Have you ever had: allergies, arthritis, a stomach ulcer, urinary tract infections, hormone imbalance, insomnia, or heartburn? These were my symptoms, among others. Conventional medicine was not solving my issues, and in some cases, was making things worse. This led me to the world of functional medicine. Through lifestyle changes and mind-body techniques, I was able to improve all of my symptoms. By working on the root cause of my symptoms with my doctor, which included supplements and prescriptions, my quality of life and chances of a long healthy life were greatly improved.
My original interest in health began as part of parenting my three children. Additionally, I saw my parents suffer through declines in health as they aged. As my list of symptoms grew, I became determined to research health and prevent a similar decline with age. Eventually, I saw that I was uniquely suited to help other people in their health journey through coaching. So, I studied health coaching at the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA) in 2016. My interest in weight loss came from a lifetime of effort to lose the last ten pounds and to keep from gaining even more.
What I learned at FMCA
The FMCA is where I consolidated my knowledge of the power of nutrition. I learned the power of phytonutrients, how to implement elimination, ketogenic, and cardiometabolic diets, and the importance of real, unprocessed food. I learned that food is information, not just a source of calories. That information guides the functioning of every process in the body: assimilation, defense and repair, hormones, nervous system, digestion, energy production, and detox. Food is indeed medicine. I also learned motivational interviewing, positive psychology, and other coaching skills.
Before coaching
Before moving into the world of health coaching, my field was education. I earned my doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of New Orleans in 1987 and have since taught early childhood education at Tulane University’s Teacher Preparation and Certification Program, UNO, Loyola University, and Delgado Community College. I have presented at local and national conferences. Formerly, I was a director of an infant/toddler program and was a teacher of grades 1 to 4. I am a Tulane alum, graduating in psychology and education. I use my knowledge of how people learn and how to motivate in my coaching.
Board certified health coach
The FMCA is a collaboration with The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), the global leader in Functional Medicine education. The FMCA’s 12-month online program emphasizes the core competencies of the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC). They administer the National Board Exam for Health and Wellness Coaches, which I passed in September 2017, the first time the exam was offered. I continue my health education through the FMCA Alumni Program and through a wide range of reading.
Co-hosts a meetup
In an attempt to connect with like-minded professionals, I started the New Orleans Functional Medicine Community in 2018. The group meets once a month on the second Monday, to talk about all matters of health as well as network. The group usually watches the Functional Forum’s monthly video or hosts a guest speaker.
Instructor of health coaching
Since 2019, I have been an instructor of the course, Fundamentals of Health Coaching, for the Health Coach Training program of Delgado Community College, Workforce Development Division. I developed the curriculum for the program and teach two cohorts a year. This combines my experience in higher education with my passion for health coaching.
My interests include yoga, sailing, watercolor painting, spending time with my family including my husband and three young adult children, and of course, health.
