People often ask me what inspired me to become a clinical nutritionist. The answer isn’t a single moment—but rather a series of life-altering events that unfolded in the wake of what should have been a relaxing vacation.

Years ago, I traveled to Costa Rica expecting beauty, adventure, and rest. What I didn’t expect was that this trip would mark the beginning of a long, painful decline in my health—and ultimately, a complete transformation in how I live, work, and help others today.

When “Off” Becomes Overwhelming

Shortly after returning from Costa Rica, I began to feel “off.” It started subtly: foods I’d always tolerated suddenly triggered extreme abdominal pain—so severe that I nearly went to the ER more than once. It made no sense. I wasn’t doing anything differently, yet my body was clearly in distress.

Then came the fatigue—crushing, bone-deep exhaustion that made it hard to get out of bed, let alone function in my high-pressure job in the fashion industry. At 5’6″, my weight dropped rapidly to just 96 pounds, and my belly became so bloated I looked pregnant. New symptoms surfaced almost daily. My once vibrant life was slipping away.

Searching for Answers—and Finding None

I began what many know as “the specialist shuffle”—bouncing from doctor to doctor, desperately seeking answers. I was prescribed antacids and proton pump inhibitors, even though I didn’t have heartburn. Others suggested I see a therapist or “cut down on stress.” No one asked about my diet. No one ran comprehensive labs or tested my gut health. Not a single provider explored my microbiome or considered that my symptoms might be interconnected.

This pattern continued for over a year. I was dismissed, misdiagnosed, and, worst of all, not truly heard.

Breaking Point

As my condition worsened, my ability to think clearly declined. I spent most of my free time in bed. A strange metallic taste took over my mouth. My skin erupted in hives, rashes, and painful peri-oral dermatitis. I suffered repeated tear duct infections, styes, and constant bloating. It was as if my entire body had gone haywire—and no one could tell me why.

It was terrifying. How could I be so symptomatic and still have no diagnosis, no treatment, and no plan?

Finally, the Truth

Eventually, I found the right practitioners—individuals who asked the right questions, ran the right labs, and looked beyond surface-level symptoms.

Through functional testing, I discovered:

• I had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that had gone undiagnosed.
• I was severely gluten intolerant.
• I had a parasitic infection, likely contracted in Costa Rica.
• My gut microbiome was deeply imbalanced.
• My immune system was compromised and under constant stress.

In short, my body was waving red flags—but conventional medicine wasn’t trained to see them.

From Pain to Purpose

While I was immensely grateful to finally understand what was happening, I was also deeply disheartened. I didn’t have a rare or mysterious illness. My symptoms had logical causes and clear connections. What I needed wasn’t revolutionary—it was someone to truly listen and connect the dots.

This realization changed everything.

After a 20-year career in fashion, I left it behind to pursue my new calling. I returned to school and immersed myself in the study of clinical nutrition, functional medicine, and the human microbiome. I earned my Master of Science in Human Nutrition, became a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) and Certified Dietitian Nutritionist (CDN), and built Body Bliss Nutrition from the ground up.

Why I Do This Work

Today, I support clients who feel just like I did: confused, discouraged, and frustrated by a system that often overlooks the root causes of illness. My mission is to be the provider I wished I had—someone who listens, investigates, and empowers people with real tools for healing.

At Body Bliss Nutrition, I specialize in:

• Gut health and microbiome restoration
• Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
• Hormonal and thyroid balance
• Food sensitivities and intolerances
• Fatigue, brain fog, and mood issues
• Weight loss resistance and metabolic dysfunction

I use evidence-based protocols, advanced lab testing (like GI-MAP and functional blood analysis), healing diets, and targeted nutraceuticals to uncover what’s driving symptoms—and help the body return to a state of balance.

My Message to You

If you’re struggling with your health and feel unseen or unheard, know this: there is a path forward.

You don’t have to live with symptoms that don’t make sense. You don’t have to settle for prescriptions without explanations. And you certainly don’t have to go it alone.

Healing is possible when you have the right support, the right information, and a practitioner who sees the full picture.

My journey through pain led me to my purpose. Now I’m here to help you find yours.