How did I get here?

As an IHP institute graduate I learned multiple disciplines of alternative medicine in order to fully understand the complexity of healing. Understanding the bio individualization of diets, exercise recommendations, stress factors related to your nervous system, toxins within and around us, resetting the nervous system with specific rest, emotional balance techniques, supplement uses and protocols, and communication tools that foster a success mindset. The founder, Dr. Stephen Cabral, built all these topics into an understandable yet deeply informational format with many hours of continuous learning. His book, The Rain Barrell Effect, explains the basic pillars of his teachings and is a wealth of information on its own. 

This initial course was transformational for my ability to add education to the experience already gained from many years in the medical field. Yet I know that clients often need more data and specialty testing was an offer I wasn’t willing to leave unexplored. Within the at-home testing you can discover many data points to guide you in the best direction. Once certified level 2 through IHP I will be thrilled to interpret results with clients to better individualize a plan. 

Traveling back in time: Before IHP and even before learning about functional medicine I started as a vet tech in the early 2000’s. I loved working with animals and these skills transitioned easily into a new role as a medical assistant, approx. 2012. As a medical assistant in primary care, I was a sponge taking on so much to learn. Within a short time, I began shadowing the lead physician in the practice and would transcribe each visit and be the right hand for any procedures. This was a fast paced and challenging role that became the backbone of my experience. I didn’t know it then, but I was learning the truth behind the door of conventional care, and this role led me to where I am today. I learned so many harsh realities of conventional care and specifically how so many well-meaning practitioners fall short in actually helping patients heal. 

Within this time, I began to lose my once vibrant energy and collected a variety of symptoms that did not equate to any one easy solution. I saw a handful of conventional specialists and was left feeling worse as time went on. Eventually on my own I found alternative healing, starting with a naturopath that understood what I needed in approx. 2016. I started understanding a new paradigm of wellness. A root cause approach to chronic ailments and mind set patterns that keep us trapped in loops. I started working as a medical assistant in a functional medicine practice in 2021 and finally felt the like-minded alignment that is so essential to feeling fulfilled in your purpose. In this role I connected with patients after their provider appointments about their protocols and struggles to heal. I spent many hours discussing supplements and lifestyle with patients. These conversations and ongoing connections transformed my opinions on my purpose. Making the decision to accelerate my education with the IHP Institute has been pivotal. My unique conventional and functional medicine experience has been so helpful as I expanded my education with IHP institute. As a certified integrative health practitioner with an enriching past journey, I feel confident and prepared for my purpose. Partnering with clients and collaborating through multiple weeks or months of transformation is the ultimate fulfilment of my purpose.