My interest in nutrition began with my time in Maui, Hawaii, where I was surrounded by healthy lifestyles. From yoga studios, surfing, and the laid back atmosphere, to the fresh fish, organic vegetable gardens and predominantly Asian diet; there was an abundant supply of healthy influence. I grew up with a heightened awareness of fresh foods and the benefits good nutrition can have on health.
After graduating from high school, I decided to embark on a gap year to New Zealand. I purchased a one way airplane ticket to Auckland and spent almost a year working in several areas of the country on a working-travel visa. This was my first experience living outside my home and it helped me develop independence and confidence.
My time away allowed me to focus on my future and what I wanted to do in life. It became very clear to me that my mission in life was to help people have healthier lives through a better understanding of health and nutrition.
I began my studies at Point Loma Nazarene University, in San Diego, California. However, after a year I transferred out to San Diego City college. It was during this time when I became sick and was struggling to find a diagnosis beyond irritable bowel syndrome (described to be induced by stress).I realized this was an incorrect diagnosis during my month-long stay with extended family in Turkey.
Without any stress, enjoying my time away, I continuously felt sick. My diagnosis with celiac disease (allergy to gluten) was transformative for my health and life; demonstrating to me the true power your diet can have on your health.
It was during this time I really began exploring nutrition as a career path. Prior to transferring to a four year institution, I had the opportunity to intern at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in their Washington, D.C. office. I worked full time for the Director of Multi-Nutrient Powders (MNPs) on the program for Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition. The internship was very integrative, allowing me to work in multiple departments and assist with a variety of tasks throughout the organization. I enjoyed participating in the roll out of their new fundraising campaign, Future Fortified. Days were spent at the Capitol lobbying for nutrition funding, program overviews were
written and website material was reviewed. My most rewarding project was with the Home Fortification Technical Advisory Group. I enjoyed seeing individuals from many organizations around the globe working together to help build programmatic guidelines for micronutrient powders while assisting the secretariat with tasks related to this goal. GAIN opened my eyes to the world of global health and nutrition and I’m thankful for both the experience and relationships built.
I transferred to University of California, Davis in the fall of 2012. During my time as an undergraduate student studying clinical nutrition, I gained experience in research, education and clinical settings.
A few of my nutrition related activities included:
- A collaborative infant formula study with the California WIC (CAWIC) association and the Human Lactation Center at UC Davis where I was able to gain public health experience through both research and state lobbying activities.
- Supporting studies on small quantity lipid supplements for mothers and young children at the UC Davis Institute for Global Nutrition.
- Volunteered at Sutter Davis Hospital, which allowed me to see the day-to-day operations of impatient food service and obtain exposure to clinical food and nutrition services.
- Co-founded a club on campus focused on sustainable food and nutrition.
- Worked part-time at Whole Foods Market, Davis where I experienced food and nutrition in a retail setting.
I began my graduate studies in the fall of 2014, studying nutritional biochemistry in the lab of Dr. Bo Lonnerdal at UC Davis. I focused on how a component of human nutrition, milk fat globule membrane, influences infant cognitive development. Graduate school was a busy time, as I became pregnant after completing my first year.
Two babies and a dissertation occurred in the span of 4 years, and the specifics feel a bit like a blur. However, I developed many great friends and colleagues while at Davis and appreciate everything I learned during this time
Following graduation in 2018, we moved three times in the span of 2 years. Six months in a postdoctoral fellowship in Little Rock, Arkansas, 15 months for my first professional job at Mead Johnson Nutrition/Reckitt in Evansville, Indiana and finally settling in Hendersonville, North Carolina in the fall of 2020. During this time, I worked part time on my dietetic internship, passing the accreditation exam inJuly 2021.
With my new job as a Medical Affairs Manager at Reckitt, my kids getting a bit older and feeling a bit more settled into my home, I feel like I am finally taking a breath of air.
​During my educational, personal and professional achievement, I have not been great at taking care of myself. Indeed you can know it all, but that doesn’t mean you actively implement it. I have refocused my attention on my health and have started this blog and nutrition counseling business to share my experiences and learnings with others.
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