After receiving my MBA from Columbia in 1981, I began my professional life in corporate human resources and consulting, first at Pepsi and then at Hewitt Associates. I returned to school part-time for a Masters in Education in Counseling after my first child was born. Several years later, with two children in tow, we moved to London. It was there that I worked with a homeopathic doctor for my allergies and became interested in alternative health therapies. I also trained with a Cordon-Bleu chef for two years.
Upon returning to the States, I searched for a program that combined my varied interests and would give me flexibility while I was raising my family. In 2002, after graduating from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), I became a health coach. My work includes individual nutrition and lifestyle counseling, cooking classes, and talks to a range of business and community groups. In 2007, I participated in a panel for the Columbia Women in Business Conference entitled “Health and Success.” Other workshops I have taught include one with my husband at the Healthy Living Club at Columbia, and lecture series at a local college and the YMCA. In addition, I mentor current students and graduates of IIN and recently became a Reiki master.
My clients range from those with serious health issues including multiple sclerosis and lupus to others who want to have more energy and feed their families healthier, more nutritious meals. As a lifelong learner, I believe education is a big part of my role as a health coach. I encourage clients to experiment with a range of healthier options; what works well for one person may not work as well for someone else. With my unconditional support, my clients feel comfortable exploring not only their food issues, but also the other aspects of life that nourish them: relationships, exercise, hobbies, spirituality and career.
Having helped raise two stepchildren along with my own two daughters, I have a breadth of life experience to bring to my counseling relationships. I’m a good listener and won’t hesitate to probe deeply to get at important issues. I work with both men and women and have taught retirees as well. What fulfills me most about this work is helping clients to define their health and lifestyle goals and then guiding them as they discover the best means of achieving them.
I am 50 and live in Harrison, New York with my husband and our youngest daughter. My happiest moments include playing tennis, practicing yoga, doing the New York Times crossword puzzle and spending time with my family.