My Story
After years of trying (and failing) to run a marathon, I finally discovered what was holding me back—not just in running, but in life: my gut health.
​
Once I started addressing my gut health, everything changed. I went from struggling to finish a marathon to completing TWO 50-mile ultramarathons, TWO full Ironman triathlons, and a 100k ultramarathon—all in the same year.
But the benefits didn’t stop with athletic performance. I experienced firsthand how nutrition can transform your energy (no more afternoon crashes!), mood (goodbye anxiety and depression!), digestion (hello, relief from bloating and gas!), immunity, and even mental clarity. It was so life-changing that I left my career as a therapist to become a gut health consultant.
​
I spent years helping others restore their gut health—until one day, mine crashed again.
​
Despite doing “everything right,” I found myself exhausted, bloated, gaining belly fat, and struggling in my endurance training. Lab work confirmed what I felt: my stress and inflammation were off the charts, and my hormones were totally out of balance.
​
Desperate for a change, I dove into the research, ate a lot more plants, and became a nutrition coach. I was done wading through the overwhelm of often false information when it came to nutrition, and wanted to find the solid, science-backed truths for turning around our health, energy, mood, and performance through one primary simple strategy: our nutrition.
It didn't take long for me to feel lighter, clearer, and more energized. I slept better, felt better, and even started running faster again. My health, mood, energy, and performance were empowered in a way I had never experienced.
​
Now, at the Joy Clinic, I help others reclaim their health, mood, energy, and everyday performance through compassionate, science-backed nutritional strategies. And I have become a speaker and passionate advocate for the link between nutrition and mental health. I know first-hand--and through the research--that we all can take the struggle out of our mental health and overall health by simply nourishing ourselves through good nutrition. Whether you’re an athlete, tired of relying on medications, or simply want to feel like yourself again—I'm here to guide you back to your most vibrant self.
​
Because I truly believe you can tap into your body's natural ability--with the help of sound nutritional strategies-- to heal itself.
When I'm not speaking or coaching, you will usually find me running on trails, tending to my small farm, or going on any number of backyard adventures with my husband and many children.