My husband and I have three golden retrievers. I am also a constantly recovering perfectionist, who has worked in human resources for over twenty years. On the regular, I help folks create goals aligned with their short- and long-term desires and aspirations. You are probably asking yourself how health and wellness fit into my life. Here’s the backstory...
My stomach started misbehaving around age sixteen, which at that age was quite embarrassing. By age nineteen, I had my first gastroenterologist, who told me that the problem was “all in my head”. I still remember walking out of the doctor’s office in tears convinced that I could never feel like myself again. I made it through college somehow, then came back home and started my first job! Out of the fear of being sick at work or missing work, I would go an entire day without eating or only eat my “safe” foods (mostly toast, rice cakes, bananas, and ginger ale). I quickly moved up the corporate ladder, putting enormous amounts of pressure on myself to be successful. I did all the “right” things – received certifications, went back to school for my MBA, and bought a house just after turning twenty-five. I continued to challenge myself by running a marathon, doing CrossFit, and competing in fitness competitions.
My stomach woes continued, and thankfully, my PCP kept trying to share solutions. One of his suggestions was to see a functional NP, and while she was helpful, something was still missing. I started doing my own research and fell in love with the world of nutrition, health, and wellness. I was making improvements, but was still not completely where I wanted to be. Then I found a different FDNP, who ran my labs and had me make some diet and lifestyle changes. I could feel my body changing, my stomach was finally managed, and the neuropathy in my hands and feet stopped. It is amazing what the body can do when we handle it with the care it deserves.
My journey inspired me to become an FDNP to help others look and feel their best. I hope you will allow me to be that person for you!