Breaking Point: A Story of Survival and Self-Discovery

The First Tremors of Anxiety

My first panic attack struck during a crowded corporate training session. Surrounded by colleagues, I suddenly found myself struggling to breathe, lightheaded, and fighting to maintain composure. In that moment, trapped in the middle of the room, I learned the brutal reality of unmanaged stress—my body was sending an urgent message.

A Cascade of Life Challenges

The years that followed became a relentless test of resilience:

• Motherhood and Career Pressure: Balancing new parenthood with professional ambitions, I took minimal maternity leave, pushing myself to unrealistic limits.

• Caregiver Responsibilities: As the youngest of seven siblings, I became the primary caregiver for my aging father, managing his healthcare, legal affairs, and family support.

The Emotional Toll: I was systematically being torn apart. Exhausted. Stretched impossibly thin. Overwhelmed. Every. Single. Day.

Health Crisis Escalation

My anxiety began manifesting physically in increasingly alarming ways:

• Heart flutters and unexplained cardiac episodes

• A terrifying ER visit where I genuinely believed I was dying

• An official diagnosis of Premature Atrial Contractions (P.A.C.)

The Final Breaking Point

With my second son battling a serious, undiagnosed birth defect, my own health continued to deteriorate. At just 33 years old, I was experiencing:

• Chronic low back pain

• Difficulty caring for my children

• Limited mobility

• Persistent medical challenges

Despite months of chiropractic care—including adjustments, soft tissue work, and targeted exercises—my recovery remained incomplete.

This was my moment of awakening. My body was demanding transformation.

The results stopped me in my tracks.

A Critical Moment of Health Awakening

Medical scans revealed a stark reality: two degenerated discs in my lower back—equivalent to those of someone decades older—and a concerning mass along my spine. The discovery of a benign mass was a wake-up call, bringing me uncomfortably close to potential serious health complications.

The Comprehensive Health Breakdown

For years, I battled a complex web of health challenges that systematically impacted every aspect of my well-being:

Physical Manifestations of Chronic Stress:

• Cardiovascular Complications

  • Premature Atrial Contractions (P.A.C.)

  • Heartburn and Acid Reflux

• Neurological and Muscular Challenges

  • Chronic Migraines

  • Muscle Tightness and Neck Stiffness

  • Back and Pelvis Pain

• Metabolic and Immune System Disruptions

  • Digestive Distress

  • Chronic Fatigue from Long-Term Anemia

  • Recurring Infections

  • Skin Conditions (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

  • Persistent Weight Gain

• Mental Health Impacts

  • Anxiety

  • Sleep Disturbances

A Turning Point of Transformation

My body was sending an unmistakable message: Radical change was not just necessary—it was urgent!”
For my own sake and for my family, I could no longer continue down this path of declining health.

This was my moment of reckoning. My journey to holistic wellness began here.

The Journey to Holistic Health: A Personal Transformation

My path to becoming a health coach began with a deeply personal quest for wellness. What started as simple curiosity evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle transformation:

A Deliberate Approach to Wellness

• Nutrition Exploration: I committed to understanding my body through careful food choices, educating myself through extensive research, including numerous documentaries.

• Holistic Learning: Invested in personal growth by hiring a health coach and embracing practices like yoga and intentional self-care.

• Emotional Resilience: Dedicated significant time to mental and emotional well-being, understanding that true health is multidimensional.

The Power of Patience and Persistence

This journey wasn’t overnight. It took years of:

• Careful observation

• Continuous learning

• Compassionate self-discovery

• Persistent personal development

What began as small changes gradually transformed into a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that would ultimately define my professional calling.

The Journey to Holistic Health: A Personal Transformation

My path to becoming a health coach began with a deeply personal quest for wellness. What started as simple curiosity evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle transformation:

A Deliberate Approach to Wellness

• Nutrition Exploration: I committed to understanding my body through careful food choices, educating myself through extensive research, including numerous documentaries.

• Holistic Learning: Invested in personal growth by hiring a health coach and embracing practices like yoga and intentional self-care.

• Emotional Resilience: Dedicated significant time to mental and emotional well-being, understanding that true health is multidimensional.

The Power of Patience and Persistence

This journey wasn’t overnight. It took years of:

• Careful observation

• Continuous learning

• Compassionate self-discovery

• Persistent personal development

What began as small changes gradually transformed into a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that would ultimately define my professional calling.

It was the small steps of change that paved the way to my health.  

Professional Growth: From Health Coach to Wellness Leader

My professional journey in health and wellness took a transformative turn in 2014 when I became a Certified Health Coach. By 2020, I had achieved National Board Certification, marking a significant milestone in my commitment to holistic well-being.

Pioneering Corporate Wellness

While maintaining my professional role, I initiated and led a grassroots employee wellness program that quickly became a cornerstone of workplace culture. What began as a personal passion project evolved into a robust community of over 1,000 members, supported by:

• 4 dedicated lead volunteers

• Active HR department engagement

• Inclusive support across all organizational levels, including executive leadership

Impact-Driven Mission

My vision was to create a safe, supportive environment where employees could:

• Share their wellness journeys

• Support each other’s personal growth

• Access resources for holistic health and development

This experience crystallized my true calling: serving others and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives through compassionate, strategic well-being support.

Get to know me:

• Home:  Born, raised and still living in Minnesota.  I love all 4 seasons, but love Fall and Spring the most.  I love to travel to the north shore to be in nature. With that, I also love to create a peaceful, calm and toxic-free/chemical-free home.
• Family:  I have 5 older brothers, who still pick on me to this day.  I’m also the mother of two young boys.
• Growing up:  I was the only child to go to private school (K-8) and I was told I was a “quiet girl”, but made friends with everyone I met.
• Education:  I received a B.A. degree in Finance from the University of St. Thomas (2001), became a certified health coach from I.I.N. in 2014, then  National Board Certified in Health Coaching in 2020.  (I’m a “forever student” who continues to take courses in many areas of interest.)
• Music:  I love listening to anything from the 80s or 90s, but enjoy anything that makes me want to dance and sing!  I also love peaceful instrumental music while I work.
• Sports:  I played softball and volleyball growing up.  I love watching my boys play hockey (my brothers played too). I also get to watch some good baseball during the summer too!
• Movies:  Comedies are my go-to, like the classic 80s movie, like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.  Some others: Tommy Boy, Billy Madison, Mrs. Doubtfire or Elf.
• Food:  I love pizza (even though I’m gluten free).  I’ll try all unique pizzas that have fresh and unique ingredients.  And yes, I will eat pineapple on pizza too!
• Exercise:  It varies based on my schedule, how I feel and what my body needs, but I enjoy yoga, a HIIT workout, running, walking, weights or even rebounding.  I also love getting out in nature as much as I can.
• Mental Self-Care:  I focus on affirmations, time in quiet (no phone!), time in nature, meditation, audiobooks, or videos from leaders like: Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, Lisa Nichols, and more.
• Attributes:  I’m a bit sarcastic at times, I like to joke around and I love getting to know other’s personal stories. I’ve been told that I’m a good listener.  I’m also a proud “tree-hugger” and animal lover.  I know I’m an Empath and I think that is what draws me to coaching.
• Top 5 Strength Based Themes:  Responsibility, Achiever, Harmony, Consistency and Connectedness.
• “Craziest” Foods I eat:  Chlorella, spirulina, mushrooms (like in my morning drink), turmeric, bone broth, green juices and pizza with pineapple on it. LOL!
• Quirks:  I LOVE to organize my home. I don’t like clutter and prefer simplicity.  I love to take common recipes and make them healthier, yet still taste amazing (and sometimes even better!).  I have to fold or lay out clothes immediately upon taking them out of the dryer.  (No wrinkles!)

Libra’s Principles:

Always strive to create the most caring environment.
Encourage and support with authenticity and love.
Truly listen to each individual’s needs while honoring their life journey.
Preserve trust and respect everyone in the Libra community.

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.