I am a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Personal Trainer, Positive Psychology Practitioner, and a Certified International Health Coach. I’m also a Licensed Chiropractic Technician with Therapeutic Modalities.
Moving from NYC to Kiel, WI was one of the most blissful decisions I’ve ever made.
Going from a population of roughly 8.4 million to about 3,500 and trading the City that Never Sleeps for rural Wisconsin was refreshing. I love the outdoors and thrive when I can connect to the earth through my hobbies, especially with likeminded people. As a foodie, I occasionally miss the options and trying the new restaurants and popups, but it came with a price – literally and metaphorically.
In comparison, I now grow a substantial amount of my own food and enjoy creating new recipes. What I can’t grow or wild forage (springtime Morel mushrooms are always a treat) I buy locally. Participating in the process has given me a greater respect for food, but I’ve always felt a connection and appreciation when gardening, preparing and sharing food with others.
Now beekeeping on the other hand – that was a hobby I never considered until I moved back to Wisconsin! This summer marked my fourth year of learning and sharing with friends and family. This is the beauty of my experience in the last few years – opportunities. While I’ve always been passionate about health and wellness, viewing it as a lifestyle, I’ve had incredible opportunities to pursue new hobbies - from archery to fishing, extensive gardening to woodworking, and my latest endeavor: sailing. Many of these experiences resonated deeply with me from the start and felt like a natural part of my identity. Not all were the right fit, but I learned more about myself in the process.
I think the best way to exercise is to incorporate mindful movement that is enjoyable. By finding active hobbies, I align the exercise pillar with connection & contribution to achieve greater balance. Including friends at times also helps with the relationship pillar.
This worked in tandem with my professional pursuits. I graduated from the University of Missouri with a triple major in International Journalism with a print and digital news emphasis, Political Science and Classical Studies. After more than seven years of industry experience, including anchoring at an NBC affiliate and working for a Vogue subsidiary, as well as starting two companies, I was ready to complete my transition with additional education.
I truly enjoyed the required coursework and chose to earn additional licenses and certifications to better assist my clients in reaching their goals. I love learning and teaching others, which was fundamental in journalism, however, what makes coaching most rewarding is being part of a client’s growth. Guiding others to create lasting change is an exceptionally worthwhile endeavor, and I enjoy the challenge of working within each person’s bioindividuality.