 pounds while still on prednisone and other medications and no longer need to haul oxygen in a tank.  My energy has increased as has my ability to become more involved in life over all.

I have incorporated more tools to bring my health and life back in balance.  I have new ways to manage stress.   I listen to my body and what it needs. Symptoms are slowly reducing or disappearing out of my life,  I can truly say  that I am living a healthy, joy filled life, with energy and passion again.

Today I enjoy working to improve the lives of the chronically ill and family caregivers- those tending to their aging parents, chronically ill spouse or child, or those raising grandchildren -by helping them to reduce stress, increase energy, focus on their own health and claim their daily joy.

Are you curious about how health counseling can help you? Let’s talk. Schedule an initial consultation with me today.