Early on in my life, I had no interest in health and nutrition topics. My passion for the subject was spurred on by my own health challenges, which started in my late teens. By the time I had reached the age of 29, after twelve years of extensive health problems, I finally hit rock bottom. I had been diagnosed with many different ailments, receiving routine medical treatments along the way. Among the diagnoses that I had received were anemia, gastritis, esophageal reflux, spastic colon, polyps in my bladder, cysts on my ovaries, endometriosis and mitral valve prolapse. I also had experienced persistent abdominal and back pain, hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue, severe migraine headaches (complete with vision disturbances, numbness down my left side & excruciating pain in my head), and a major Candida yeast overgrowth problem.

With each diagnosis and treatment, I found myself still dealing with the same symptoms. Because I knew of nothing else to do, I continued searching through the medical avenues for the answers I desperately needed. Unfortunately, my search continued to leave me frustrated and with time my symptoms became worse and worse. After reaching a point where I could no longer function in my life, I cried out to God for help. He started me on a journey where I began to look at how to better care for my health. I eventually transitioned onto a whole-food, "real-food", plant-based diet with a very strong emphasis on raw foods and freshly made juices. The further I transitioned, the more my symptoms reduced. As I found and implemented what I believe to be an optimal dietary approach, all symptoms and health problems completely went away.

With regained health and an excitement about the steps I had taken to get well, I began sharing what I had learned with others through basic health classes. These classes expanded and eventually we opened up Abundant Living Lifestyle Center & Health Foods where we teach health and culinary classes and offer foods and tools for healthy living.

After a car accident in 1999, I suffered from structural and muscular problems which caused extreme pain that persisted. In the course of my search, I found a bodywork modality called Myofascial Release [MFR], which brought me complete relief. After obtaining a massage therapy license, I began taking Myofascial Release training classes through John F. Barnes, PT. and other JFB trained instructors. I later learned a secondary modality called Massage Cupping that utilizes a negative pressure to release fascial (connective tissue) restrictions and reduce pain. I am now an MFR trained therapist offering pain-release therapy sessions along with our other health enhancing classes, information, tools and services at our lifestyle center.

Along the journey, I have taken courses in ‘Raw and Living Foods’ philosophy and food preparation, have completed a certification course in Plant-Based Nutrition at ecornell University, and have been trained through the Hallelujah Acre Health Minister program (Shelby, North Carolina). Over the years, I have become very interested in the role that emotions, stress and numerous additional factors play in our health. I have also taken an interest in the subject of home gardening, growing foods using organic, sustainable methods. I am a “forever student”, frequently taking classes, receiving training and engaging in personal study and research, expanding my understanding on health related topics with the added desire to share what I learn with others. In the classes that we offer at Abundant Living, we present topics on health, diet, food preparation, organic gardening, stress, Myofascial Stretching & self-care therapy techniques along with a variety of other continually expanding subjects . Abundant Living is located in Calera, which is in Central Alabama between Montgomery and Birmingham.

The most rewarding experience in my life was homeschooling my children, which we did for twelve years. With our children now grown and on their own, my husband and I enjoy traveling which we love to do on our Harley Davidson Motorcycles [and yes, I ride my own bike. . . a Harley, Softail Deluxe].

Through everything God has taught me in my life, I have found that it is not our individual experiences, whether enjoyable or difficult, that wind up providing the most critical affect. It is the journey of learning and embracing His principles and the lessons He teaches along the way. Discovering true freedom and wholeness within a special relationship with Him . . . in a real life journey that takes place . . . one step at time.

" . . .life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God . . . " ~ I Peter 1:18