For years, friends and family would come to me with their health questions, knowing I was always diving into the latest research and a little obsessed with solving health challenges. Then I got sick myself. Navigating my own chronic health issues pushed me even deeper into the research and showed me firsthand just how complex healing can be. Along the way, I realized I had gathered a wealth of knowledge that could help others too, so I began formal training in integrative and holistic approaches to health through the Functional Nutrition Alliance.

Today, as a Functional Nutrition & Integrative Health Consultant, I bring together that lived experience with my background in anthropology, art, and yoga—along with a passion for food, plant medicine, and the human microbiome.

Following childbirth, I felt like my body had turned against me—symptoms piled up, but no one could explain why. Despite multiple MRIs, ultrasounds, and visits to specialists, no one could explain the constant pulsing in my liver, the mounting fatigue, joint and pelvic pain, sinus pressure, neuropathy, weekly flu-like crashes, or the growing list of autoimmune symptoms. My labs were inconclusive. The diagnoses were vague. And yet—my body was screaming for help. I felt very alone. Finally, through my own research, I eventually discovered I was dealing with Long COVID, mold illness, and a persistent bacterial infection.

So I looked for my own answers, devouring books on functional medicine, nutrition trainings, and emerging research on the microbiome, genetics, inflammation, and detoxification. With herbal medicine, restorative foods, and targeted natural supplements, I slowly began to unravel the inflammation and layers of imbalance, gradually restoring energy, clarity, and a better connection to my body.

I went from barely being able to get out of bed for over a year to slowly rebuilding a life rooted in a deeper, more holistic understanding of how our bodies work. I developed healthier daily habits and learned to be more present with myself and my healing. That experience changed everything. It opened my eyes to how many people are falling through the cracks of the healthcare system—especially here in Portugal, where environmental toxins like mold are pervasive yet rarely talked about.

Beyond environmental influences, I’ve come to see how our genetics and the richness of our microbiome shape our ability to heal: from detox capacity to immune resilience, and why different people experience the same exposures so differently. Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s the quiet, patient work of listening to your body’s story and carefully assembling the pieces.

I’ve now learned to approach health with curiosity, creativity, and a deep respect for each person’s lived experience. My passion for detective work and solving complex situations makes this work not only deeply fulfilling, but also a natural extension of how I approach life: asking questions, connecting the dots, and always searching for what lies beneath the surface.

All the knowledge I will share with you, I also live myself. Not because I aim for perfection, but because I’ve discovered what actually works for real people in today’s world. I don’t live in restriction or deprivation. Instead, I’ve learned to understand my body’s unique needs and limitations, which has brought me a deeper appreciation for food and nourishment than ever before—and that’s something you can experience too.