My Story

My own wellness journey began over 15 years ago when my current lifestyle of being a work-a-holic began wreaking havoc on my physical health as well as my emotional and mental well-being. I loved my jobs as an education consultant for UNICEF and then as a special education teacher in the South Bronx. I devoted myself to my career and regularly worked 80 hours a week. I did this for years until my body just gave up.

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My cholesterol levels were in the red from not eating well and not having time to exercise. My thyroid was dysregulated, causing body aches, shakes, and shortness of breath sitting still. I regularly had muscle spasms in my shoulders and neck. The final straw was when my legs went into a state of dysfunction to the point that I barely had the ability to ascend the small set of stairs leading up to our apartment lobby. Sitting still, my legs felt like tingly Jello.

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​I blew all these symptoms off. I told myself I was just “tired.” It wasn’t until I saw multiple doctors and specialists that they told me “Your body is in a state of chronic stress” and that I needed to make some major changes to my life and my health. This was a wake-up call.

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It was only then that I faced the reality that my life wasn't in balance. I wasn't whole. 

It forced me to take an honest look at my life. I was working all the time, but nowhere near where I wanted to be financially. I had grown professionally, but my personal life suffered. I rarely saw my husband and had little time for family, friends, or travel – things that I loved.

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Something had to change, but I didn't know where to start. I remember crying in the hallway of our small apartment and telling my husband I didn't know how to change my situation. I had hit rock bottom.

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I had a choice to make. Either continue living my life in this way or do something different. Sometimes the pain of being where you are can be the very catalyst to propel you where you need to go. 

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​​My husband and I took the first step and finally made the brave decision to move from the hustle culture of New York to the more relaxed lifestyle of Tampa, Florida.

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Once here, I took the time to look within and decided to take control over my physical and emotional health...and my life. This was a very empowering and liberating decision!

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I am not saying it was easy, but I know firsthand how rewarding it can be when you finally take the first step, and then the next, on a health journey that propels you towards a way of living you couldn’t even imagine was possible when you started.

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Over time I drastically changed my diet, discovered methods of movement that fit my lifestyle and brought me joy. I found a spiritual community. I do reiki. I journal and meditate regularly to ground myself when life gets hectic.

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​​Eventually, I redefined my career and found fulfilling work as a wellness coach that affords me ample time for sleep, family, friends, daily walks, yoga, meditation, travel, and cooking – all things that bring me joy! I truly LOVE what I do!

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​In two years I was able to reduce my cholesterol so it was back within normal range and prevented myself from having to be on life-long medication. My thyroid is back under control, also without the need for medication. Through physical therapy, yoga, and reducing stress in my life, the strength in my legs has returned to normal. 

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All of these changes had a profound effect on my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. I learned that when you take responsibility for your life, learn to prioritize yourself, and tap into your higher self, you can overcome life’s challenges.

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Going through this personal evolution provided me with a wonderful framework to live a happier, healthier and more fulfilled life. What started as an escape from stress, led me on an empowering journey of self-discovery which changed my life forever.  

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This is not to say that my life since has been a perfect picture! While many things in my life are going well, I still experience life’s challenges like everyone else does. My health journey continues as I learn to navigate body changes as I age and find new ways to balance all of life’s responsibilities. Wellness is a life-long journey, ever evolving along with you as you grow.

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The difference between then and now is my mindset. My mindset changed dramatically because I finally recognized I had agency over my life. I learned I am resilient. I now view challenging situations as opportunities for learning and personal growth. Even in situations where I don’t feel like I have control, ultimately, I realized I have a choice in how I respond to the trials life throws at me. I developed a trust in myself and now know to depend on my personal strengths which help me realize how to overcome and grow from my challenges. I am my best solution!

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I am here to tell you that no matter how dire things may feel at the start, "just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly." This proverb got me through the toughest of times on my personal wellness journey. It gave me hope that something positive was waiting for me on the other side of every hurdle. 

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Ultimately, I am grateful, because I think these experiences have made me a better coach.

I’ve been where you are. I’ve tackled the tough decisions and the life re-evaluations. I’ve experienced the setbacks and dips in motivation and had to discover ways to overcome them. I’ve faced the reality of my past choices that impacted my health head-on and did the work to change my life for the better.​

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​My wellness journey may look and feel different from yours. I may have overcome different battles than you currently face. But, my experience as a social worker and teacher have taught me that compassion and respect overcome any differences in experience.

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​Perhaps you are already on your own personal journey of transformation and looking for more inspiration or maybe you are ready to take your first steps to start changing and improving your life.

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Wherever you are, I would be HONORED to partner with you on your wellness journey and

help you transform YOUR life!