My mom inspired me. She had been an avid exerciser before it was a cool thing to do. She also believed in home-cooked meals that were as home-grown as possible for her family. I rebelled against all of this as a teenager, but, as an adult, I look back and see where my strong foundation came from.

Who inspired you when you first started on this journey?

My inspiration has always come from two places: the wisdom of those who came before me and the quiet courage of those I serve. My mother, with her strength and grace, showed me what it means to live with compassion and fortitude, even in the face of adversity. Every patient who has trusted me with their story has also been a teacher. Their resilience lit a fire in me to do more than write prescriptions – to create possibilities and reimagine what healing, health, and happiness can truly look like.

What were three of your favorite books that helped you get clear on your path?

The Yoga Sutras by Patanjali, Young Forever by Dr. Mark Hyman, and The Glucose Goddess Method by Jessie Inchauspe.

What were some of the signs or challenges that first brought you to this aspect of your life’s work?

When I developed an auto-immune condition called Hachimoto’s Disease, after my first child was born. I knew that I had to find a way to reduce inflammation in my body and get my hormones into balance through nutrition and lifestyle practices. That drove me into a deep study of food as medicine.

What are some ways you manage work-life balance?

Family is my number one priority. I have three kids, ages 18, 20, and 26, and I make sure that we have at least one meal together every day (phones down). I am also very strict about turning my phone and devices off at 8 pm so that I can wind down for a good night’s sleep. Sleep, for me, is my biggest marker for creating a balanced life. 

Where do you live now? Is this your dream location, and why?

I am blessed to live in Kingston, Jamaica. I truly can’t think of anywhere else I would rather be. The summers can be brutal, but that’s when I head to the waterfalls to cool off.

How have your travels impacted & inspired your life and/or work perspective?

I was a globetrotter in my 20s and early 30s until I got married. I owned the first aromatherapy in the Caribbean, and I traveled the world to source authentic essential oils. This took me to amazing places like India, Zanzibar, Madagascar, and across Europe.

Where did you spend most of your childhood?

My childhood was magical. I spent most of my early childhood on a sugar plantation in the middle of Jamaica. It was very remote, no phones or TV. I spent most of my time tending to my animals and in our family garden.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

My favorite thing is to be in Mother Nature–whether it’s hiking in the Blue Mountains, swimming in the Caribbean Sea, or riding my bicycle on country roads in Treasure Beach. If I have free time, I am always outside.

Are you involved with any local or online communities that inspire or support you personally or in your work? 

I am involved in several online communities. Some of my favorites are with my meditation teacher, Rod Stryker; one with my Yoga and Zen Buddhist teacher Elena Brower; and more recently, with my Sherpa Breathwork and Cold Exposure teacher, Kristen Weitzel.

What are your favorite three movies of all time, and why?

Sleepless in Seattle. Thelma and Louise. Eat Pray Love.

Tell us about your current or past pets and what they mean to you in your daily life

I currently have three dogs (two Pomskis and a Daschund) and one cat. Sadly, my amazing fluffball kitty, Sparklebell, passed away recently. They keep me busy and active.

What are your morning practices and routines that set you up to win every day?

My mornings are nonnegotiable me-time. I wake up with the sun to do my morning meditation practice, followed by a quick walk with the dogs. After which, I do an hour of exercise (3 days a week = strength training, 3 days a week = yoga or pilates)

What are you passionate about that most people don’t know?

I am passionate about AI and learning how I can use it to make my life more simple. I am constantly testing out new ways to use it. And I find it fascinating.

Open Question: What else would you like your readers and potential retreat participants to know about you or that you might like to know about another retreat leader?

My passion for the last 30 years is to help busy, successful women learn how to live fit, live life, and live love. I have found over the years that women who are driven in business often forget to take care of their bodies and their minds. My mission is to teach them that they can do both. I do this through my in-person classes in Kingston, Jamaica; my 10-day Longevity Reset online Program; my retreats; and my best-selling cookbook, The Live Fit Kitchen™ Cookbook, available on Amazon.