My path to nutrition and functional medicine

Over the course of 30 years as a practicing pharmacist, I witnessed a dramatic rise in the number of medications prescribed for chronic conditions. It wasn’t uncommon for a patient entering the hospital to be on 20 different medications, with one pharmaceutical treating the side effect of another and so on — each masking symptoms of a chronic condition or disease without addressing the underlying root of the problem. Over time, I began to realize how eliminating certain foods and adding particular nutrients was improving my own health, and I developed a strong desire to gain a greater understanding of the underlying causes of chronic health conditions.

Adding to my education, expanding my understanding

My pharmacy degree gave me an excellent foundation in chemistry and human biology but, in pharmacy school, the focus in biochemistry was looking at how pharmaceuticals block metabolic pathways to get a desired effect. However, vitamins, minerals and nutrients are necessary to drive these same metabolic pathways. These vital nutrients may get depleted when we block the pathway with a pharmaceutical. Unfortunately, when 62% of the standard American diet is processed food and only 10% is fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, the majority of people are not taking in enough for optimal health. I began attending conferences through the Institute of Functional Medicine, returned to school and received an MS in Human Nutrition through the University of Bridgeport. I went on to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist and am among the first group of Institute of Functional Medicine Certified Practitioners in the country. While I still appreciate the many life-saving advances of pharmaceuticals, I’ve shifted my focus to the area where I believe my unique experience, education and expertise can do the most good. Today, I’m most passionate about helping people optimize their health through nutrition and teaching people to use food and supplements as the ultimate “lifestyle medication.” I look forward to working with you to develop a plan to reclaim your health and outlook on life!

Degrees & Certifications

• RPh (Registered Pharmacist), University of Michigan
• Master of Science in Human Nutrition, University of Bridgeport
• Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
• Institute of Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP)

Professional Memberships

• Member, Washtenaw County Food Policy Council
• Member, Ann Arbor Holistic Chamber of Commerce