The first plant I ever owned was a birthday gift from a neighbor in my childhood. It was a small plant known as Baby Tears (Soleirolia Soleirolii) in a white porcelain tea cup with delicate pink flowers painted on it, something I’d only imagined from an English tea party. This is where my infatuation began and I first discovered a mental health coping skill that lead to me pursue a degree in horticulture.

Later in life, I pursued nursing. In my 14 years along the way, I have worked at a variety of hospitals in USA and USVI. I started with CNA in Geriatrics, then became a Med Tech in the Dementia unit, before earning my LPN at a 3-tier assisted living facility, and then finally becoming an RN.

 After my first four years in healthcare, I secured a job at a private adolescent eating disorder facility. Going to work no longer felt like a job, but more of a learning experience. I knew I had found my calling. 

I got into these fields primarily because I wanted to find a holistic approach to many of the issues faced with Behavioral Health. I continued to find evidence that showed functional nutrition being a missing piece for optimal performance. My desire was to first establish a balanced diet, joyful movement plan, and experience in outdoor adventures. In implementing these few behavioral changes in our routines, we are able to build a firm foundation, prior to seeking further services.