Why I Do What I Do: My Journey & Core Values

Early Influences

From as far back as I can remember, I’ve always been a nerd at heart. I was fascinated by animals, nature, and the science behind how the world works. This natural curiosity eventually led me to human health, and after years of playing volleyball, basketball, and running track, I decided to pursue a degree in Molecular Biology. I earned my degree with honors and envisioned a future in the medical field. However, as I witnessed the healthcare landscape shifting and thought about the kind of life I wanted for my family, I chose a different path.

Instead of going to medical school, I became a laboratory scientist, where I worked for nearly a decade. It was my dream job, one where I learned the intricacies of research, test methods, data analysis, and how to think like a scientist.

Proof of my nerd-ness since childhood…

and that holding frogs makes me happy!

Motherhood and Awakening

My perspective shifted dramatically when I became pregnant with my first child. I wanted a natural, unmedicated birth and chose a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) over an MD, aiming to avoid unnecessary interventions. Despite my preparation and research, I ended up being pressured into a cascade of medically unnecessary interventions. Although my experience may not have been as traumatic as others, it left me feeling deeply unsettled. I realized how easily we can be manipulated in moments of vulnerability and how many of the medical decisions made during childbirth are based on convenience or profit rather than the mother’s or baby’s wellbeing.

Around this time, my mother was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Being involved in the health challenge of my mother and responsible for the health of my unborn child forced me to question many of the medical practices I had taken for granted, including vaccinations. I began diving into research, exploring alternative approaches to health and wellness. It was during this time that I discovered the power of essential oils, herbs, homeopathy, and other natural remedies. These natural solutions began to shape how I viewed health for myself and my family.

Me, pregnant with my first child, visiting my mom in the hospital while receiving treatment for AML.

My Son’s Diagnosis and Health Journey

The next pivotal moment in my journey came with the birth of my second child. We planned a home birth with a midwife, and after a natural induction, my son was born at home. Four days later, after a newborn checkup that landed us in the NICU, we received life-changing news: our son had a Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) (missed on 4 previous prenatal ultrasounds), a serious heart defect, and the doctors suspected he also had Down syndrome (update: he does!). He would need open-heart surgery to survive, and we faced an overwhelming new reality.

Navigating the medical system during this time was incredibly difficult. Many doctors judged us for having a home birth, and they were quick to dismiss our concerns. Despite our request for an echocardiogram, they delayed it for days, insisting his low oxygen levels were due to a lung infection from the home birth. It was clear to me that the standard of care was not in my son’s best interest.

When he eventually needed extra calories to help him gain weight, I encountered resistance from the medical team again. They pushed formula, which caused my son to vomit and break out in a rash, but when I suggested fortifying my breastmilk with my own milk fat, something I learned other moms were recommended to do from top pediatric cardiologists, our cardiologist smirked and dismissed it. That was a turning point for me. I knew I had to trust my intuition and do what was right for my son, even if the cardiologist and her one-size-fits-all protocol disagreed with me.

I began fortifying his milk naturally, using my own breastmilk fat, and it worked. He gained weight, and I felt empowered by trusting my education, my body, and my instincts. However, the cardiologist’s notes became hostile towards me, and when she pushed for unnecessary interventions, I knew we needed a second opinion. We found a new cardiologist who respected my approach, trusted my intuition, and helped us choose the best hospital and surgeon for my son’s life-saving surgery.  This entire experience reinforced how critical it is to advocate for the best care, trust your instincts, and explore natural alternatives that may not be part of the mainstream approach.

Becoming a Holistic Health Practitioner

Going through the experience with my son inspired me to learn more about how I could support my family’s health naturally. I realized that although I had the scientific background, I wanted to expand my knowledge in holistic health to understand the body from a whole-person perspective. I began researching nutrition, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes that could support my son’s condition and my family’s overall well-being.

The more I learned, the more passionate I became about holistic health. As I began naturally sharing what I was learning, people began to ask me for advice. I pursued formal training and certification through Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® to become a holistic health practitioner, equipping myself with tools and strategies to support others. My goal was to combine my scientific understanding with natural alternatives to help people feel empowered in their health decisions. I wanted to offer a more integrative approach to wellness that respects the body’s ability to heal while also considering the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of health.

Key Lessons

My journey has taught me some deeply important lessons that now shape my professional practice:

1. Natural alternatives are effective – My son’s healing and wellbeing showed me firsthand that natural solutions can be powerful and life-changing.

2. Trust your intuition – I learned that no one understands your body and your child’s needs better than you. Your intuition is a powerful guide.

3. Advocate for your health – The medical system can often be rigid and dismissive of alternative approaches. It’s vital to advocate for your health and make informed decisions that align with your values.

Core Values

My experiences shaped not only my approach to health but also the core values that now guide my life and work. Personally, my values are faith, family, and integrity. Faith grounds me, family motivates me, and integrity is the compass that guides all my decisions.

In my holistic health practice, I focus on empowerment through education, because I believe knowledge is the key to making informed choices. I offer personalized care, tailoring my approach to the unique needs of each person, because no two bodies or lives are the same. Above all, I practice with compassion, understanding that healing is a journey that requires support, encouragement, and care.

Ready to Take Charge of Your Health?

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, misunderstood, or like you had to fight for the best care for yourself or your loved ones, you’re not alone. It’s time to trust your intuition, explore natural alternatives, and advocate for the health you deserve. Let’s work together to create a personalized plan that empowers you to feel your best—naturally.

Reach out today to start your journey toward holistic health and healing. Your body knows how to thrive. Let's give it the support it needs.