My career prior to entering CSNN was focused in the fields of nursing and herbal medicine. As a Master's prepared Registered Nurse, I taught on the faculty of nursing at Aurora College, Yellowknife, NWT for 14 years. My clinical specialty is mental health/ psychiatric nursing with a keen interest in the role culture plays in a person's experience illness. My interest in complementary medicine, directed me to complete a four year herbal medicine program which allowed me to qualify to be a member of the esteemed National Institute of Medical Herbalists.

As a Holistic Nutritionist I work with clients toward getting to the root cause of the illness or imbalance and help the body to heal itself. I base my recommendations on a variety of symptoms that represent often in the early stages of illness. I make suggestions for lifestyle changes, food choices and supplement suggestions. To implement these suggestions often clients need education in understanding the relationship between their symptoms & their nutritional needs; assistance with meal planning; accessing foods in our remote location and cooking skills, which is part of the practice of a holistic nutritionist.

As a member of the health care community 60% of client referrals are from physicians, nurse practitioners and complementary health care providers in Yellowknife. I routinely teach nutrition & herbal medicine classes to a variety of health care programs at Aurora College. I deliver seminars to corporate clients in Yellowknife. Workshops on health topics & nutrition are delivered regularly at the Yellowknife's only yoga studio, Taiga Yoga & Therapies.

To meet the diverse health needs of clients who reside in the smaller communities in the NWT, I offer distance services in both nutrition and herbal medicine.

CSNN's Natural Nutrition program broadened the resources that I can offer to client who are seeking to find wellness through complementary health care.