My Story

 

Let's start from the beginning. When I was 3 years old my father died of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). I was diagnosed within a few years and grew up spending time at university hospitals entertaining the latest med school students. As soon as I was able to drive, I began going to the local community college and reading medical journal articles on PKD. I did learn that increasing my bone mineral density might be a good thing if I ever needed a kidney transplant. Which led me to begin weight training at 15. I continued my love of wellness throughout my life and this ultimately led to a positive transplant experience. 

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At an early age, I became a fitness instructor. I trained active duty military, bodybuilders, moms, children, young athletes and the list goes on. I competed in a fitness competition with the National Physique Committee (NPC) and applied rehabilitation exercises to injured marines and civilians in the water and in the gym. I then finished a degree in molecular cellular biology. It was about this time that I was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, which is genetically related to PKD. I had a craniotomy and with it went much of my muscle. Within a short time I was also in kidney failure and discussing kidney transplantation. I ultimately had a kidney transplant and eventually a double nephrectomy (kidney removal). I held on to positive wellness, helping others through my position as a coordinator for the PKD foundation and finishing my masters degree during the months leading up to my transplant. 

 

This journey helped me understand the depth of wellness as a whole. I work with my clients to help them navigate the intricate details of their own personal wellness journey and encourage a realistic approach that leads to increased levels of wellness in all areas.