I always knew from an early age that I would be a doctor.
My job, journey, and career were to discover what type of doctor I would become.
I had no idea I would become a naturopathic doctor.
My parents are scholars with multiple degrees and have instilled in me the desire to learn and think for myself. My mother was a nurse and is now a social worker.
Therefore, caretaking became a common practice when helping people. She worked with a variety of patients in an array of settings. While in school, she also brought me with her to learn.
As a young girl, I sat in organic chemistry classes and ran around labs, learning complex structures before my maturity. It created a deep understanding of how the body works on a cellular level and unknowingly prepared me to be a functional medicine practitioner.
My father is in education, and my stepmother was a geneticist. Again, I learned how to question things, think independently, and recognize the science within which the art of healing takes place.
Experiencing natural healthcare practices, such as undergoing acupuncture, rebirthing, reiki attunement, and participating in Native American spiritual work under the age of twelve, prepared me for my calling and path to becoming a
naturopathic doctor.
Then I was offered an opportunity to teach in massage therapy schools as an anatomy & physiology instructor. By honing my skills to teach people the body as well as gaining an even deeper understanding of anatomy and physiology, this experience served me on many levels.
Working full-time and being a single mother proved to be challenging when balancing college education, but I was determined to be a naturopathic doctor. I continued to persevere and not give up on my dreams while also teaching my daughter how to have life and work balance. I continue my education by completing my associate degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, all while owning and managing multiple businesses.
With a focus on deep biochemical and laboratory
diagnostic training. I was at a crossroads in my
education as to the direction I would take. I knew I wanted to be a doctor, but I was still unsure of which kind, so I did more research. I studied allopathic doctors such as MDs, and the like. Although I appreciated their philosophies, they did not resonate with me, and I felt G-Ds calling was for me. I further explored being a
holistic doctor including chiropractic, osteopathy, and naturopathy. Especially since I worked with many of them throughout the years.
Although I appreciated chiropractic care, I did not see myself as a chiropractor especially since I had already done manual therapy for so many years. Being an
Osteopath disheartened me since they had
abandoned much of their holistic practices to merge with the allopathic trends. When I further discovered being a naturopathic doctor, it really resonated with me. What made me hesitant was the credibility gap it had in the medical community.
Functional Medicine quenched my thirst through
biochemistry and understanding on a detailed level of how the body works. My deepest desire was to bring forth science combined with the art of healing. I saw that this was a perfect blend in healthcare. At the time, there were so few credible naturopathic doctors and so much overall miseducation and fear
around the subject.
I continued my education gaining a Bachelors in
Natural Healthcare Sciences, yet still wavered on which direction I would take with my doctoral training. I was passionate and loved the practice of naturopathy.
However, I was concerned that it would be an uphill battle, politically and socially.
Naturopathic Doctors are not recognized and the ones that are, intend to be considered primary care
physicians. Fundamentally, I believe that we are not
primary care physicians, nor do I want to be a primary care doctor. I also choose not to prescribe medications or have an interest in performing surgeries.
I also believe that we are not adequately trained to
diagnose and manage pathologies, nor do I believe that is our place in healthcare. I greatly respect and work
integratively with all doctors by respecting and deeply understanding everyone’s place in medicine, healing, and healthcare.
I believe that our jobs are to motivate, inspire and
empower our patients to live healthier lives and not to diagnose and manage diseases using collections of symptoms. As I saw more and more of this new breed of naturopathic doctors that came onto the scene who want to replace allopathic doctors, merge with, or have considered them, I began to generate more of an urge to pursue traditional naturopathy.
I also saw that a traditional naturopathic doctor became no more than herb or supplement salespeople who are not running appropriate labs to understand the human condition.
They have little to no conversation about diets, if any, as well as limited scientific education. It truly drove me over the edge and enabled me to finally make the decision to become a traditional naturopath with deep biochemical and laboratory diagnostic training. This is why I added the functional medicine component to my training and have a deep understanding of the biochemical
component of a person.
As a child, I found myself immersed in the world of natural healthcare. Under the age of twelve, I experienced practices like acupuncture, rebirthing, reiki attunement, and Native American spiritual work. These early encounters not only shaped my understanding of alternative healing methods but also ignited a passion within me to explore the healing potential within our own bodies and the natural world around us. Growing up in my families lineage prepared me for being a practicing spiritual healer.
At the age of sixteen, I embarked on my career in natural healthcare, becoming one of the youngest graduates in a massage therapy program. This marked the beginning of a journey that would take me through a diverse range of healthcare settings, from spas and wellness centers to massage clinics and beyond. These early experiences allowed me to witness the power of touch and holistic therapies in promoting wellness and healing.
An opportunity to teach anatomy and physiology in massage therapy schools further enriched my understanding of the human body. Balancing work, education, and single motherhood, I continued to pursue my dream of becoming a naturopathic doctor. This teaching experience not only enhanced my knowledge but also instilled in me a passion for educating others about the intricacies of the human body and the potential for natural healing.
Along the way, I obtained an associate degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor's in Natural Healthcare Sciences. My studies delved into deep biochemical and laboratory diagnostic training. This diverse educational background equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of both the mind and body, laying the foundation for a holistic approach to healthcare. I continued with my education with multiple certifications, training with world renowed doctors, and following the path of mind-body medicine.
While exploring different avenues of healthcare, I found my calling in naturopathy. The holistic approach and focus on science blended seamlessly with my passion for healing. Despite challenges and skepticism in the medical community, I remained steadfast in my commitment. Naturopathy became the compass guiding me towards a path that integrated the best of both worlds – science and nature. I stood by my beliefs that the body can heal itself in the right environment, and it is my calling to teach people how and what to do to heal self.
Functional Medicine became the bridge between my love for science and the art of healing. It allowed me to dive into biochemistry and gain a comprehensive understanding of the body's inner workings. This integration of science and healing was a perfect fit for me. Functional Medicine not only expanded my knowledge but also provided me with the tools to address the underlying causes of health issues, rather than merely addressing symptoms. This lead me to the practice of Integrative Medicine which combines the best of both worlds and allows me to work integratively with allopathic doctors.
I observed a growing trend of naturopathic doctors veering toward replacing allopathic doctors. This didn't align with my beliefs. Instead, I chose to become a traditional naturopath with a strong foundation in biochemical and laboratory diagnostics. This decision was rooted in a deep commitment to maintaining the integrity of naturopathy as a complementary and holistic approach to healthcare. I decided to not become a Natuorpathic Medical Doctor as I believe the practice of allopathy and naturopathy are seperate but equal practices. Therefore, I legislate against those that want to eliminate traditional naturopathic practices while also elevating traditional naturopathic education.
My educational journey included completing Doctorates in Natural Medicine and Naturopathy, with a focus on laboratory diagnostics. I also obtained several certification. These twelve years of study in natural healthcare sciences solidified my expertise and allowed me to offer a wide range of holistic healthcare solutions to my patients. My commitment to continuous learning ensures that I stay at the forefront of advancements in natural medicine. I eventually completed My Masters in Public Health with a concentration on complementary and alternative medicine.
My journey led me to delve into the realm of homeopathy and the profound connection between mental, emotional, psychosocial, and physical health. I pursued a 500-hour Clinical Hypnotherapy training and studied handwriting analysis to further understand the human mind. These additional studies underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of illness, including the mental and emotional aspects, in achieving true holistic wellness.
My thirst for knowledge continues with a Masters in Business with an emphasis on Marketing that I am currently enrolled in and have completed the first year of studies. I am currently applying to PHD programs to find a Psychology PHD that embodies my committment to mind-body healing. This ongoing commitment to education reflects my dedication to staying at the forefront of holistic healthcare practices and ensuring that my patients receive the most comprehensive and effective care possible.
Above all, I am a lifelong learner on a mission to help others reclaim their health by addressing the root causes of imbalances rather than just symptoms. My vision is to build a practice that stands the test of time and facilitates healing in families worldwide. I am deeply passionate about my mission as your family's naturopathic doctor, dedicated to helping families embrace natural, holistic healthcare. My commitment to your well-being extends beyond my credentials – it's a lifelong journey of learning, healing, and empowerment.
Subscribe to 0ur Newsletter!
