1. What brought you to study Holistic Nutrition at IHN?

In my mid to late 20s I started developing allergies and sensitivities to a lot of different foods that I had never experienced before. I was inflamed all the time and was dealing with stomach issues on an everyday basis. I was diagnosed with leaky gut syndrome and had to eliminate a lot of foods from my diet. When the pandemic hit, I took some time off to  prioritize my health. It was during this period of self care that I felt a strong calling to to better understand my body. The desire for this deeper knowledge and healing is what led me to enroll in IHN.  

2. What professions have you worked in prior to enrolling at IHN?

Prior to IHN I worked in sales at a high-end plumbing store for eleven years. Then transitioned to HVAC sales for the latter six years before quitting to focus on my studies and health, all whilst doing bookkeeping for my boyfriend’s company which gave me more flexibility to concentrate on my studies.  

3. What degrees or academic achievements did you have prior to IHN?

High school and some university credits. I always had a difficult time trying to find my place. For the first time, I feel committed and passionate about what I want in my career and in my life. During my time at IHN, I have completed my Reiki Level 1 certification and am now a certified Metabolic Balance coach.

4. What are your goals/aspirations as a CNP?

I would love to support women who struggle with gut issues and allergies, like I once did. I want them to feel in control of their bodies and deeply empowered in their health. I hope to help them understand their bodies better and learn how to listen to their own cues with confidence. And maybe one day, I’ll host a wellness retreat in Italy.

5. What has been your personal best achievement?

Overcoming my allergies, sensitivities, and eczema has been transformative. Through the knowledge I gained, along with discipline and consistency, I’m now able to enjoy the foods I love and have a much healthier relationship with food. It’s something I once never thought would be possible.

6. What is something you overcame in your life, that you didn’t think you could?

My anxiety. I still experience the feeling at times, but through nutrition and therapy, it no longer holds me back from the things I love or the dreams I want to pursue.

7. What is something about you that would surprise people?

I have a deep love for travel – including solo adventures – and I truly value making meaningful, personal connections with others. The thing that would surprise people about that, however, is that I have social anxiety.  

As Brene Brown puts it “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen”.

8. Is there anything you would like to share about your experience at IHN so far?

Two of my favourite courses at IHN were Herbal Medicine with Eva and Psychology of Disease with Nicole. Herbal Medicine deepened my appreciation for the healing power of plants, and now I incorporate herbal remedies in my everyday life. Psychology of Disease gave me critical insight into how interconnected our mental and physical health truly are – especially in my own experiences with gut issues and anxiety. You can’t fully address one without acknowledging the other.