I have always had a deep love of science. I love diagnostics, research + health/wellness. I am fascinated by the human body; particularly the brain. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Michigan State University where I specialized in Cognitive Science + a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Michigan University. My continued education was driven by my love of learning + my desire to work clinically with people. Following graduation, I worked for four years as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the hospital setting primarily working with stroke + brain injury patients.

Working in the conventional medicine realm opened my eyes to the healthcare system in our country. I became increasingly frustrated by the limited time spent with patients, watching patients be passed from specialist to specialist without anyone stopping for a second to think about what the root cause might be or taking a holistic, bigger-picture approach to their care. There was no mention of how nutrition + other lifestyle factors played a role in disease.

Our current medical model is great for treating an acute problem + for life-saving measures. But from my personal and professional experience, conventional medicine is at a loss when it comes to managing (and preventing) illness. It is not focused on health + wellness; it is focused on sickness and this system does not take into consideration the person as a whole. I truly believe the future of healthcare lies where Western medicine meets Eastern medicine to encompass more holistic + integrative healing.

While working clinically with patients suffering from chronic diseases, and from conditions that can be largely attributed to unhealthy habits, I realized I needed to be on the preventive side of healthcare. I determined I wanted to work with people before it is too late – I knew I wanted to prevent them from getting to the point of multiple co-existing conditions + defeat.

This discovery motivated me to dive into the world of functional, integrative + holistic medicine. And this is where my health coaching journey began.

My interest in women’s health stemmed from my own health experiences. The more frustrated I became with my own symptoms and the more I learned about the female body, hormones + reproductive health, the more curious I became.

The latter half of my 20’s and into my 30’s was spent navigating issues related to hormonal imbalance post-pill (I decided to quit the birth control pill that I had been on for 10+ years). I experienced breast fibroadenomas, PMS, nutrient deficiencies, microbiome imbalance, cystic acne, etc. Quitting the pill forced me to tune-in to my body, get to know my menstrual cycle on a new level + appreciate all that a woman’s body is capable of. 

And was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Once my health coach journey began, I quickly realized I wanted women’s health to be my specialty. I wanted to know everything there was to know. I read dozens of books, listened to podcasts, read research articles + became certified as a Hormone Health Coach and Fertility Awareness Educator. I now have a strong desire to share this knowledge with women everywhere!!

I came to realize through my studies how critical the health of our gut is + how closely it is linked to the health of all our body systems, including the mind/brain. This made sense to me. And helped me understand my years of a “sensitive stomach” (later diagnosed as IBS), anxiety, gluten intolerance + joint inflammation. And how it was all connected + rooted in one place – my gut. Being the life-long learner that I am, I also became certified in the area of gut health to further my knowledge of this critical component to optimal health.

Fast forward to now… I am elated to say that I have essentially “healed” my hormonal imbalances + gut dysbiosis through small shifts in daily choices. I know how transformational these small shifts can be and that there truly is a way to feel good in your body – mentally + physically. I eat foods that make me feel good and avoid the ones that make me feel bad. I listen to my body, instead of ignore or suppress. I move my body in some way every day. I honor my body’s natural hormonal rhythms to live in a way that aligns with my menstrual cycle + keeps my hormones happy. I have found my own“ balanced lifestyle,” where I live in a way that respects + takes care of my body. These gradual shifts have transformed me into the best version of myself. I have found the recipe that works for me + my body.

Now for the less serious stuff…I was born + raised in Grand Haven, Michigan, a small beach town on Lake Michigan. I have since lived in Kalamazoo, MI, San Antonio, TX + currently live in Miami, FL. It was a lifelong dream of mine to live in the sunshine state, so I couldn’t be happier that we're here. I am married to the best man in the world. We make a great team and I am so lucky to have him. My husband and I have determined we thrive in warm, sunny weather. Wherever there is water, we feel at home. In our spare time you can find us cooking, exercising, playing with our two pups or spending time with family + friends. We have a mini Australian Shepherd named Penny and Cavapoo named Paisley. They are hoot and keep us very busy! I’m an exercise enthusiast and love group fitness classes. Lover of the beach, chasing sunsets, palm trees, yoga, tequila + dark chocolate!

The words “Live On” have a special meaning to me. In 2009, we lost my brother in a tragic accident. Since that day my family + I have used this mantra to wake up every day and keep moving forward. “Live On” is my lifestyle motto. It encompasses waking up every day + putting my best self forward so I can have an even better tomorrow. LiveOn Health Coaching is about just that – nourishing your body, establishing healthy habits + always striving to be the best you for years to come!

Learn more about the LiveOn lifestyle.