How I got into Functional Nutrition

My Story

I’m a Functional Nutritionist, Certified Lactation Consultant, Health Coach & Practitioner and lifelong dog lover. I created Ignition Nutrition to help families heal from the inside out-because unfortunately conventional care waits for disease to start care… when we should be looking to prevent it!

I was diagnosed with painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis) at 19 yrs old and struggled for a decade with chronic pain and no answers before finding functional nutrition. 

I never knew when my next painful episode would appear or why, affecting me from being able to live life normally – make plans ahead of time, traveling or even leaving the house for errands. I felt SO exhausted from always being told “it is what it is”, “your labs are normal” and “there’s nothing more we can do” aside from band-aid fixes. 

After years of research, education and trial & error, I finally was able to find the ROOT cause to my condition to start addressing it appropriately. I wish for nothing more than to make the lives of others easier, happier and more fulfilling by giving them peace in knowing what’s actually going on with a REAL plan to start healing. 

My Dog Blue's Story

My oldest dog Blue was a rescue and my first dachshund. I fell in LOVE with the breed after adopting him and later started Adirondack Miniature Dachshunds, LLC with a deep love for this special breed and a commitment to raising healthy, happy puppies. I gave so many families more then just puppies, but family members with a healthy start through responsible breeding for 5 years before Blue was diagnosed with IVDD, which led me to decide to switch gears to Ignition Nutrition. 

Dachshunds are prone to IVDD due to their long backs and short legs – their spinal discs can start degenerating at a young age. Blue was no exception especially with unknown predispositions as a rescue. He experienced severe back and neck pain causing complete paralysis when IVDD struck. Traditional treatments for IVDD often involve expensive, invasive surgery or long-term medications that cause more damage.

Before deciding to go the alternative route – Blue spent 4 months on steroids, crate rest, and pain meds. At which point, he still couldn’t walk and we were told to say goodbye. As his mom, I wasn’t ready to give up on him. Instead, I turned to a holistic approach. Natural healing, functional nutrition and targeted support – it worked. Blue got back up and began not only walking, but running again.

Through patience, love and holistic therapies, he regained his mobility and freedom again at 10 yrs old. His natural recovery from IVDD – without surgery – was nothing short of a miracle, leaving even our vet speechless. Which showcases the power of holistic healing.

This experience shifted everything for me. Using my background as a nutritionist and personal experiences I decided to start helping others struggling for better options & preventative care, so YOU never have to struggle like we did!

This new chapter is rooted in love, science, and the dachshund who made it all possible – Blue. 

Thank you for being a part of our journey. 

 

Education & Credentials

  • Credentialed Nutritionist in integrative and functional nutrition, including advanced mineral and metabolic testing
  • National board-certified in health & wellness coaching
  • Certified Personal Trainer
  • Advanced training in gut health, hormone, balance and restorative wellness protocols
  • Over a decade of experience in nutrition, fitness, pediatrics and holistic health for families

  • Ongoing Continuing Education in Functional Nutrition, Gut and Metabolic Health 

Scroll to Top