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

In 2019 I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, after years of bouncing from doctor to doctor, knowing something was wrong. The cancer had metastasized and I had my thyroid removed, but went with my gut and refused radiation. Instead, I started working with an IHN graduate to understand root causes and to truly heal. This was the start of my love affair with holistic nutrition.

2. What course has been your favourite so far, and why?

I would say Symptomatology with Jen Papaconstantinou. I had already learned so much; but in this class, it all came together. I loved all of the case studies and understanding how to put together protocols. Plus, Jen is so knowledgeable and very engaging.

3. Describe your favourite experience at IHN so far?

After my first full-time semester, I flew to Nicaragua to participate in Grace Van Berkum’s co-op. I was there for two weeks learning the ins-and-outs of running retreats and it was a great experience. But what made it my favourite was doing it with one of my classmates, Terri Venkataramaiah. We had been in all the same classes and had chatted over WhatsApp for six months prior, so meeting in person and having that connection was really cool.

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

I originally got my Bachelor’s degree in creative writing and spent my first few years out of college writing for print magazines and newspapers (I know, I sound like a dinosaur). I then went overseas to teach English in South Korea and went back to school to get my teaching certificate. From there, I taught English in Colombia and China, and then created a journalism program in Romania. I also worked for expat magazines in these countries as a food writer and moonlighted in Shanghai as a street food tour guide. Along the way I also waited tables, worked as a web editor, a writing coach, I was a staffing manager, did public relations, and owned my own business.

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

I want to start my own online business where I work with women to restore thyroid function and gut health. As a thyroid cancer survivor, I’m passionate about supporting others through their healing journeys while getting to the root cause of disease. I see myself teaching clients how to put autoimmune conditions into remission, prevent chronic disease, and to feel at home in their bodies. In addition to my online practice, I want to run retreats to bring women together to heal and thrive in community.

6. What has been your personal best achievement?

This is a tough one, but I want to celebrate finishing this program at IHN. It was a big decision to quit my job and change careers, but I knew in my heart that this is what I’m meant to be doing. Studying full-time while also writing and taking on three co-ops was challenging, but I did it!

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

Right after university in 2005, I moved pretty far away from home for an ex-boyfriend. While exciting at first, I quickly became homesick and suffered from Seasonal Affective Disorder (I’m originally from Florida and moved to the Northeast, so it was a difficult adjustment). Our relationship suffered and became toxic, and I eventually became suicidally depressed. I didn’t see a way through it, but thankfully my mom flew up to help. Through therapy, medication, and LOTS of retraining through cognitive behavioural work, I was able to overcome the depression and anxiety and rewire my brain. I am eternally grateful for this experience because it’s made me who I am today.

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

I’ve been to North Korea! In 2017, my husband and I went with a small tour group from China to participate in the Pyongyang Marathon. It’s one of the only ways foreigners can enter the country, and it was fascinating. We spent three days being led by a military official and it was eye-opening to say the least!