I was introduced to CAM and integrative health about 15 years ago by my aunt. She made me a bedtime tea with chamomile, lavender and lemongrass, and I was just fascinated that herbs could put me to sleep so quickly! That is still my favorite bedtime blend to this day, and I have been in love with natural medicines ever since. As a kid, I was always mesmerized by ancient nomadic cultures and how they relied on hunting and gathering to survive, rather than farming and raising livestock. I would go out and explore our backyard, looking at plants, and thinking “I wonder if any Native American tribes used this for something.” Then, that same aunt came to visit and pointed out one of the plants I had been looking at – it was chickweed! She told me it was edible and showed me how to make chickweed pesto, and this is what sparked my love for foraging. When I graduated high school, my graduation gift from my aunt was all of her tea and herbal infusion recipes so that I could start my own online tea business (that was my goal at the time). As I started researching and learning more about the herbs used, I realized that I wanted to do more than just make teas. So I, again, referred to my aunt who pointed me in the right direction…
In June of 2017 I enrolled in the Franklin School of Integrative Health Sciences in the Diploma of Dietary Supplement Science program, as well as an internship. I interned there for 2 years, which included assisting with research and clinical studies, attending Open Houses where I explained our program options to prospecting students and lead workshops, and I attended an 8-day study abroad tour in the UK. During the study abroad tour, I attended lectures at Oxford University, and a 2-day, hands-on lecture with the Penny Price Aromatherapy Academy (one of the leaders in the world of Aromatherapy). I facilitated discussion groups and activities with my fellow participants as well. I graduated with my Diploma of Dietary Supplement Science in July of 2021 with a portfolio of 15 case studies and 200 credit hours of research and study in subjects including Anatomy & Physiology, Nutraceuticals, Herbal/Botanical Safety, Botanical Identification, Client Consultations, Case Reporting, Product Formulation, Chemistry of Essential Oils, Clinical Application of Essential/Aromatherapeutic Oils, and more.
In June of 2021 I began teaching the Perinatal Wellness Professionals certification program with Natural Abundance Health & Birthing, and I am now expanding the offered courses to include an Intro to Aromatherapy course, and a Professional Aromatherapy course. In December of 2022 I completed my doula training with CAPPA, and I am currently gathering credentials for certification. As a doula, my mission is to empower, educate, and advocate for my clients. Birth is a stage in life that no one should ever go through alone. There’s also this seemingly misunderstood cloud of mystery surrounding the labor and birthing process that I intend to walk alongside my clients through, safely to the other side, using nothing more than their own inherent strength, and a few tricks up my sleeve to make it easier.
The The analogy of the Mountain Guide by Michael Arloski best describes my position as your Wellness Coach:
Mountain guides do not climb mountains for people. As your guide, I help you plan the climb. We assess your readiness for the climb, examine what you have and what you need in equipment and resources. Together we determine a route to take. We plan how long the journey will take and allow for elements we can’t control, be it the weather or a family crisis. We examine what your personal goals are…. We get clear on what a successful and fulfilling climb will be for you.
Mountain guides do not make people climb mountains. The motivation to climb has to be within the climber. During times of discouragement I may lend support, or even challenge you to reach a little deeper for strength I know you have. I also know that your chances of success are far greater if your motivation is internal. You want to climb this mountain! You are excited about it, and you anticipate the journey will in itself be a large part of the pleasure of the experience. It works best when it is not fear-based motivation. You are not climbing the mountain because you are afraid of what will happen if you don’t!
Most importantly, your chances of success are far greater just because you aren’t doing it alone.