My Story

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I was 15 years old when I started taking the birth control pill. I desperately sought relief from period problems, and my doctor told me the pill would solve them all. When I was in my mid 20's I realized the pill was part of the problem and NOT the solution. I experienced a myriad of side effects that came from taking the pill and significant post birth control syndrome coming off of it.

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My digestion suffered the worst, I even went as far as having a perfectly functioning gallbladder removed in hopes I would find relief. Surprise, I didn't! I struggled with hormone and GI issues for years and received the PCOS badge of honor along the way. My GI doctor put me on a medication that would help my debilitating anxiety and my IBS symptoms, one that was intended to be taken for the rest of my life. I told her I was going to school to be a dietitian and my goal was to wean off of the

medication using a food first approach. She laughed and said, you can certainly try, but every patient that's tried to come off this medication has called me months later begging for another prescription. There it was, the fire that was lit, the burning desire to prove her wrong. I tried and I failed a few times, but I didn't give up, instead I invested in myself and my health and I DID IT! I figured out what my body needed to thrive without the aid of pharmaceuticals. This included nutrition, supplements, sleep, stress management, and exercise just to name a few components. I realized early on that all that was happening "to me" was actually happening "for me". I knew I was meant to help women through these same or similar struggles and I was just gaining personal experience along the way. 

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Next up, my fertility. I knew it had taken a big hit from years on hormonal birth control and mismanaged/undiagnosed PCOS. I spent 3 years learning about and preparing for my body to get pregnant. When it came time to start trying, my body was ready. I became pregnant and planned out my trimesters meticulously when it came to my diet and supplement regimen. Just like that, another curveball, and my newest badge of honor, a gestational diabetes diagnosis. I immediately felt like a failure. After a few days of sulking, I shifted my perspective again from "this is happening to me to this is happening for me". I quickly felt empowered and challenged to take control of this new diagnosis that was no fault of my own. I successfully managed my blood sugar levels and was able to have a natural and unmedicated birth of a healthy 6 lbs 12 oz baby boy.

 

All of that being said, I'm proud of my health journey thus far. I've learned so much along the way, and realized that "fixing" my hormones, digestion, etc isn't a one time thing. Health is an investment, something to constantly work on. It can be overwhelming, but don't let it be, let me guide you and support you through your unique health journey.

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My Credentials

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• Obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from Arizona State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude

• Completed my Dietetic Internship at the San Diego VA Medical Center

• Professional experience as a dietitian in the following specialties: Women's Health, Pediatrics, Critical Care Medicine, GI/Liver and Short Bowel Syndrome

• Certifications: Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certificate of Training, Certified Nutrition Support Clinician 

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