About
Mission
I want you to thrive! My practice centers on helping you optimize your health so that you can feel your best and get the most out of life.
If you’re feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by chronic health issues, or unmet health goals, then I’m here to help you. I founded Starbird Wellness to provide you with personalized guidance, support, and empathy on your health journey. I want to empower you to take charge of your health.
Transform your health with personalized support and compassionate accountability.
Get To Know Me
Health Story
I know what it’s like to feel frustrated and alone when it comes to your health and I’m here to tell you that there is hope. My “Health Story” is what makes me so passionate about guiding and helping others on their wellness journeys.
After struggling with my health and self-care for years, I had a serious health crisis in 2015 that forced me to seek intensive treatment. Neither I, nor my doctors knew it at the time, but I was fighting mulitple autoimmune conditions (Celiac Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis). By the age of 30 the joint pain in my hands was so severe that I could hardly undo my own bra, and my digestion was a mess. I was also dealing with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Anxiety/Depression, Chronic Fatigue, and Nutrient Deficiencies. My physical, mental, and cognitive health had gotten so bad that I could barely recognize myself, even though I was eating what was considered to be a “healthy diet”. Losing my health was terrifying, but in the Summer of 2015, shortly before beginning intensive treatment, I decided that my quality of life could be better and I began the journey towards wellness.
Gaining my life and health back became my top priority. Putting my background in Disease Ecology and Evolutionary Biology to work, I began to do extensive research on my health conditions and symptoms in an attempt to find the root causes.
I investigated functional nutrition and the link between chronic illness, diet, digestive health, and the microbiome. I researched the impact of genetics and gene variants on physical and mental health. I became interested in epigenetics and nutrigenomics (the integration of genomic science with nutrition and other environmental and lifestyle variables). I familiarized myself with psychological techniques and lifestyle practices that have been shown to boost health, reduce stress, and improve mood. I studied nutraceuticals, adaptogens, herbal remedies, and even the chemistry of essential oils.
Through a process of investigation, trial, and error I was able to put my health conditions into remission. Experiencing the power of integrative nutrition & lifestyle practices inspired me to share what I’ve learned so that I can help others.
A Science Nerd At Heart
Training
I received my Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, Conservation, and Natural Resource Management from San Francisco State University (SFSU). As a Post-Baccalaureate I completed all required graduate coursework for a Master of Science in Ecology, Evolution, & Conservation Biology.
From 2009-2015, during my time at SFSU, I was a member of an infectious disease ecology lab where we researched the impact of the microbiome on disease dynamics.
I received my training and certification in Integrative Nutrition Health Coaching from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN).
IIN is the largest nutrition school in the United States and is recognized by the Department of Education. IIN is a member of the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) and has been a licensed vocational school by the New York State Education Department since 2009.
I am currently a member of the Functional Nutrition Alliance (FxNA) and a graduate of the Functional Nutrition Lab Full Body Systems and Digestive Intensive Continued Education Programs.
The FxNA intensive training programs are founded on the principles of functional medicine and are designed to help practitioners better serve clients who are struggling with complex and chronic health issues.
