I have earned my PhD in Human Nutrition, Foods & Exercise from Virginia Tech, where I was a qualitative researcher concentrated on dissemination and implementation science–particularly focused on system supports for individual health promotion and behavioral modification related to physical activity, healthful eating and weight control. 

Prior to that I earned an M.S.R.A. (Master of Recreation Administration) and a B.S. in Secondary Education/Communication and English. 

I am also continuing to advance my knowledge and practice of both Ayurvedic (natural medicinal practices) techniques and treatments and Attachment Theory as powerful components of my holistic approach to coaching.

My mid-life journey has included all kinds of unexpected experiences. And, I have endured more than a few of the mental, emotional and physical changes that occur with mid-life transitions… and my introduction to those transitions was a startling one! 

Physically, i was putting on weight that I could not permanently lose, despite my increased physical activity and dietary changes. And then to add insult to injury (or perhaps injury to insult in this case), I began experiencing chronic joint pain and eventually damage, which not only totally derailed my weight-loss and maintenance efforts, but also severely impacted my mental and emotional states. Add to these physical issues a traumatic, nearly life-taking health condition of a young relative, which resulted in 67 days spent recovering and rehabbing in two children's hospitals; an interstate move that necessitated the sale of one house and the purchase of another; and the ongoing ups and downs of a new relationship.  All of these experiences occurred at the same time. 

My body didn't feel, look or behave like the one I knew; my mind was fraught with intense worry for my young nephew; my emotions were all over the place trying to navigate and manage these difficult situations. In short, my body, mind and spirit were under attack. And, I felt like a woman on auto-pilot. I was existing; not living... and so far from from thriving.

And, due to a concurrent confluence of events and symptoms, I found it very difficult to identify whether or not symptoms were related; and if they were, what was the cause and what was the effect? I really didn't know.

This is when I most appreciated being a scientist and putting my experimental skills to good use! 

I have spent a great deal of time researching and testing… with more researching and testing… and even more research and testing… until I uncovered foods, behaviors, activities, and mindset techniques that each became a part of a larger, integrated plan leading to my own adaptive evolution of improved health and wellbeing. 

While there are aspects of my mid-life transition I still am working to conquer–I have experienced transformation, and am eager to share all I have learned with you, so you too can thrive in living the life of abundance you so desire!