MA (Oxon), DipION, mBANT, CNHC registered
My background
I grew up loving languages and linguistics, particularly the connections between people, their language, and their physical environment - where and how they lived.
In particular I was fascinated by people’s culinary culture and the connection between their food, their environment and their health.
I went on to study modern languages at Oxford University, gaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
I fell into a corporate job, which provided financial security, but was not aligned with my values, nor with the things that made me truly happy.
Ultimately I could not resist pursuing the area of healthcare that really inspired me and had transformed my own health. I studied for four years at the renowned Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London, graduating with distinction to become a registered nutritionist and a member of BANT and CNHC. I now specialise in autoimmune conditions.
I live in Sale, Cheshire with my family and dog. I love spending time in the kitchen trying new recipes and ingredients. I follow a gluten free, plant based diet and find this useful when working with clients who want to develop these aspects of their diet. I believe strongly in diversity and the right to choose, and will always help clients to follow whatever pattern of eating truly feels right to them.
I mainly work with clients online using Zoom, but I still offer limited in-person appointments at clinic rooms in Sale and Hale.
My Story
I was in my early 20’s when I was diagnosed with a significant autoimmune condition. It came as a real shock to me. I was immediately overwhelmed with all sorts of information from various sources. Yet none of it was particularly helpful, it just made me anxious.
What really confused me was that all the discussion was about treating, or rather suppressing, symptoms. No one appeared interested in WHY this was happening.
But all I could think was that I must be doing something that wasn’t right for my particular body.
I needed someone to help me with this.
Luckily my work health insurance allowed me to see a GP privately, who had a deep interest in exploring a more natural approach that was curious about the underlying causes. She referred me to a nutritionist and they worked together to support me.
The feeling of having a team behind me, who were experts in their fields and who had the time and energy to focus on me and really cared about me, was so reassuring for me.
I was able to come off all medication within 12 months and have been medication free ever since.
But this was just the start of the journey and I have spent the time since gradually adding to my knowledge of autoimmunity, so I could continue to take care of myself.
I ended up leaving my corporate job, spending four years retraining in nutrition and lifestyle medicine. My passion for understanding the underlying connections between what we eat, our lifestyles and our health, continues to drive me every day.
I love being able to offer clients the opportunity to receive this level of care and support, just as I received myself all those years ago.
When I am able to show clients how their symptoms connect up with other issues they have experienced, and how they can take action to promote better function of their physiology, I can see their faces light up, because they realise they can truly start to help themselves.
