Personal Journey & Philosophy

From lived experience to purposeful wellness coaching

My passion for health and wellness began in my mid-twenties, setting the foundation for a lifelong commitment to understanding how lifestyle choices shape overall well-being. Although wellness was always a personal interest, I built a career in hospitality, spending over ten years in sales and catering management. During this time, I worked long hours in a fast-paced environment, often trying to balance demanding responsibilities with exercise and mindful eating. While I made consistent efforts, it was not always easy, especially surrounded by constant access to rich and indulgent foods. Over time, I began to feel exhausted and disconnected from my own well-being, which became a turning point in my life.

That realization led me to make a major life change and fully pursue my passion for helping others improve their health. I returned to school and earned an undergraduate degree in psychology, a Master of Science in Health Science, and later an MBA. Along the way, I also became a NASM Certified Wellness Coach, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Behavior Change Specialist, and Weight Management Specialist. After more than a decade of professional experience, teaching wellness, and experiencing the profound loss of my father to cardiovascular disease and my mother to cancer, I made the decision to launch SparkPlug Wellness, LLC. Today, I work collaboratively with each client to design personalized wellness plans that are realistic, enjoyable, and built for long-term adherence.

Outside of my professional life, I begin each day early with prayer, followed by a walk with my red standard poodle, Peppy. Morning gym sessions help set the tone before I begin my workday. Peppy is 5½ years old, and my green cheek conure is 8 years old—both happily spoiled companions. In my free time, I value family, friends, reading, nature walks, hiking, travel, and volunteering, all of which help maintain balance and perspective in my life and work.