I know all too well that receiving a diagnosis can instill fear, and make you feel like you have been boxed in, even labeled. It can feel like it becomes your identity, and often influence your perspective on your future. But the beautiful truth is that we are not bound by our diagnosis, we are not doomed by our genetics, and as soon as we release this limiting belief, everything begins to shift. It was this realization that changed the course of my life forever.

At 12-months old I stopped breathing for a number of minutes. The doctors told my family I would have a lifelong learning disability. At 16 I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety and was prescribed psychiatric medication. Trauma led me to pull out my hair which led to yet another diagnosis, Trichotillomania. At this point I felt lost, broken, and scared. How could this be my life, my story? I began turning to drugs, alcohol and other destructive coping mechanisms, at this time unable to see the path forward.

A STORY OF RESILIENCY

Everything began to shift once I discovered Occupational Therapy. For the first time in my life I got serious about my health, driven by the desire to help others. I went into recovery for drugs and alcohol and completed graduate school. This catalyzed a deep dive into sensory processing, brain health, holistic healing, nutrition, fitness and utilizing food as medicine. I was determined to learn every healing method and modality that I could, and to alchemize my experience into wisdom and guidance I could share with others. To turn my pain into purpose.

I became board recognized in Rehabilitation, Wellness and Prevention, started teaching fitness classes and earned certifications in Health and Wellness Coaching as well as a number of other holistic specialties. Exploring multiple methods of health and wellness showed me the only way to truly heal and create lasting change was by taking a holistic approach. I realized that there was never meant to be a quick fix, or a one-track journey to wellness, but that optimal health could only be achieved in our day to day efforts and choices. Aligning with a diet that meet’s you unique body’s needs, practicing healthy habits daily to reprogram the mind, body and brain, regulating your nervous system, and cultivating whole body connection is the key to transformation and sustainable health.

I teach the practices that when integrated into my own life, helped me heal in ways I was told were impossible. And led me to the profound realization that if I could do it, others could too.