My Health Story

Empowering individuals to live their best version of health is my passion.

Healthful living and wholesome food have been an integral part of my story.  From childhood memories of helping grandma in the kitchen to picking fresh-grown tomatoes with my kids, food has allowed me to connect with and nourish those most precious to me.

My career path has centered around food and cooking from working as a research chef to founding Caregivers Kitchen, a culinary and nutrition training company that focuses on chronic disease management through diet and lifestyle for older adults and those with disabilities.

I’ve enjoyed an active and healthy life, but several years ago the stress of raising a family, building a business and neglecting my own health took its toll on my body. I was exhausted but couldn’t sleep, anxious, depressed, overly emotional and couldn’t tolerate my favorite foods. It was affecting my career, my family, my relationships and every part of my life.

After seeking help from a holistic practitioner and doing the work to restore my health through food and lifestyle, I realized my body is truly amazing! I believe that with compassionate support, anyone’s health can thrive.

Through this experience, I learned that it’s not just the food on our plates but also the primary food that bring balance into our lives.  Healthy relationships, practicing creativity, a fulfilling career, taking time for self-care and managing stress are all tenets of a balanced life.

This experience led me to enroll in an integrative health coach training program. I now work with individuals to offer the same compassionate support that restored balance in my life.

If you’d like to learn more about my path to health coaching, click here.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

  • BS Food Science - Purdue University

  • AAS Hospitality Administration/Culinary Arts -
    Ivy Tech Community College

  • Integrative Nutrition Health Coach - Institute of Integrative Nutrition

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

  • National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach

  • Certified Culinarian - American Culinary Federation

  • Certified Dietary Manager - Association of Nutrition
    and Foodservice Professionals

At Home in Indiana

I’m a life-long Hoosier along with my husband, Eric, our children and Blue Heeler, Daisy. In my free time you will find me riding bikes with my kids, working in the garden or in the buddy seat of the tractor.

I’m grateful to live in a place that embraces wellness and supports my efforts to educate and empower the health of my community.