About me

What is your education and training?

Master of Science degree in Health and Nutrition Education from Hawthorn University (2013)
Trained as a Hormone Cure Coach by Dr. Sara Gottfried Szal of The Hormone Cure (2013)
Professional Member and Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® (BCHN) with the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) (2013 to present)
Certified Nutrition Consultant (CNC) with the American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC)
Certified in Foundations of Narrative Health Coaching with the Teleosis Institute and the International Coach Foundation (June 2017)
Michelle has been recognized as Top Health Coach by Coach Foundation, one of the biggest names in the coaching industry.

What is your approach to nutrition and health?

Although my approach with each client varies, there are some general principles I value in my practice as a holistic health coach and certified nutrition consultant that will help you decide if we are a good fit…

Personalized solution that works for you because one size does not fit all.
Nutrient dense foods—when we eat mostly high-quality, nourishing foods, we find that a little goes a long way and we feel fabulous!
Compassionate guidance and careful listening so that together we can create a plan, protocol, and personal approach that works for you.
My food philosophy: If I were to capture my food philosophy in just seven words, I would borrow Michael Pollan’s great quote: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
It’s all about balance! Balanced blood sugar maintains your energy and mood levels, releases you from cravings, and is at the heart of wellness and longevity. Balanced hormones allow you to feel greater vitality, improve your ability to more easily cope with life’s challenges, release weight, and feel like your best self again. And balance in your life creates the space for prioritizing your health, valuing the importance of self-care, and bringing that excitement back to all parts of your life—work, family, relationships, children, etc.
Gut health and healing is sometimes an underlying cause of other health issues and concerns. When your digestive tract is healthy, you will notice other improvements like clearer skin, better mood, greater focus, weight loss, reduced inflammation, and less pain. It often all comes down to the gut!
Quality and strategic supplementation, when necessary, as part of a larger vision of healing and wellness. I believe in the power of food to heal. However, sometimes strategic supplementation can assist your body in that process. I will always check with you before offering a supplement suggestion and you will always know exactly why you are taking something. I can also provide options and suggestions so that you know the products you are taking are of high quality and value.
Science-based approach to nutrition while valuing the importance of the mind-body-spirit connection to health and well-being.
Practical and realistic approach to making healthy changes. Whether that is through guidance in planning and preparing meals, grocery shopping, or making sense of eating out—I will meet you where you are in the process!
Inclusive care: I aim to create a safe, supportive, inclusive, and trauma-informed space for all bodies and anyone who has felt unseen or underserved within traditional healthcare settings.
I love food! I mean I really, really love food. It is one of the great pleasures in life. I want you to love food (again) too! I will encourage you to let go of guilt and fear around eating and instead enjoy every bite of your meals.

How do you empower clients to feel their best?

As a holistic health coach and certified nutrition consultant, my role is to guide you in your journey toward greater wellness, energy and vibrancy.

My holistic approach means we will look at all aspects of your health—body, mind and spirit.
Together, we will look at your sense of well-being from many dimensions including physical, emotional, spiritual, occupational, social, and intellectual health. Each part contributes to the health of the whole. To help you feel better, we may look at your patterns of sleep, ways to manage stress, nutrition goals, exercise, relationships, your sense of connection, and even your environment.

For more than 13 years, I’ve worked with hundreds of clients while continuing to deepen my knowledge through ongoing training, annual nutrition conferences, and extensive continuing education. I stay current with the latest research and evidence-informed practices in functional health and holistic nutrition so I can bring thoughtful, relevant guidance to the people I serve.

And my own health journey has continued right alongside my professional one—most recently through perimenopause. I know what it’s like to navigate changing hormones, shifting energy, and a body that doesn’t always feel familiar.

I bring not only the knowledge and experience of a trained wellness practitioner, but also the compassion, curiosity, and heart that come from living through my own seasons of change.

I believe the most meaningful guidance comes from both what we learn and what we live.

I specialize in empowering people to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle supported by good nutrition, stress management, movement, and healthy relationships.

I also specialize in plant-forward and plant-based eating plans. If it is your goal, I will use my expertise in vegetarian and vegan eating plans to assist you and your family in creating healthy, nourishing meals, whether that means you want to eat less meat, eat some fish, are lacto-ovo vegetarian (meaning you eat eggs and dairy) or are vegan (no animal foods).

My own personal challenges with health have taught me so much. I know what it means to be scared or confused or frustrated. I also know how much I wanted someone by my side to guide me. That is what I want to be able to do for you. I want to be that support so that you can easily manage your life and your health. And I will do so with great compassion and understanding.

I work with clients both locally and across the country via Zoom or phone. Please contact me today to start your journey to better health.

Let's connect!

What led you on this path?

In October of 2010, I suddenly came down with a fierce illness that would change the course of my life. For the next six months, I struggled with a persistent cough, sinus infections, exhaustion, and laryngitis. I tried a variety of treatments, but nothing seemed to get to the root of what was happening.

I was not only physically unwell—I was overwhelmed and confused by the conflicting information about how to get better. Eventually, I found a holistic health practitioner who helped me uncover the underlying factors affecting my health. As I began addressing those root causes, I finally started to heal.

That experience taught me something profound: healing isn't just about knowing what to do. It's about having the right guidance and support to navigate the process.

Those six months affected every part of my life—physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. But on the other side, I felt like a Phoenix rising from the ashes: stronger, more vibrant, and deeply empowered around my own health.

I regained my energy and strength, released 20 pounds of weight and inflammation . . . and discovered a new direction for my life. I realized I wanted to support others to feel that same sense of empowerment—to understand their bodies, make informed choices, and become active participants in their own well-being.

That is the heart of why I do what I do today.

I believe in taking an integrative approach to health, one that looks at diet as well as lifestyle, offers emotional support along with supplements, and values spiritual growth and development as much as physical. I support my clients when they are scared and confused at facing a new diagnosis, who have been told they need to make lifestyle changes and do not know where to start, or who want to make some changes to their life and need a clear plan from a holistic health expert.

What do you do when you are not working as a health coach and nutrition consultant?

I love to eat delicious food, connect with friends, taste wine, spend time in nature, hike, dance, read fiction, and travel. I am an auntie to my two adorable teen nephews, my beautiful godchildren, and the other amazing children in my life. I am obsessed with octopuses, all phases of the moon, my “chaos” garden, and some day I will see the aurora bourealis! Fun foodie fact: I had the pleasure of being on a local television show “Check Please Bay Area” many years to review one of my favorite restaurants (you can read more about my experience here). I live in Oakland, California with my loving husband.