In my early twenties, I had severe eczema that covered my body, irregular and painful menstrual cycles, an eating disorder and severe gastrointestinal distress–these conditions and learning how to heal them completely shifted how I related to my body. I felt disconnected, frustrated, and honestly, betrayed by my own health. I thought I was healthy but in truth, I was far from it. That experience forced me to slow down and really listen, not just to symptoms, but to the deeper story my body was trying to tell.

At the same time, I was en route to become a medical doctor, working hard to be recognized in research and in my studies.  I was also engaged to a man I didn’t love.  Little did I know these two things were having a major impact on my health and wellbeing.  Once I shifted out of those pursuits, my entire life and health shifted.  I pursued studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine and my wellness journey really began. 

When I started my private practice as an acupuncturist and herbalist in 2004, I began to notice a pattern in my clinical work. So many women were coming to me feeling the same way I once did, overwhelmed, dismissed, and disconnected from their bodies, especially around fertility. They were often told their only option was to “try harder” or move straight to aggressive interventions, without anyone asking what might be out of balance underneath.

Those combined experiences, my own healing journey and what I witnessed in my patients, really shaped my approach. I became deeply committed to bridging the gap between science and compassion, and to helping women rebuild trust in their bodies. That’s ultimately what led me to focus on fertility, hormone balance, and what I now call “body belief”, the idea that your body is not broken, but instead is always communicating and capable of healing when given the right support.

Who inspired you when you first started on this journey?

When I first started, I was inspired by a mix of mentors, pioneers, and the women I was working with. Mentors in acupuncture and integrative medicine showed me how to combine science with a deep respect for the body’s natural wisdom. At the same time, the women I treated—their courage, honesty, and determination to understand their bodies—taught me as much as any book or teacher. Their resilience reminded me that real healing is always a partnership between the body, the mind, and the right guidance.

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

1. Abraham Hicks: Ask and It Is Given
2. Ted Kaptchuk: The Web That Has No Weaver
3. The Alchemist

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

What first drew me to this work were the moments when I realized how little support there was for women navigating fertility and hormonal challenges. I noticed that so many were trying everything—supplements, diets, medications—yet still feeling stuck, anxious, and overwhelmed. I also saw how stress, lifestyle, and mindset were often overlooked, even though they clearly affected outcomes. Those gaps, combined with my own health struggles, made me determined to create an approach that looked at the whole picture: body, hormones, emotions, and environment.

What are some ways you manage work-life balance?

For me, work-life balance isn’t about rigidly separating work from life—it’s about creating intentional rhythms that honor my energy and priorities. I make sure to start my day with quiet time, usually meditation or journaling, to center myself before any calls or client sessions. I schedule breaks between appointments to move my body, stretch, or take a short walk, so I don’t run from one thing to the next. I also protect evenings and weekends for family, friends, and personal projects, and I’ve learned to say no to commitments that don’t align with my energy or mission. Finally, I rely on support—my team helps manage logistics so I can focus on what truly requires my presence, whether that’s coaching, writing, or patient care.

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

I live in Weston, Connecticut, which feels like the perfect balance for me. It’s peaceful and close to nature, which allows me to slow down and recharge, but it’s also convenient for my work and travel. The community here supports wellness and family life, so it really aligns with both my personal values and the way I like to live and work.

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

Travel has been a huge source of inspiration for me, both personally and professionally. Experiencing different cultures and ways of living has taught me that health and wellness are deeply influenced by environment, lifestyle, and community—not just biology. Seeing how people around the world approach food, movement, and healing has expanded the way I think about fertility and women’s health. It’s also reminded me to remain curious, open-minded, and humble, and to bring that perspective into how I guide my patients and design my programs.

Where did you spend most of your childhood?

I grew up in Northern New Jersey, on a lake, surrounded by woods and nature.  It was idyllic.  My family loved spending time hiking and boating.  I was fortunate to have a beautiful childhood surrounded by love and support.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I love being outdoors—walking along the water, gardening, or just soaking up nature. I also enjoy cooking nourishing meals, reading, and exploring wellness practices that inspire me personally. Time with family and friends is really important, and I treasure moments of connection, laughter, and reflection. These activities help me recharge and stay grounded so I can show up fully in my work.

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

I run my own private communities online for the women I work with and coach.  I spend a few hours in those communities weekly, supporting and inspiring. I love it deeply. I love the connection and the community.

Personally, I also spend time with my community gardening, needle pointing, exercising and reading.

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

I’ve always had pets as part of my life, and they’ve been such a source of comfort and joy. My dog is like a daily reminder to slow down, be present, and enjoy simple pleasures—a walk, a sunny spot, or a good cuddle. Pets teach patience, empathy, and unconditional love, and having them around brings balance to my days, especially when work gets intense. They’re more than companions; they’re little teachers in mindfulness and connection.

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

My mornings are all about setting intention and creating a calm, grounded start. I usually begin with quiet reflection—either meditation, journaling, or deep breathing—to center myself and connect with my priorities for the day. I follow that with gentle movement, like stretching or a short walk, to wake up my body. Breakfast is always nourishing, and I take a few moments to review my schedule so I feel organized rather than rushed. These simple routines help me show up focused, energized, and ready to tackle whatever the day brings.

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

Most people don’t know that I’m really passionate about exploring the mind-body connection beyond fertility and hormones. I love studying how mindset, daily habits, and subtle energy patterns influence overall wellness, and I often experiment with new practices on myself before recommending them. I’m also deeply interested in teaching women how to listen to their bodies in ways that go beyond traditional medical advice—helping them tune into signals that are often overlooked but profoundly important for long-term health.

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?

I’d like readers and potential retreat participants to know that this retreat is about more than just fertility—it’s about helping women reconnect with their bodies, balance hormones, and cultivate a sense of calm and confidence on their journey to conception. I show up as both a guide and a partner in this process, creating a supportive, nurturing space where participants feel seen, heard, and empowered. For another retreat leader, I’d want to know that they bring both expertise and heart, so together we can foster an environment of trust, presence, and transformation.