about me

I hold a Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the Warner School at The University of Rochester. My area of research focused on Parentification (when children become caregivers for a parent or parents.) My own lived experience inspired me to conduct this research and also informs my practice with clients. I have been an extremely sensitive and empathetic person my entire life. I think this part of my disposition helped me take on the role of caregiver to both my parents – a role that spanned almost 30 years. Even at a young age, I had a deep sense of awe for the life in general – humans, animals, nature – and for the human body and a profound sense of gratitude for health.

When I was 16 years old, my Mother’s Multiple Sclerosis had progressed to the point she had to use a wheelchair. This is when I began caring for her on a more intense level…such as feeding my Mom and bathing and clothing her. We had to use a Hoyer lift to get her in and out of bed and her wheelchair. The caregiving was intense – (and lasted for over 20 years.) It was very frightening to me. And made me extremely-Extremely- sad. I tried to be a “normal” 16 year old. I did well in school and had friends. But home – which was always this magical refuge – had begun to become very stressful. My father who was always so loving and patient, was struggling emotionally with my mother’s illness that progressively became worse each year.

A few years after I graduated from college…at the age of 25 and as difficult as it was for me to leave home…I begged my father to attend a summer publishing program at New York University. I had earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in English and always dreamed of writing about health and beauty for a women’s magazine. He reluctantly agreed to support my dream of attending NYU for the summer. At the end of the program, I was offered an Editorial Assistant position in the Beauty department at Harper’s Bazaar magazine. At that time, Liz Tilberis was Editor-In-Chief and I had always looked up to her and had such admiration and respect for her as a person as well as her intelligence and creative talent – all while having a reputation of being kind. I was so excited for this opportunity, yet this emotion was made so complicated because I felt concern for my parents and guilt about potentially leaving them. When I called my father from NYC to tell him my news…he basically tried to be happy for me but all he could muster was, “Well who is going to help me care for your mother? She wants to remain at home and I need help to keep her here.” So back up to Rochester, New York I went. It was disappointing but it was the decision I made because I loved my parents so much. I did not feel as if I could fully commit myself to a life and career in New York City knowing what my parents were struggling with back home. And my life from there on felt as if it became less and less my own….Until I went to graduate school.

After years of helping care for my mother (and working various customer service and retail jobs in the cosmetics department of my local department store) in my early forties, I decided to attend graduate school to study Human Development and Counseling. The day I received my acceptance letter, my father was diagnosed with Stage IV Esophageal cancer. A month before my first semester was to begin, my mother passed away. For the next four years (and while I was in graduate school) I cared for my father through his cancer journey. He passed away one year after I received my Master’s degree. I am so grateful he was able to be with me at graduation.

I graduated from the Warner School at The University of Rochester, New York. My research focused on Parentification – when children become caregivers to the parent(s.) In addition, I focused on Self-Actualization and Agency – two important aspects especially for those who are caregivers or people pleasers or have lost their own independence and autonomy for many different reasons. After graduating, I had an in depth conversation with my graduate school advisor because I was considering taking the exam to become New York State certified to practice as a Mental Health Counselor. After her guidance and much consideration…I decided to practice in a less clinical manner and coaching seemed like a great fit. I am still helping people but not in a clinical way. I made the right decision for myself…I love what I do!!

After receiving dual certifications in Health and Life coaching, I intensively studied (and continue to) the doctors who are leaders in whole food plant-based lifestyles. The educational aspect of my coaching is based on these doctors’ research so that my coaching is based on scientific and evidence based solutions to helping potentially prevent chronic diseases as well as maximizing one’s optimal health. I combine my formal education in Human Development and the various aspects of the life course along with coaching, and my own lived experience with caregiving and how incorporating a whole food plant-based lifestyle helped maintain my energy, mental and emotional balance while providing a sense of empowerment and resilience during times of exhaustion, grief, uncertainty and loss of control. I also love sharing tips on what helped me maintain a sense of hope and joy even during difficult and challenging times.

I founded my coaching business in Rochester, New York in 2018. In 2020, I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina with my husband and two fur babies…a cat (she looks like the kitty in the sketch above) and a dog. Slowly but surely…after getting settled into my new home in a new city (for the first time in my life) I am practicing again and looking forward to getting to know you and how I could potentially help you!