Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
Sign up for a free discovery call! We can go over any initial questions you have and get to know each other a little. There is no obligation to sign up and I will let you know if your concerns are something we may need to refer you to a Provider for. If we are a good fit, we will book your initial consultation. You will fill out a comprehensive intake form that helps me understand more about you and your history as well as any medications and supplements that you are taking. Our initial visit will be approximately 90 minutes long. This helps us review a lot of your health story and begin to connect the dots on a lot of your concerns. You will be sent a kit for functional stool testing and should begin that as soon as possible so we can get to work on your customized blueprint.
We will meet again several times throughout the program. Each week you will have check-in's and progress to report on. This is a lot of educational content and not just a generic "protocol" that sends you on your way to complete alone. I want my clients to feel included on all decisions for their health journey, and understand the WHY behind all that they are being asked to do. I am available for messaging (on the electronic health portal only) Monday - Friday 8-5pm for additional questions regarding your specific concerns. This program is 12 weeks long, but can take up to 16 weeks for some individuals depending on their unique health status. You will leave this program with a plan in place for the future, what to do if you have future flares, and transformed into a vibrant woman ready to say YES to life again!
Do you only offer virtual visits?
Yes, at this time I only offer virtual visits. All visits are HIPAA compliant. You will receive a link through the Electronic Health Record for our visit.
What Does a functional nurse/holistic nurse do?
A functional or holistic nurse combines conventional medical training with a root-cause approach to health. I assess diet, lifestyle, and symptoms - tied to any pertinent lab work and stool testing - to help you heal naturally, especially in areas like digestion, blood sugar imbalances, fatigue, and inflammation. I help you connect the dots based on the symptoms you are experiencing to help you understand your unique root causes of your health concerns. I help guide you how to optimize wellness. I listen to your concerns and your goals. I understand that each person is unique and I want to get to know you as a person so I can better assist you in your health journey.
Is your approach backed by science?
Yes! I utilize the foundational framework of functional medicine. Functional medicine uses a systems-based biology. This means that we understand the body works together in systems and that imbalances in one system can affect or manifest in other parts of the body. Restoring balance in the body is the key to restoring health. To learn more, click here
How does gut health affect the rest of my body?
The gut is responsible for digestion, absorption of nutrients, sending messages to other parts of the body, immune function and more. Poor gut health can contribute to many health problems including, but not limited to, brain fog, feelings of anxiety, fatigue, skin problems, hormonal imbalances, mood swings, and autoimmune problems.
Can I work with you if I already have a doctor?
Yes! I request all my clients have a primary care provider. My role is to complement your medical care by filling in the gaps that conventional care may overlook or have time restraints in working with their patients on, especially through food, lifestyle modifications, and a deeper understanding of lab values. As a Registered Nurse, I cannot give a medical diagnosis, but I can refer back to your primary care provider for any deeper concerns that may be present. I will refer you to a medical doctor if I have concerns that are not within my nursing scope.
Is food really enough to heal my gut?
Food is foundational which is why we will look at that FIRST. Nutrition is essential to the practice of functional medicine as it is something we do to provide nutrients and information to each of our cells of our body. But I will also work with you to address stress, sleep, movement, and detoxification. It's all about building a balanced, healing environment.
How is this different from working with a health coach?
As a Registered Nurse with over 15 years of clinical experience, and additional functional medicine training, I can provide a deeper level of health analysis, interpret labs, and guide you through medically-informed wellness strategies. A large majority of what nurses do is educate their patients! I have a passion for educating my patients and clients and truly want to see you flourish and heal. I understand the medical field can be confusing when you are bounced around different specialties and I am here to help guide you and streamline your healing process for you. I will advocate for you and collaborate with your provider as needed to better improve your outcomes.
Do you accept FSA/HSA?
Maybe! Generally, health consultations are covered by FSA and HSA plans when conducted by a medical professional for purpose of prevention of a medical condition. Some plans may request a you obtain a letter of medical necessity from your doctor and approval from your insurance plan administrator. In all circumstances, I do recommend that you check with your plan administrator first.
Do I have to be religious to work with you?
Not at all. My clinical approach — the testing, the nutrition plan, the nervous system work — is the same for every client, and it's never dependent on faith. I am a Christian, and I bring prayer and scripture into my own practice and offer it to clients who'd like that part of the journey too. If that's not part of your life, that's completely fine — you'll still get the same thorough, root-cause care, just without that layer. You're always welcome here, whatever you believe.