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

I have always had a keen interest in nutrition and have seen firsthand how nutrition tailored to an individual’s needs can greatly impact their overall well-being, or lack thereof. I joined IHN in January 2021, at a time when we were all still under COVID restrictions. At that stage in my life, I had expected to be travelling, but those plans were on hold. 

Another reason I chose IHN was to challenge myself. After the idleness of COVID, I wanted to see if I could still learn new material, if my brain was still sharp. I now jokingly call IHN my “midlife crisis,” but I believe it was a really healthy one. Life eventually got busier, and I took a break from courses. For a while I wasn’t sure if I would finish. But by the summer of 2024, I kept hearing that little voice reminding me I had to complete the program within five years to graduate. I couldn’t leave it as an unfinished project, so in September 2024 I returned with focus. Thanks to the incredible support of the staff, especially Colleen, I was able to complete everything, finishing my last course in June 2025. 

I am deeply grateful to the IHN staff for their dedication to student success. They go above and beyond with grace and compassion, making what can be a stressful journey feel supported at every step.  

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

I have been a Certified Dental Assistant for over 30 years. I’ve always wanted to work with the public in a health care capacity, and I’ve truly enjoyed my career. Over the years, I’ve cherished the relationships I’ve built with colleagues, clients, and sales representatives. 

Dental care, however, is quite different from nutrition. Many people experience significant anxiety when visiting the dental office. I have always done my best to make their appointments less stressful, but at the end of the day, it’s not a place most people look forward to and it often feels like a necessary evil. 

Recognizing this, I am excited about the opportunity to connect with clients in a more relaxed and supportive environment. My goal is to provide a welcoming space where clients feel heard, learn about their unique nutrition needs, and discover solutions with the reassurance of ongoing support they can rely on. 

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

I graduated from Niagara College’s Dental Assisting Program in 1992. Over the years, I have also taken numerous small business courses, primarily through our local Chamber of Commerce. I’ve always loved the dynamics of small business and learning the many ins and outs of running one. 

More recently, I signed on as a consultant for Metabolic Balance. There is so much to learn, and I’m excited to bring this science-backed program to my clients. I’m excited for the supportive community that comes with it, which I can lean on whenever needed. 

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

I have a personal passion for helping clients age gracefully and in good health. Nutrition can easily go off track as we get older, and many factors play a role such as family changes, reduced mobility, prescribed medications, and the conditions often accepted as “normal” aging diseases. These are the areas where I feel I can make the greatest impact. With even small changes, a client’s well-being can improve dramatically. 

In my personal experience with my mom, I’ve seen how nutrition can be powerful enough to reverse neuropathy. Witnessing that transformation showed me just how much is possible. When people are struggling and are told by medical doctors that nothing more can be done, I hope they’ll find their way to an IHN graduate for support. Life becomes so much more enjoyable when health and well-being are improved and restored. 

5. What has been your personal best achievement?

Like many moms, I would say my greatest achievement is my children. I feel immense pride and gratitude when I think about how they have excelled in adulthood. Both are graduates, working full time in their chosen careers, and they are kind, contributing members of society. That, to me, is a wonderful accomplishment. (If I could just get them to return a text message once in a while, that would be the crowning achievement!) 

On a personal level, one of my proudest moments was passing both the written and physical testing to become a volunteer firefighter at age 40. More recently, I’m grateful for persevering through the IHN program. Completing it has been incredibly rewarding, and the community of people I’ve met along the way has made the journey even more meaningful.

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

The dissolution of my marriage was the most difficult experience I have ever faced. It was unexpected, and for a time, I felt very lost. Looking back now, I can see it as something to be thankful for, though I wish it had been handled with more compassion. In the end, we each have our own journeys. All we can do is look ahead, decide how we want to continue, and choose who we want to become. Over time I was able to use that painful experience as an opportunity to grow. It made me more resilient, more compassionate, and more open to learning new ways of creating a fulfilling life for myself and my children. 

I’ve since done things I never would have had the courage to do if I had stayed married. I ventured off on my own to travel (a truly amazing experience). I took many courses, challenged myself, and ultimately became an IHN graduate. For all of this I am grateful. My life today is beautiful, in part because of that devastating chapter that pushed me to grow. 

I recently moved to my current partner’s home. He is a commercial farmer, and living here fills my soul. When I step outside I see green fields stretching out like a carpet, the wind shifting them into multiple hues. We tend several vegetable gardens and raise our own chickens for food. I feel grateful every day to be immersed in sustainable, regenerative living. Even more meaningful, my partner has made changes to the way he farms commercially inspired by what we’ve learned together through IHN.

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

Something that might surprise people is that I enjoy going to mud runs and drag car events. It’s not exactly what you’d expect to connect with holistic nutrition! My interest comes from the fact that my boys are involved, if they weren’t I likely wouldn’t be either. I’m still learning how to be a mom to adult children, and as that relationship continues to evolve, I imagine my interests will evolve right along with it.

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

I thoroughly enjoyed the Holistic Food Prep course. It was intense having the whole weekend dedicated to it, but the instructor kept the pace manageable and the amount of useful information was incredible. I wasn’t sure how it would feel doing the class online, but it turned out to be a fantastic experience. Instructor Ana Maria Mihai was so helpful throughout and managed to keep an eye on each student. 

I’ve worked for a caterer, TW Co, for a few years, and Chef Tracy and her food stylist, Tesa, have taught me some food styling techniques that definitely came in handy during the course. I was thrilled to send Instructor Mihai my photos of the finished recipes. 

The other course that really sparked my love of gardening was Eva Cabaca’s Herbal Medicine. Eva has so much practical knowledge and a love of herbal medicine that is impossible to miss. Her enthusiasm makes all the information land in a way that gets you thinking about how, as practitioners, we’ll actually apply the protocols in practice to support healing and wellbeing. 

My excitement for the course even spilled over during a farm tour. I was telling the owners how much I loved learning about herbal medicine, and the next thing I knew, they were digging up some of their herbal plants for me to take home for my own garden. The Dancing Pigs Organic Farm experience will be growing with me for a long time… pun intended, lol.