Kelly Day O'Brien
If I were to create a timeline of my health, the milestones in the first 40 or so years would certainly NOT point to my current role as someone who supports the wellness of others.
I let the many seemingly “one-in-a-small-chance diagnoses” shape how I perceived myself—for better AND for worse. I saw myself as someone who could power through and bounce back from just about anything while at the same time feeling like I was destined for a lifetime of being unwell.
In 2008 I was diagnosed with Celiac disease. I had always been what I considered to be a healthy eater but changing my diet to a far less processed, antiinflammatory version was a game-changer. The myriad symptoms that I had chalked up to bad luck or bad genes started to abate. I had the energy and motivation to SLOWLY make improvements in other areas.
The more I immersed myself in the pursuit of true wellness, the more I appreciated the powerful role of a balanced lifestyle (eating, rest, movement, stress management and toxin avoidance —what FoundationMED calls the 5 boxes).
As a wife and mother with a busy career, It wasnʼt always EASY, but I found that if I kept things SIMPLE, little changes over time would add up to big wins.
Just as not one event or circumstance contributes to our current state of health and wellness, no one treatment or intervention can solve the mystery.
What drew me to functional medicine is its whole systems, whole person approach, AND the philosophy that the patient has much to contribute to his or her own healing.
As an Integrative/Functional Medicine health coach I have the opportunity to partner with, support and empower others to fully engage in the wellness journey.
I believe that the seeds of healing are already planted within us.
“Start where you are. Use what youʼve got. Do what you can”.
Sharon Fowler
My passion comes from my experience – When I was diagnosed with IBS, I tried everything to heal myself. I was sick of feeling sick, lacking energy, exercising and “eating right” taking one step forward and two steps back. I felt hopeless that I would live the rest of my life in this up and down battle to find a healthy balance for my body. I decided to take the holistic path to healing. I began eating whole, clean foods and making lifestyle changes that allowed me the space needed to heal not only my gut but my entire body, mind and soul.
Along my journey, I met many people like me that struggled with unexplained health issues and were searching for healing and decided to go back to school to get my certification in Health Coaching. Having graduated from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, I learned innovative coaching methods, practical lifestyle management techniques, ways to improve, sleep, exercise, manage stress, toxin avoidance and over 100 dietary theories. I wanted to be a vessel that helps people find their way to a happier healthier life.
My goal is to provide support to the patients I coach as they increase their self-awareness to make the best decisions for themselves in any given circumstance. This is about learning what your own body needs to be healthy and vibrant. Creating a lifestyle that is sustainable for your body, mind and spirit.
“Embrace and love your body. It’s the most amazing thing you will ever own.” -Unknown-