My life story would be considered average; but like most I have had losses and challenges that shifted my view of the experiences that have filled it. I learned many things the hard way. I struggled with an eating disorder from a young age that affected decisions, friendships and relationships, including with myself. But, I have also been blessed beyond measure! I have a large, loving family. I am a mom of 3 wonderful young adult children that I couldn’t be prouder of. I have been married to my husband John since 1993, and I have been a Registered Nurse just as long! 

My nursing career has included Family Medicine, pediatrics, college health, maternal & newborn care, and Lifestyle Medicine. In 2015, I changed the way I live and eat. To be true to myself, I chose veganism. This was the decision that led me to adopting a Whole-Foods Plant-based diet and understanding human health through the lens of lifestyle choices. Personally, I discovered joy and freedom in my relationship with food and professionally, a rejuvenation in my nursing career. In 2019, I completed my certification in Health and Wellness Coaching with an additional certification in Lifestyle Medicine Coaching. I then completed training and certification in plant-based nutrition from eCornell in January 2022. 

After practicing yoga since 2010 a bit inconsistently, in 2020 I sought yoga teacher training as a way to connect to my own body in a positive, “embodied” way. The two 200-hour trainings that I completed for certification were very different from each other, but beautifully complimentary! I continue to add depth to my yoga teacher training and have a certification in Restorative Yoga.  In January 2023, I completed a 300 hr teacher training with Mark Stephens

I am deeply thankful to my teachers, Rick Lynch and Margaret Newland from Principles of Yoga, Judith Hanson Lasater for the Restorative yoga training, and Yoga Farm Ithaca. 

When I am not working or teaching, I love reading, being outdoors hiking/snowshoeing (often with our dogs), paddle boarding, biking, gardening and so on! We have been a foster family for many, many dogs and continue to assist with animal transport and rescue when we can. I care deeply for our earth, the environment and all of the ecosystems that need our stewardship. The welfare of all beings is the foundation of all of the work that I do.