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

With a background in sciences and a career in the pharmaceutical industry, I have witnessed people struggling with chronic illnesses and in many cases, without finding lasting solutions to their health needs. This experience coupled with my belief in the vital role of food, exercise and lifestyle in health, along with my personal frustrations with the food industry and shifting cultural priorities of providing wholesome food for our family table, inspired me to explore deeper into holistic nutrition.

IHN stood out to me because of its evidence-based curriculum and focus on treating the person as a whole. This focus on holistic healing resonated with my passion for understanding the connection between physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

My “why” is simple: I want to empower others to reclaim their health and understand the power of food as medicine and the lifestyle changes that can make a difference in their wellbeing.

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

I genuinely enjoyed the deep dive into Nutritional Symptomatology as it provides the framework of applying research and solutions in clinical practice. The insights gained from this course can profoundly equip practitioners with the tools to identify and address the root causes of illness rather than merely managing symptoms. By understanding the intricate connections between diet, lifestyle, and health, practitioners can develop highly personalized care plans that promote sustainable healing and address the whole person—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Furthermore, the course fosters the ability to integrate evidence-based practices with holistic modalities, empowering clients to take an active role in their health journey that not only improves outcomes but also builds trust and lasting relationships with clients, making holistic care more impactful and transformative.

3. Describe your favourite experience at IHN so far?

I enjoyed the daily camaraderie of being online with an excellent group of teachers and students. However, my volunteer farm day offered me the opportunity to help George, a local organic farmer and to understand the intricacies of sustainable agriculture and the principles of organic farming. Working with George provided a firsthand approach by engaging directly in tasks such as planting, weeding, harvesting, and composting, and gaining practical skills with a deeper appreciation for the natural processes that sustain healthy crops, soil health, pest management without chemicals, and crop rotation techniques, all grounded in ecological balance. This experience not only fostered a strong connection with a local farmer but also highlighted the challenges and rewards of organic practices, promoting a holistic understanding of responsible food production.

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

Prior to IHN, I had a long standing successful career in pharmaceutical sales in multiple sectors such as oncology, gastroenterology and primarily psychiatry/neurology. This exposure was highly impactful in bridging the gap between groundbreaking medical innovations and the healthcare professionals who use them to improve patient outcomes. It requires both scientific knowledge and strong interpersonal skills to communicate the value of therapies to physicians, hospitals, and healthcare networks.

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

I have a BA degree in psychology with an emphasis on science based research. I recently achieved an honours diploma from the Academy of Culinary Nutrition, with certificate in Herbal Remedies and I acquired an honours certification in Neurology and Mental Health from Advanced Clinical Focus.

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

As I take on the challenges in a holistic nutrition role, I hope to promote healing through nutrition for chronically ill clients by identifying nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, and imbalances to optimize their physical and mental well-being. With a personalized approach, I hope to develop individualized nutrition plans tailored to each client’s unique health history, lifestyle, and specific conditions to address the root causes of their illnesses. Hopefully, this will empower clients with education and offer the connection between diet, lifestyle, and overall health, equipping them to make informed decisions and sustain long-term wellness.  I am considering the challenges specific to the mental health sector, to work alongside other healthcare professionals, and I hope to collaborate to actively promote the integration of holistic nutrition into mainstream healthcare and bridge the gap between conventional medicine and natural healing.

7. What has been your personal best achievement?

I am proud of my achievements in pharmaceuticals as a multiple award winner and top performer helping physicians and patients find solutions to complex health issues. Of course, my proudest achievements are my two children, Alexia and Kyle and the amazing young adults that they have become. They are truly what makes my world go around.

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

There are multiple challenge of being a single mum and raising two young children. Our most difficult time as a family was the initial shock from the loss of their father from a car accident when they were both still young. Grieving my own loss while providing emotional support to my children was overwhelming as I tried to balance the role of both care giver and sole provider. The emotional toll can be heavy. Despite these hardships, through perseverance and the love for my children, I found the strength to rebuild, pivot to a new normal and navigate the grief while fostering resilience in my little family.

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

I am a 60 year old woman who has a full happy life. Although faced with many challenges along the way, I have always desired to give back to those less fortunate. This includes 3 trips to third world countries to help build up communities and foster meaningful engagement to support their local neighbourhoods. I also continue to support my local community wherever I reside, participating in sustainable food programs and a variety of charitable health foundations.