Like many of the people I work with, I have a grouping of complex diagnoses including Fibromyalgia (FM)  and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Early Onset Arthritis. Along with that have been additional challenges such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Environmental Sensitivity (ES/MCS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS),  low blood pressure and white blood cell count, early menopause, depression and anxiety, issues with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), digestion and leaky gut to name a few. As with most people who have these types of “invisible” illnesses, I spent plenty of years in and out of doctor’s offices.  

Some years ago, I started attending a new group focused on neuroplastic learning. I started noticing small changes in my health quite quickly. My mood was better, I had more energy, I was less overwhelmed by chemical sensitivity, I found hope in my life once again.  I was sensing enough positive energy that I began to explore more in depth programs around nervous system work, healing from past trauma, parts work, somatic and embodiment practice and spirituality. There was a lot of trial and error, practice, learning and growth and over the next months and years, I felt better and better.  

Complex illnesses are just that… complex. There are many factors at play including biology, personality, history and environment. I don’t believe there is a one size fits all approach that will work for everyone. Nor do I think that every person will become 100% “healed.” I consider myself “healthy enough,” as in I am healthy enough to live my life and do many of the things I want to do. Some days I feel amazing and other days take a bit more effort, but I am absolutely enjoying life along the way.   

Professionally, I spent the first fifteen years of my career working as a Counsellor and Social Worker in various capacities throughout health and education, coaching mental health patients, family members, students, parents, and community groups.  I have worked extensively with both adults and teenagers. I have counselled families waiting to adopt, worked with severely and persistently mentally ill clients to advocate for disability claims, taught health based classes in high schools and answered crisis line calls. For the past five years I have focused on using neuroplastic techniques to work with people with chronic health issues.

Professional Background

Bachelor of Social Work

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Smart Body Smart Mind Alumni

Primal Trust Levels 1,2,3

Internal Family Systems Circle

Foundations of Wellness -Dr. Rick Hanson

FM/ME/CFS groups with Dr. Eleanor Stein

Transformers Alchemy of Breath

Many years experience as a counsellor, coach, advocate and educator in health and education

Influences

Neuroplasticity – Dr. Norman Doidge, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

Internal Family Systems Model – Dr. Richard Schwartz

Soul-based Psychotherapy – Dr. Matt Licata

Self Compassion – Dr. Kristen Neff 

Nervous system and past trauma work - Irene Lyon, Dr. Cat King

Movement with awareness - Elia Mrak

Somatic Experiencing - Dr. Peter Levine

All things FM/ME/CFS/MCS/ES - Dr. Eleanor Stein

Why I Do it

I have been helping people improve their health and wellness for almost thirty years. What ultimately brought me to coaching was my own journey with chronic illness and recovery, and my desire to use what I have learned to help others. I believe that every person has innate strength, curiosity and the ability to live a meaningful life. I love to see the excitement in a client’s eyes when he/she/they understand something new and realizes it has the power to change how they live day to day. Growth is not often linear and there are many bumps and potholes along the way. When we hit a rough patch, we need understanding, support and encouragement from someone who really gets it. 

The word “convalescence” was historically used to describe a person recovering from illness. Although we no longer use the word as much (often preferring recovery or healing), the actual root word for convalescent is the Latin word “valscere,” which means “to begin to grow strong.” I look at my practice as a way to help people convalesce and form new relationships within themselves. It is a privilege to earn each person’s trust and walk alongside them. I don’t ever take that for granted.  

As a family member of several people with severe and persistent mental illness as well as being a parent to a teenage son with ME/CFS, I have experienced chronic health issues from many different perspectives. 

I deeply appreciate all the people who have helped me along the way in this journey and it is important to me that we continue to further promote wellness and hope in the chronic illness community.