I have been a registered Nurse/Health and Wellness nurse for over 15 years.

I have worked in the hospital setting as well as in the home setting one on one with caregivers allowing me to see and learn from their struggles. Because of this I can empathize with all of your feelings of frustration, irritation, guilt, anger, isolation and pain.

THE MAIN REASON I STARTED ON THIS JOURNEY:

I took care of a man with dementia for 5 years. In the beginning stages life for him and his wife had mild changes. As the disease progressed he began to require more assistance and began having visual and auditory hallucinations. Medications and alternative therapies helped for a short period of time but they did not stop his behaviors. It got to the point he needed assistance with every aspect of life, eating, bathing, walking, and using the restroom. I taught his wife all of the tips and tricks I knew which did offer some help. At times the man became violent physically and verbally due to his disease. Right in front of my eyes I saw the wife who was his primary caregiver deteriorate. Once she has vibrancy and energy. It seemed over time her face turned into a permanent frown and look of sadness. It was obvious she had lost her joy and happiness. I worked hard to get her assistance and we found an affordable team to come in and give her breaks. She seemed to bounce back a little but it was too late. She confided in me she had a routine exam which shown she had stage 4 cancer. Soon she also became my patient. Within months of diagnosis she passed away and her husband had to be moved into a memory care unit. I felt horrible. I did not make the time to work with her overall health and focused mostly on my patient. I do not believe I could have prevented her cancer but I do believe I could have stepped in sooner to see her struggle and get her help. I vow to never let people become so consumed with caregiving that they forget to take care of themselves. I do believe chronic stress, fatigue and poor nutrition can attribute to a variety of long term health conditions.

IT IS MY GOAL TO HELP YOU FIND BALANCE AND LIVE A LIFE OF JOY, HAPPINESS, AND GOOD HEALTH WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE CARE YOU GIVE.

OTHER FUN FACTS ABOUT ME

I am a mother to 4 amazing kids. The oldest is 23 years old and the youngest is 4 years old. Yep, and 18 year spread.

I love to be outdoors walking, hiking, gardening, and fishing. I taught all 4 of my kids to fish.

I am obsessed with dresses, purses and candles.

My favorite place to be is anywhere my family is. A beach is the best.