FAQs
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I invite every new potential client for a 15-minute phone discussion. This provides an opportunity to explore health goals and health concerns and discuss the program that will best help them meet their needs. Then, the client completes a health intake form and we spend 90 minutes discussing in detail their health history, symptoms, current diet and lifestyle. This gives me the information I need to be able to provide personal nutrition therapy.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a Masters of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health and have passed the board qualifying exam to become a "CNS" or certified nutrition specialist. I am currently completing the balance of 1,000 supervised hours in order to secure my license from the state of Delaware. I hold certificates in integrative health coaching, functional medicine, yoga, medicinal aromatherapy and reiki.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I grew up in the family garden and in the kitchen. Every dinner included two things: every family member and a salad. I have always loved to cook. I have always been the person friends asked for advice. In 2011 I had a debilitating neck injury with miserable chronic pain. It was then I decided I would reduce inflammation in my body and I turned to food to do it. But when I got online to figure it out, I was overwhelmed. That's when I enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. It was for my own edification. But once I finished with that program, people wanted to work with me. I was working in corporate America in a wildly successful executive role, traveling a lot, yet decided to build this health coaching business. In the summer of 2012 I launched my business free + abel, and in fall of 2013 I left that job to return to school to complete my Master's.