From ages 17-22, I was constantly sick. My body had been through a lot - 6 surgeries in 2.5 years, a fractured spine, torn muscles in my back, a broken wrist, and 3 reconstructed knees - thanks gymnastics. All of that, on top of some pretty big traumas, like losing my little brother in a tragic accident when I was 13. I spent 3 years in physical therapy trying to regain strength and stability in my body again. I was constantly on antibiotics for various recurring illnesses and had my tonsils taken out when I was 18 in a last-ditch effort to help. Numerous post op complications made recovery a really long and difficult process. All of this took a major toll on my body, and a couple years later, I developed my own series of chronic "mystery" health issues. I had painful, cystic acne all over my face. I suffered from crippling gut issues that left me in constant pain and fear, not knowing when something might trigger my symptoms. I had horrible brain fog and fatigue - trying to write papers in college when you can't remember words or articulate your thoughts is incredibly challenging. I was depressed, anxious, and having panic attacks almost daily. I could hardly leave my apartment to go to work, class, or see friends. My menstrual cycles were irregular, and when my period would come, I’d be in so much pain that I could hardly get out of bed or go to the bathroom. This phase of life was incredibly isolating and lonely, which only made my mental health struggles worse. This is part of the reason I now share so openly about my journey — to help others realize that they’re not alone and there IS hope.

After being let down by doctor after doctor who couldn't give me answers, wouldn't listen to my concerns, and would only try to prescribe me medications to mask my symptoms, I decided to seek out answers and real healing on my own. It was when I discovered functional medicine and holistic health that everything changed. I dove in head first and learned everything I could in an effort to heal myself. I earned multiple certifications and went to grad school for Clinical Nutrition in a Functional Medicine based program. Over time, I was successfully able to heal myself naturally of all of the things doctors told me I never would. The acne, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, gut issues, fatigue, brain fog, PCOS, and endometriosis.

And then I made it my mission to help others do the same.