I am one of the approximately 27 million people affected by Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Of those 27 million people, 25 million of them are women. It is believed that testosterone gives men a protective advantage. It is one of the most common thyroid disorders in the United States and one of the most often missed. One of the reasons is because the ranges for the TSH, (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is quite wide. You could have subclinical hypothyroidism, but your doctor might miss it if he/she is not looking further to see what levels your Free T3 and Total T4 fall, or if they are not checking for Thyroid Antibodies. Antibodies can fluctuate and should be routinely monitored.

In my mid-forties I went through menopause and developed hypothyroidism and later found out it was actually Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune disease of the thyroid. Next came Sjogren’s Syndrome also known as dry eyes and dry mouth. Then I developed Raynaud’s Syndrome, Osteopenia, Microscopic Colitis and various skin issues. Most people don’t realize how critical hormone balance and replacement is when it comes to avoiding autoimmunity issues.  I spent most of my spare time over the course of about 25 years reading and researching how to manage these conditions without harsh medications as well as how to navigate through declining hormone levels.

If you are interested in more of my story, it is featured in a collaborative book called HEAL TO LEAD, HOW TO TURN YOUR WOUNDS INTO WISDOM, VOLUME THREE. It has become an Amazon best seller. All the proceeds will be donated to The Boys and Girls Clubs of America. It is available on Amazon in both a Kindle version and paperback. To order, click under the book cover below.

Despite all these challenges, I have been able to live a full life – and I plan to continue to live each day to the fullest. I have co-managed Retirement communities and moved all over the country. I have been a Marketing Coordinator at a blood bank and a Credit Union.  I am a daughter, sister, friend, aunt, wife, step-mother and mother to a Tabby cat named Rocky who has been known to make appearances in Zoom calls. If I could only teach him how to talk and answer the phone, I’m sure he would make an excellent assistant.

From a spiritual perspective, I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe in signs and in trusting my intuition. I believe we all are here to evolve our souls and to use our talents to make ourselves and others happy. When we are true to ourselves and enjoy what we do we raise our vibration. That positive energy spreads out to others. I knew I had to figure out what that was for me to make my life more meaningful and satisfying. I discovered that by helping others transform their health.

Then I was called to become a Certified Health and Life Coach and then to keep studying to become a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach.   I had previously learned how to use food as medicine to control my symptoms and now my mission is to help others to do the same. I am not a doctor or medically trained and I do not want to replace your doctor’s advice. I want to help your doctor help you because I am able to spend more time with you than they are allowed.  Our medical schools teach med students very little about nutrition and how our diets can impact our health. Eating less and exercising more just doesn’t work for most people who need to lose weight to improve chronic health conditions. Hormones play a huge role for both men and women and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Choosing which type of diet or way of eating for your chronic condition can be confusing for most people. I use specific assessments or questionnaires as well as listening to your history to determine what is the best type of diet and lifestyle adjustments needed to improve your symptoms, which will include your thyroid and other hormonal symptoms.  I can also refer you out to others who practice beyond my scope, should you want or need that. I stay current on all relevant health information and I take 36 continuing ed credits every 3 years to maintain my Board status. I continue to learn and sharpen my skills as a coach daily.

Most of us live our lives and don’t give much thought to our health until we don’t have it anymore. That happened so early for me that it sparked an interest in health related topics that has now turned into my life’s passion and purpose.  I am motivated and driven by my experience to support others with similar stories. Of course there is a lot more to managing these conditions than the foods we eat. Sleep, stress management, connection to that which is greater, setting healthy boundaries, exercise and movement as well as having fun are all important aspects of living a balanced life.

As your coach, I provide accountability, support, inspiration, motivation, encouragement, guidance, humor, unconditional positive regard, total autonomy and so much more. Nothing is ever forced or mandatory. You get to choose what you are willing to do because only you know what is doable for you.

With your permission I provide guidance and suggestions.  No two clients are exactly alike. We are all different and there are many different reasons for autoimmunity. I ask you thought provoking questions that might get closer to the root cause of your condition.  If you require something such as treatment of infections or lab work, I am happy to guide you to the appropriate physicians who specialize in those causes if you need one. I have access to a vast amount of current and relevant information which I carefully curate to assist you in achieving your health goals. The first step is to say “yes” to yourself. Self-care is not selfish. It is mandatory so that we can offer the best version of ourselves to those we care for. It is also necessary to take care of ourselves so that you are able to excel in all eight dimensions of wellbeing including relationships and careers. I not only offer hope, but real solutions to your challenges. I am excited to go on this journey towards better health with you so you can make your dreams come true!

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