Hi there, I’m Denae

My story begins when I was about 19 years old. I was in Full-Time ministry, as a Dean of Admissions at a bible school. Being very much type A, and did I mention I’m an Enneagram 1, I allowed myself to get very stressed in the name of productivity and efficiency. I began to develop severe cystic acne all over my chin. It was painful, embarrassing and so discouraging. 

So I did what anyone would do…

I consulted Dr. Google and tried everything, removing dairy, refined sugar and drinking so much water, I could hardly get work done with all my trips to the bathroom. I didn’t wear any makeup for months and still, nothing helped. 

Fast forward a few months to engagement season

And I knew this had to be resolved before then. I mean after all, I wanted to be able to wear makeup on my wedding day. After reaching out to my sister, who was much more holistically inclined than I was at the time, referred me to an NTP to get some individualized guidance.

I had never thought to ask ‘Why’

Why was my skin having these major acne flares? I know dairy could contribute to inflammation, but that’s not my reason because cutting it didn’t help. The NTP I connected with was such a major help in my health journey, she educated me on the importance of balancing blood sugar, and reducing stress. And just a couple months later, my acne began to clear up, and as a bonus, my periods were painless and easy! 

This blew my mind!

I thought cramps, bloating, mood swings and cravings were just a part of being a woman. But I was enlightened to the reality that those were just indicators, similar to a car’s dash, telling me to “check the engine”. 

This lit me up! The idea that I could help someone the way she helped me to achieve pain-free periods, increased energy, and of course heal their acne. I was hooked. 

Well it took a few years

Financial obligations, new jobs, new marriage and new city pushed this dream on the back burner for some time. I also began experiencing some adrenal and digestive related issues. Thus brings in our second FNTP. She offered a whole new perspective on looking at the body overall to see what imbalances were creating a domino effect with my health. In order to address hormones (adrenal fatigue) we first needed to address my digestion and mineral balance. 

The fire was re-ignited

After working with her for 6 months or so, I decided to go all in and enroll with the Nutritional Therapy Association to become an Nutritional Therapy Practitioner myself. 

Throughout the jam-packed program, I did a deep dive into how the quality of the food we eat and the function of our digestive system impacts our health overall. And of course, how the endocrine (hormone) system cannot be adequately supported without first optimizing the foundations of the body (digestion, blood sugar regulation, mineral balance, fatty acids and hydration). And now I am equipped with the knowledge needed to assess and support your body where it’s at right now to get it to optimal function.

My goal is to support yes, but mostly, empower and equip you to take back your health and understand ‘why’ you are experiencing those unpleasant symptoms.