Summary/services offered: I am a national board-certified health and wellness coach, focusing on functional nutrition. I take a holistic approach to health by incorporating food, sleep, stress, fitness and toxic environmental factors to reduce the impact of stressors or specific diagnosis on the body. I specialize in supporting children with anxiety, ADHD, autism, depression or trauma histories. I offer group workshops and trainings in addition to individual coaching and nutrition consultations.

What drew you to this profession? I am a formerly frazzled mom, whose experience grew from trial-and-error experimentation with my own children and foster children; it propelled me to study nutrition and achieve national board certification. I specialize in nourishing better behavior by helping families to change their child’s attention, behavior and mood using food everyone in the family will enjoy.

How does your work differ from others in your profession? There are three differences working with a national board-certified health and wellness coach focusing on functional nutrition. The process is driven by you and your goals. We consider all factors in your life and how they impact you and your food choices. It is about building from what you are already eating to a healthier version that meets your nutritional needs. Foods you value, or culturally specific foods, are integrated into your plan. We integrate mindfulness to aid you in developing an understanding of your choices.

What should someone expect from working with you? You will find that you are the driving factor in making the changes; I am just there to guide you. I will help you to cultivate your motivation to make and sustain behavior and habit changes over time, not by promoting radical change. You will see it is possible to honor your cultural foods and preferences, while still making small changes to increase your overall health and wellness.

How is your practice evolving for this year? This year will see the return of live workshops and group coaching in addition to expanded virtual offerings via Zoom.

What is most important for Natural Awakenings’ readers to know? In addition to your overall health, mood, behavior, sleep and stress are all impacted by the food you consume. Healing is possible with what you put in your grocery cart!