About Me
The health and wellness industry has always been a big part of my development since I was in my teens. Being a young, single mother in my little community college, I was involved in a work study program where I was actually getting paid to be a TA in an adaptive physical education class for 2 semesters under the direction of Professor Christy Kling at Napa Valley College, located in Napa, CA. I was blessed to assist the most amazing and strong individuals that learned to manage their disabilities and health conditions by taking care of their bodies through positive mindset, movement and good nutrition. We can all use some pointers in order to adapt that well!
As I grew older, I found I had several, uncurable health conditions that took years to get diagnosed. They became more manageable over time as I was doing trial and error methods that I was researching on health and wellness websites and consulted with my medical professionals. I also had to adapt to managing pain and symptoms before and after a work related head injury that took years to heal from. Pain management is indeed an art form.
I view food as medicine and do my best to eat mostly whole foods, but still factor in the not as nutrient dense foods to avoid deprivation that can lead into other not so healthy habits (I became a binge eater). Sometimes circumstances prevents you from eating as healthy as you desire, so just do the best you can until you're able. Moderation is my motto, and I am not supportive of fad diets. Here's some terms that you may hear a lot that I love; Eat to live, Eat for long-term sustainability, and Food is fuel.
My youngest son is on the Autistic Spectrum (Asperger's Syndrome) and we found medications had a negative effect (and opposite results that the doctor's expected). I learned that nutrient dense foods and beverages that were natural and organic kept him in a manageable state and life was much smoother. As he grew older, he became self aware and implemented a lot of what we learned together as he grew up into his adult life now, living on his own. I also have a USMC veteran son and a daughter who is now a mother.
With my own diagnosed conditions such as Asthma, Hypothyroidism, Interstitial Cystitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Gastritis, Gluten Intolerance and Breast Cancer, I turn to the most nutrient rich foods as possible. Currently, I'm seeing a cardiologist for heart issues and am managing high cholesterol. All this limits a lot of what I'm able to eat, so meal planning is kept pretty simple and easy, especially being an empty nester. My fitness can use improvement as I'm navigating through the flare ups and health crisis'. But, I do have the knowledge to coach you through your journey with confidence.
I've overcome a couple of addictions in my lifetime by learning from a hypnotherapist. He taught me some breathing techniques when I gave up cigarettes in April 1995 and I used the same techniques when I gave up alcohol in June 2023. I also worked out or walked/jogged more during cravings. It's challenging during health flare ups, but my motto is to just to do a little, even if it's 5 minutes. Stretching alone makes anyone feel so much better and surprisingly good. It also clears my mind when I become stressed or anxious. Faith, meditation, fitness are the biggest factors that has gotten me through the challenges and everyday life (combined with good nutrition, positive thinking and attitude).
Being a person who survived a lot of past trauma and abuse, I found that meditation, breathwork and exercising consistently keeps the cptsd/ptsd more manageable. The medication that prevents new breast cancer growth, Tamoxifen, causes anxiety and insomnia as a side effect, so that really made me learn to become self aware, recognize my triggers and learn to react in a positive manner in order to keep my mindset in a peaceful place. Unfortunately, my medical insurance was canceled, so I'm no longer on that medication. I developed 4 new lumbs in my breasts within 4 months of my last dose of Tomoxifen, and have been monitoring them, keeping current with recommended mammograms. I was holding my breath for a while because the insurance was canceled before I could do the 20 rounds of radiation that I was scheduled for. I never did receive treatment, so I'm relying on exceptional self care in order to stay healthy and have a peaceful and balanced lifestyle. Luckily, I was able to receive healthcare again May 2025 and am seeing all the specialists that I need to manage my conditions.
Having my service dog in training, Bear has helped me to function and live a much improved life. He arrived when I needed him the most. He alerts me for cardiac and ptsd. You'll see cameo appearances of him when we're doing video calls. He developed a prey drive after moving to the country, so I'm not able to take him out in public. I am taking courses to become a certified dog trainer and do have a certificate of completion as a Service Dog Trainer. Bear's bloodline comes from LEO's and working line German Shepherds. If he doesn't overcome the prey drive soon, I'll retire him as a service dog in training and he'll become exclusively my demo dog for tactical training with K9's. I'll have to train another young puppy to become my service dog when the time is right for public outings. I plan to only train service dogs or working line dogs after earning my dog trainer certification.
I've gained a lot of knowledge through my own experience and I realized it's not too late to pick up where I had left off. I was a 23 yr old college student with a passion in the health and wellness industry. Now I'm 54 yrs old, working hard to reach the goals and establish my own business to make an impact and create lifelong relationships with my clients that will become close, like family. I became a first time grandmother Nov 2024 and have a lot to live for. Staying fit and healthy are the keys to longevity. I'm also a Christian and am strong in my faith.
My purpose has always been to guide and assist others to find what works for them that aligns with their goals and lifestyles. I want my clients to prioritize themselves so that they feel exceptional and continue to stay motivated as they're seeing results, internally and externally, enjoying the wins and milestones.
I've been continuing my education, and will enroll in the Strength and Conditioning Coach course in 2026 with either Corrective Exercise Specialist or Lifespan Coach. Life coaching will probably be in 2027. Certifications will be posted when achieved. Let's put in the work!
~Coach MsMo
