As nurturing and encouraging all those around me comes naturally to me, I am a natural-born healer. I am a proud Certified Nutrition Specialist with a Master's degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. Although I went into school thinking I would go the traditional route, I have been predominantly in a research role since graduating. My interests are many but mostly center around how trauma impacts functional gastrointestinal disorders, particularly irritable bowel syndrome. Away from work, I enjoy practicing meditation, mindfulness, walking in the woods with my dog Mika, researching recipes, and doing my best at other prominent life roles - sister, granddaughter, friend, & human.