My Story
My fascination with science began aged 11 when I read “The Double Helix”, Watson & Crick’s account of discovering the structure of DNA. From this beginning in science, I went on to study chemistry and biochemistry at university, which paved the way for a role as a research chemist in immunodiagnostics. Much as I loved the science, after some years, I was involved in a project to develop training for new science graduates and discovered a passion for learning and development, so when an opportunity came along for a role in this area, I took it.
I spent more than 20 years specialising in leadership development and coaching, during which time I completed a professional master’s degree in coaching along the way. My role in leadership programmes gave me the opportunity to witness different coaching styles at work and I saw that for some people their coaching experiences were truly life-changing, whereas for others it had a much lesser impact. This intrigued me so much that I chose to investigate the root cause of these different experiences in my master’s research. The results of my research led me to develop a framework for effective coaching that I have used to inform my work with clients ever since.
Alongside my coaching career, my husband and I were raising a family. Around the age of 5, my daughter started to have gut symptoms. She had many investigations for food intolerances and gut-related diseases that were administered by both the GP and hospital consultants to no avail, and so they deemed they could do nothing further to help. As a parent, it was hard to see my child suffering this way, and it was made harder for us with her symptoms often being dismissed because they didn’t fit a conventional explanation. If you’ve ever been in this position, I get you, it’s a tough path to navigate.
Faced with a dead end, we began pursuing alternative approaches and over several years worked with some skilled practitioners with different specialisms. We were discovering the power of nutrition and a different approach with the improvements we saw with each practitioner. Yet, even with these practitioners, no-one seemed to quite connect all the dots, leaving some questions unanswered. In addition, we often struggled to implement challenging nutritional prescriptions with little support between appointments. I decided to start looking for answers myself by doing some basic nutrition courses and exploring the research literature. The more I learned, the more I realised there was to learn, and my scientific interests were rekindled. This rekindling was aptly predicted by one of my research colleagues more than 20 years earlier when I left the field.
A couple of the early courses I did were focused on sport & exercise nutrition, an area that I thought might serve a dual purpose as my son was already interested in pursuing a career in sport. At the end of the second course, I did some voluntary work helping athletes with their nutrition, and I found a love for helping people in this way. I realised that my nutritional knowledge, research background, and my coaching skills were a powerful combination in helping people to make high-impact changes. This was when I first entertained the possibility of doing this work professionally and I was excited at the possibility I could make the path that we had trodden an easier experience for others.
Whilst I had a considerable bank of relevant skills, to make the difference I wanted to, I would need to build my nutrition knowledge base further. It didn’t take long for me to take the plunge and begin my Nutritional Therapy Diploma with the College of Naturopathic Medicine. Being confined during the pandemic gave me the luxury of more time to study, which I relished.
While studying during lockdown, I participated in a group of change-makers and through this met a visionary woman who introduced me to the world of integrative cancer support. Whilst cancer support was included in my clinical course, being such a complex area, I didn’t feel this was enough. Curious to learn more I enrolled in The Metabolic Approach to Cancer Terrain Advocate Programme. It was a small leap to become part of Dr Nasha Winter’s network of committed practitioners supporting cancer patients and I am inspired daily by the difference we can make. After losing my father to pancreatic cancer at a young age, as well as having other family members undergo treatment for cancer, this is an area close to my heart and I am passionate about supporting those on a cancer journey.
When I was ready to begin my nutritional therapy practice, I wrestled with the question of what kind of clinic I wanted. I was certain that metabolic health is central to our health, vitality, and ability to perform. So Metabolic Health Pro Ltd was born.
I look forward to helping you on your journey to a healthy metabolism.
My Qualifications
BSc Hons Chemistry (King’s College, London University)
MProf. Coaching & Learning Design (Middlesex University, London)
Diploma Nutritional Therapy with Distinction (College of Naturopathic Medicine, London)
Other Certifications
Precision Nutrition Level 1 & 2 of The Essentials of Sport & Exercise Nutrition
Registered Naturopath with the General Naturopathic Council
Member of The Association of Naturopathic Practitioners
Terrain Advocate Programme Graduate from the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health
FDX Blood University Courses (Professional Level Test Interpretation)
LifeCode Gx Nutrigenomic Practitioner Programme (currently underway)
I live on the outskirts of London with my husband, two grown-up children and my tabby cat, Albus. My children are both professional golfers living their dreams. I love watching them play, sometimes travel with them, even caddy occasionally, and in my spare time I enjoy playing too.