I woke up when I was 10 to what felt like millions of bumps on my forehead and a t-zone full of clogged pores. I couldn't recognize myself and I honestly wanted to shrink away. But the truth is that my experience of struggling with acne and other health issues since age 10, led me to educate myself on how to balance inflammatory conditions from the inside out. And at 18, I decided to take the unconventional path by dropping out of college and pursuing a career in esthetics. 

A forever student

After receiving my license in Esthiology in 2006 at the Institute of Beauty and Wellness in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I dove straight into the skincare industry with a love for holistic health care, a need for constant education/growth, and most importantly, an open heart. I’ve worked as a trainer, lead esthetician, content creator, writer, business owner, retail associate, and educator during these 18 years. My love is the treatment room so I’m constantly getting inspired to advance my knowledge in different modalities. After working in the conventional and medical aesthetic world for the first several years of my career, I hit a turning point.

Inspiration

One day back in 2014, I started to feel feverish and decided to go to the doctor. To my shock, I had shingles! This is a virus that was slowly shutting down my nervous system which felt like full body pain, loss of feeling in my hands, and terrible brain fog - crippling even. This made giving several facials a day painful and utterly impossible. My ability to heal and connect with clients was rapidly compromised. After seeking the help of an acupuncturist, and taking 5 daily prescriptions for nearly a month, I learned that I had an over-stressed liver due to years of conventional skincare, poor work/life boundaries, and burn-out. This roadblock quickly became the catalyst for the change I needed.

After taking a hard look at the industry I loved, I decided to turn a minor setback into a driving force to refocus my role as the Therapeutic Skin Coach.

Health Journey

I have since been diagnosed with endometriosis which has propelled me to help others advocate for their health by creating awareness around chronic illness and hormonal conditions. Having agency in your health and wellbeing is something that took me over 30 years to discover, and it’s my purpose to share that empowerment with others. As much as I believe in this, I realize that there is a level of privilege that comes with accessing proper health care. My goal is to help you despite limiting circumstances as best as I can.

Having been trained by some of the best plastic surgeons in the world, along with my background in holistic care, I have developed the intuitive ability to explore the root of most skin health issues. Not only will you feel more knowledgeable about your overall health and well-being, but you will also get continued support and guidance post-treatment. Combating inflammatory-based conditions, determining root imbalances, and establishing a long-term practice are my strengths. But most importantly, I have compassion for anyone struggling with a chronic condition such as many inflammatory skin conditions. I just want to help you feel like yourself in the best way possible.

What is a therapeutic skin coach? 

Becoming an educator for skin acceptance and true skin health education is what I was meant to do. TSC has evolved from offering 1:1 facials to sharing my building blocks of beauty with people all over the world. Through virtual consultations, online courses + ebooks, and making the work accessible and inclusive to all.

I’ve spent years crafting my skills so that you will walk away from her treatments luxuriously relaxed, enthused about your own beauty rituals, and gorgeously glowing -the way you deserve to be.

My offerings

My in-depth consultation and health history analysis set me apart but I am also committed to ongoing conversations with all of my clients. I make sure to know what they are using and how their skin is recovering at every stage. From hormonal imbalances to major dietary overhaul, I continuously support and guide you towards finding your best skin health. I do this by giving you the power to be the expert on your own skin. Education is a big part of our process.

My facials are all personalized as I draw inspiration from a series of different holistic modalities such as:

Manual lymphatic drainage is my best friend in the facial room and unless contraindicated, all facials will include this calming and effective method.

Otherwise, I alternate between the Nefeli Gua Sha facial and facial sculpting massage which I am both certified in. Facial Gua Sha is a modality based in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been adapted by Dr. Ping Zhang to support the vitality of our skin. A non-invasive way to create a lasting glow to the skin.

The facial sculpting massage include buccal massage where I massage away any jaw tension to help release the stresses we store deeply in our face. Originated by Yakov Gershkovich to help support the muscles in our faces as well as release the emotional storage we hold in there. It’s a transformative technique that allows for a non-invasive lifting effect.

Skincare Products

The most important thing to my practice is creating an environment that is not wasteful or harmful to the Earth/You by using 100% non-toxic products. As an environmentalist, I strive to do everything possible to keep the Earth as beautiful as possible. In my facials, I primarily use Apoterra, Laurel, and Osea as well as Kari Gran sunscreen. I am always testing new products and don’t just recommend these for home care. Your home care is created to meet your needs - whether that accessibility or sustainability. I’m here to help craft long-term care that deepens your relationship with your skin and your self-care.

A few more things

For my self-care, I very much enjoy the simple things in life. My husband James and I love to cook, hike, do yoga, watch movies (I'm quite the movie buff), and play with our husky, Josie. After living in Los Angeles for 8 years - the original home of Therapeutic Skin Coach, my family and I have moved to Texas and are currently living in Dallas . I miss my LA clients so much but I know they are being cared for by the very best. And you never know where life will take us next!

License and Certifications

I'm a licensed esthetician, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, facial reflexologist, Reiki practitioner, and writer/educator in the state of California and Texas. I have previously been licensed in Wisconsin and Oregon. 

Nutritional Therapy Practitioner CA license number: Z101112 TX license number: 1456972 ASCP certified EiMDC certified. Nefeli Gua Sha Certified. Dr. Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage Certified Facial Sculpting and intra-oral massage certifie Osteopathic Facial Massage certified