My Journey to Becoming a Nutritionist

Growing up I was always interested in health, but never paid quite enough attention to nutrition. I was the “skinny“ girl, athletic, and could eat whatever I wanted… or so I thought. As an art major at VCU in Richmond, I loved my creative lifestyle of sculpture and design, but as I was finishing up my degree I felt like my body completely changed overnight. The stress of my parents' sudden divorce was certainly a contributing factor, but the sodas, fast food, and candy did not help either. I gained thirty pounds very quickly and my life as I knew it changed completely. I felt so self-conscious about my body, was no longer comfortable going to the beach with my friends and covered up in baggy clothes. I quickly became a hermit plagued by depression. My doctor was mystified as to why I had gained the weight so quickly, with a bloated belly and gut-wrenching pain after every meal. It was obvious I had developed severe digestive issues. 

Enough was enough. I decided to go to a local bookstore and research everything I could get my hands on about naturally healing myself. I read for weeks and weeks, absorbing everything to help myself heal naturally. Long story short -- it WORKED! I healed myself with healthy food, herbs, exercise and managed to get off all the medications. I learned first-hand that food can be our medicine. 

There began a new found passion to help others. I went back to school to get an Associate’s Degree as a Dietetic Technician, then off to ODU for a Master’s in Health Science-Community Health. I am still an avid reader on health and nutrition, experimenting with herbs, supplements, and detox cleanses and I LOVE talking and learning about nutrition! I’ve also obtained many side certifications in things that interested me like becoming a Reiki Master. It is my passion, my love, my life. I know I am able to help others with many different health issues as I meet clients every day. It was a gift to have those health challenges twenty years ago that at the time I labeled a personal nightmare, never knowing it would provide impetus to propel me into the career I so enjoy today. 

I chose this route to avoid being in a clinical setting. I did hundreds of hours for my internship work at hospitals, nursing homes, military bases, and public schools, but found that my best work could be done in a more holistic environment. I also get to focus on meal plans, cleanses, and work with specific needs such as people with chronic illnesses. I have been continuing my schooling and opening my heart as a willing student to the beautiful healers, teachers, gurus, medicine men, and shamans from around the world. I LOVE to continue to learn, grow, and expand my knowledge base!