My journey into functional medicine began with my oldest child’s diagnosis of ADHD and ASD at age four. He faced numerous challenges—frequent illnesses, poor eating habits, and behavioral issues. When traditional medicine offered only medications that worsened his irritability, I felt there had to be a better way.
A pivotal moment occurred when he was required to be medicated to stay in preschool. A fellow mom introduced me to a holistic pediatrician who used nutritional testing and dietary changes, which significantly improved my son’s health. This experience opened my eyes to the limitations of conventional medicine and sparked my passion for exploring alternative solutions.
Throughout my career, I’ve been influenced by remarkable mentors, including Dr. Mark Hyman, and have attended numerous conferences that deepened my understanding of healing. I realized that the healthcare system often treats symptoms rather than seeking root causes, which is essential for true healing.
My commitment to functional medicine solidified when my first patient saw remarkable results from lifestyle changes we implemented together. This reinforced my belief in the power of individualized care and the importance of meeting patients where they are.
Transitioning to this approach was not without challenges. I faced skepticism from colleagues, financial barriers for patients, and the need for a mindset shift. However, I believe that education and evidence-based care will ultimately prevail.
I’ve witnessed countless success stories, including a patient who overcame fatigue and anxiety through our tailored approach. Healing is an ongoing process, and my goal is to empower individuals to navigate their health journeys with confidence and grace.
I am particularly passionate about supporting women in their 50s navigating hormonal changes. My own family history of health issues motivates me to advocate for better options and support for women facing similar challenges.
Ultimately, I envision a healthcare model that prioritizes wellness and lifestyle choices, moving away from the “band-aid” approach prevalent today. My mission is to help individuals reclaim their health and live vibrant, fulfilling lives.
My journey into functional medicine began as a mother of four, driven by a desire to uncover the root causes of my children’s health issues. My oldest was born just as I graduated from Nurse Practitioner school, and I quickly realized that traditional medicine wasn't addressing my concerns. A pivotal moment came when my son suffered severe side effects from a vaccine, leading to an emergency surgery. This experience made it clear that conventional approaches often do not serve every individual and that personalized care is essential.
Throughout my career, I’ve encountered numerous opportunities to customize care for my family and friends, digging deeper into their health challenges. From addressing diaper rashes to understanding complex health issues, my passion for functional medicine grew. I’ve researched extensively, written medical papers, and embraced the detective work that comes with helping others heal.
I’ve found that conventional medicine often relies on a “one size fits all” approach, which simply doesn’t work for everyone. I strive to provide individualized care that addresses each patient's unique needs, much like finding the perfect fit in clothing.
Initially, I faced doubts about pursuing functional medicine, especially in a society that craves immediate solutions. Healing is a gradual process, requiring patience and commitment from both the provider and the patient. I’ve learned to meet patients where they are, helping them through their skepticism and guiding them toward transformative changes.
My journey has been influenced by numerous mentors and educational experiences, including attending conferences with organizations like A4M and IFM. I’ve come to understand that healing is not just about treating symptoms but about addressing root causes and making lasting changes.
A defining moment for me was witnessing the remarkable recovery of my first patient through lifestyle changes we implemented together. This solidified my commitment to functional medicine. I believe that every patient has the power to heal, and my role is to support them in that journey, step by step.
I am especially passionate about empowering women facing health challenges during midlife. Having experienced my own struggles and witnessing my mother’s health decline without proper support, I am dedicated to providing better options for women. I envision a healthcare model that emphasizes wellness and lifestyle choices, moving beyond the band-aid solutions that are all too common.
Ultimately, my mission is to help individuals reclaim their health and live vibrant, fulfilling lives, one step at a time. I am committed to making a difference in the lives of my patients and advocating for a more compassionate and individualized approach to healthcare.
