I'll admit, aging caught me off guard, and I had to learn the hard way how to navigate the physical and mental challenges that came with it. I can help you make nutritional and lifestyle changes needed to make aging easier and more enjoyable for you.

 

I was always athletic. I could eat anything I wanted with no obvious impact on my health, weight, fitness or well-being. Then as I got older, it wasn't as easy anymore. I was already successfully managing a health issue with diet and lifestyle changes only. Then menopause showed up. I developed gut issues, histamine sensitivities, food intolerances. Managing the health issue became more difficult. It seemed everything I ate made me sick. I lost weight, lots of it, and with it muscle mass and bone mineral density; definitely things we do not want to happen!

 

I had to go back to the drawing board, take everything I had learned about nutrition, physical fitness and behavior change and apply it to myself. It worked; life is enjoyable and healthy again. Food is too. Getting older is now a fun adventure. But it was a long and challenging process. 

 

Let me take what I have learned personally, educationally and experientially to help you stay strong and sharp as you age, with the support and expertise needed to make it a shorter and easier process for you.

 

I've been on the caregiving end of aging, both professionally and personally, and have seen the mental and physical changes that can appear in our lives. As caregivers we face the challenges of aging too, if in a different way. If you are a caregiver to an older adult I can support you too (how??)

 

Aging doesn't have to be a bad word! It can present us with some of the most wonderful and rewarding opportunities of our lives. 

 

What makes me qualified to help you?

 

First, the formal things:

 

I hold a Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport.

 

I am under supervision hours to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist® professional, which means I am supported by some fantastic, experienced and knowledgeable people!

 

I am a certified Master Health and Wellness coach through the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA) and a candidate to be certified by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).

 

I am a certified personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and an NASM Certified Nutrition Coach and Senior Fitness Specialist.

 

Second, the informal ones:

 

I was fortunate to live in Niger as a Peace Corps Volunteer when I was younger, and saw up close the challenges presented by malnutrition and undernutrition.

 

I have a wide and varied background in natural resources, gardening, and public safety. I spent years on ambulances as a paramedic, seeing the effects of suboptimal nutrition in a different way.

 

I love to garden and help plants grow, and eat and share what I have grown. Outside is my favorite place.

 

I am absolutely dedicated to your success!

 

If you are interested and motivated, reach out. I would love to chat.