I grew up in small town Minnesota and graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in Nursing. I have worked as a Registered Nurse in the ICU, surgical recovery room, and orthopedic clinic. Throughout my career, I have realized some of the gaps in healthcare and see that we need to shift to a PREVENTATIVE model, where we are working towards healthy lifestyle habits; instead of seeking care after the disease processes have already begun. Patients also need consistent follow-up to ensure success. I have a passion for wellness and educating patients on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

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In my late 20s, I started having back pain and saw doctors and therapists who could not determine the source of my pain. After years of massage, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, yoga/strength training, and injections, I saw an orthopedic PA who quickly put the dots together. Labs and MRIs confirmed his suspicions and in 2019, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition "ankylosing spondylitis." I was then referred to a rheumatologist who prescribed medications to "treat the disease."

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I desperately wanted to feel better, but knew immediately that I did not want to rely on medications to put a band-aid on the problem. Because of my nursing background, I also knew about the serious complications and side effects of the prescriptions I was given. I wanted to figure out what was CAUSING my disease, so I set about on a journey of research to get REAL answers. 

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As a mother of 2 toddlers, I did not want pain to interfere with my daily life. Through my journey and collaborations, I found functional medicine. I discovered I had food sensitivities and gut imbalances that could be "triggering" my autoimmune condition, as well as many other self-care practices that have reduced pain and inflammation. 

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I  LOVE working with other people to help them to achieve the results that lifestyle changes can bring!!! This was my favorite part about nursing was educating patients and empowering them to HEAL themselves from the inside out!!! So, in 2021 I found the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and after seeing how much their values aligned with mine, I completed the education and obtained a certificate for Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. The program has taught me how integral all aspects of our life are to our well-being!!!

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Since then I have completed education through NASM to become a Certified Personal Trainer, and through PPSC to become a Pain-Free Mobility Specialist. I am a living testament as to how strengthening your muscles can REDUCE PAIN and IMPROVE MOBILITY. In the Orthopedic setting, I saw so many patients with arthritis, back pain, etc; who desperately needing to start MOVING their bodies. BUT, in order to use correct posture and prevent injury, you must be taught the proper skills. I have benefitted IMMENSELY from the Pain-Free structure of training.

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My husband and I moved to Spearfish in 2015. We love the outdoors - hiking, kayaking, camping, swimming, biking, snowshoeing, and enjoying the vast beauty the Black Hills has to offer. I love to cook for my family and incorporate whole foods into our daily routine. In addition to outdoor activities, I incorporate strength training, Yoga, and Pilates into my fitness regimen. I notice a huge difference in my physical and mental well-being when I move my body on a daily basis. My goal is to educate and motivate the community at-large and turn the current healthcare model from "disease-driven to "prevention-focused." 

 

I am passionate about helping others to discover their potential and helping them to achieve the healthiest version of themselves, and I look forward to speaking with you!