My journey in the field of nutrition began during my freshman year at St. Catherine University. Initially on the path to become a nurse, I enrolled in a "Nutrition 101" class. Each day after class, I would excitedly call my mom to share the fascinating information I had learned. It was during these conversations that she pointed out something I couldn't ignore: "You seem to be more interested in this course than any of your nursing classes."
This statement struck a chord with me. Excited yet terrified, I realized my true passion lay in nutrition. After a summer of deep soul-searching and prayer, I made the bold decision to switch my major to dietetics. I embraced this new path that fall without looking back.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and soon found myself accepted into a competitive dietetic internship. During one of my rotations, I worked in a hospital which opened my eyes to the many patients in need of healing. However, I faced a moral dilemma: patients were being treated with temporary solutions—band-aids for their open wounds—and sent on their way without addressing the root causes of their ailments. Time and again, I followed a scripted routine, yet I left the hospital room feeling as though I hadn't provided the comprehensive care these individuals truly deserved.
I knew the truth was out there, I had seen it in my own life with using "Wild Yam Cream" on my debilitating cramps. I started seeing Barbara O'neill (nutritionist and naturopath) share her wisdom on videos that would pop up on social media. I looked into her and was so excited to find someone who's mission was to heal the root of irregularities in the body. Better yet, she believed the body could heal ITSELF given the right environment. What was the right environment I wondered... July of 2024 I saw Barbara was coming to speak in St. Paul. I frantically bought tickets and counted down the days until she arrived.