Hi, I’m Gabriela
My Story
When I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, I was determined to use natural approaches like nutrition, exercise, and vitamins to “fix the problem”. However, as I walked further along my path, I realized I needed to unravel the messages my body was trying to send me, not consider my body a problem to be solved. With each layer I unpeeled, I came to a deeper understanding of myself and how my environment and lifestyle had contributed to a deep level of physical and spiritual burnout.
My path to healing has been anything but linear. I used a wide array of modalities: conventional western medicine, functional medicine, energy medicine, shamanism, herbalism, rewilding, yoga, breathwork, Ayurveda, and more. Equally as important as the things I “did” were the things I let go of. I let go of a corporate career that wasn’t filling my spiritual cup. I moved away from a city that did not support my beautifully sensitive nervous system. I began to unwind an unhealthy need to be constantly “productive” and traveled the world solo to see how a different way of life was possible.
My Why
Along my health journey, I had many moments of feeling profoundly alone. I did not want to take a prescription pharmaceutical and call it a day. I wanted to find out why my body had lost its balance. It took me years to find health practitioners whose approach aligned with my philosophy. While I eventually found experts in their fields who could provide the support I needed, along the way I experienced medical gaslighting, pressure to take certain pharmaceuticals, and disregard of my intuition.
Now my mission is to support others who are navigating their health journey. I will always respect you as the expert of your own body. I can support you to make nutrition and lifestyle changes which can specifically help people with autoimmune thyroid conditions to improve energy levels and boost your body’s ability to heal. I am here to collaborate with you in crafting a unique lifestyle plan, which incorporates seeking out other practitioners who can provide supportive care. I strive to provide a space where your health journey can become a portal into a deeper understanding of yourself.
My Education
My background spans the realms of hard science, holistic nutrition, learning from our earth, and more. I earned my Masters in Computer Science with a focus in bio-computation from Stanford University with classwork in public health and genetics. Here I learned the scientific method and how to evaluate scientific studies. I have trained as a Holistic Health Coach with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition where I learned how to coach, as well as many approaches to nutrition. I have studied both Herbalism and Permaculture with Ecoversity, where I learned how to incorporate the wisdom of nature into human systems. Before health coaching, I was an engineer and manager in tech where I mastered creating visions, setting attainable goals, and staying accountable. My time as an engineer gave me the invaluable skill of thinking at a systems level and breaking that down into concrete plan.
2013 - Bachelor of Science in Economics, Stanford University
2015 - Master of Science in Computer Science with a focus in Biocomputation, Stanford University
2022 Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course, Mindful Leader
2022 Permaculture Design Certificate, Ecoversity
2023 Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Institute of Integrative Nutrition
2023 Herbalism Certificate, Ecoversity
2024 Vitalist Herbal Practitioner Program, School of Evolutionary Herbalism (Ongoing)
Values
Integrity
My highest value is to always be in integrity internally and within relationships. There is no “magic bullet” to “fixing” autoimmune conditions. However, with dedicated, consistent, small changes over time, you can improve your overall feeling of wellness. I will always keep our sessions confidential and respect your agency in the coaching container.
Wild & Natural
My belief is that what is best for humans is also what is best for plants, animals, and mother nature. My recommendations lean towards incorporating organic, non-GMO foods in your diet, communing more with nature, getting exposure to natural sunlight, and avoiding processed foods. I support incorporating techniques that will put you in touch with your nature as a human and soul.
Scope of Practice
As a health coach, I will be an active listener for your health concerns and provide general recommendations to promote improved feelings of wellness in your life. I will empower you to take responsibility for your health and help you find the motivation to make changes. Some of the things we can work on are: stress management, energy improvement, sleep improvement, digestive wellness, an improved diet, incorporating spirituality into your life, and more.
Sovereignty
I believe that you know your body best. I will help you clarify the changes you want to make and support you in finding the internal motivation to make these changes. I will not promote “the right” diet, exercise, or practice that you “should” do for your health. You will guide the direction of the changes, and I will provide you with wisdom and knowledge from my personal experience and studies.