My Story
When My Pain Began
My pain didn’t make any sense.
I began experiencing wrist pain in 2016, shortly after graduating college. At first, it was subtle, and I pushed through it—I was working through my master’s program and didn’t feel like I had time to slow down for something like wrist pain.
But over time, it became more frequent and more severe.
Eventually, I struggled to type on a keyboard or even text on my phone—but I could spend hours addressing wedding invitations without a problem. I remember thinking, how does that make any sense? The pain was in both wrists. I hadn’t injured them. And every test was coming back normal. I assumed doctors would find the issue and fix it. But they couldn’t.
As the pain spread throughout my body and daily life became increasingly difficult, I found myself more and more confused—and starting to feel afraid of what might be happening.
Searching for Answers
Over the course of five years, I saw 24 specialists, tried more than 20 medications and supplements, and underwent X-rays, MRIs, CTAs, and hundreds of blood tests—yet no one could explain what was happening or offer relief.
Each appointment left me feeling a little more discouraged, and I began to believe that this might simply be my life now.
During this time, my symptoms continued to spread and intensify. What started as wrist pain moved into my ankles, knees, hips, jaw, shoulders, and back. I developed chronic migraines, constant neck pain, severe jaw pain that made it difficult to chew, nausea, vision changes, and even rashes and circulation changes in my hands and feet. At one point, I could barely get out of bed to go to the bathroom. Even lying completely still, the pain was excruciating.
I had just gotten married, and instead of starting our life together, my husband was working full time and becoming my caregiver. Friends and family were bringing meals, and while I was so grateful, I also felt a deep sense of guilt and shame—like I was failing at the life I was supposed to be living.
I felt like a burden. I felt like a shell of myself. And I felt incredibly alone.
Discovering Pain Reprocessing Therapy
Everything changed when I came across an interview with Alan Gordon, founder of the Pain Psychology Center. In the video, he described neuroplastic pain—pain that is very real, but generated by the brain rather than by structural damage.
For the first time in years, I felt a spark of recognition and hope. I remember thinking, “this is me. THIS is it.”
One of the most confusing parts of my experience had been how inconsistent the pain was—how it could be severe in one moment and completely absent in another. Up until that point, I believed that every painful movement meant I was causing damage to my body, which created a constant sense of fear. But this introduced a completely different way of understanding what was happening.
For the first time, I began to see that pain didn’t necessarily mean danger or damage—and that realization opened the door to something new.
What Changed Everything
I began working with a Pain Reprocessing Therapist and slowly started applying these principles in my daily life.
It wasn’t overnight, but things started to shift. I began relating to my symptoms differently—with more curiosity and less fear—and gradually started doing things I hadn’t been able to do in years.
I will never forget moments like singing for the first time without jaw pain, walking into a grocery store on my own, or visiting a friend without needing my wheelchair.
Each small step felt like getting a piece of my life back.
Healing didn’t happen all at once—but it was real, and it changed everything.
Why I Do This Work Now
If I hadn’t learned about neuroplastic pain, I truly believe I would still be in that place—doing everything I could to find answers, and being told I might just have to learn to live with it.
And that’s the part that stays with me.
Because there are so many people still in that exact place—trying everything, searching for answers, and not getting relief.
I know what it feels like to be in pain and not be understood. I know what it feels like to start losing hope.
And I also know what it feels like to finally feel seen, validated, and supported.
That’s why I do this work.
It is an honor to sit with someone in that experience and help them begin to understand what might actually be happening—and to support them as things start to shift.
Where I am Today
Today, I have long stretches of being completely pain free. And when symptoms do show up, they are manageable and no longer control how I live my life.
I am a Certified Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) Practitioner through the Pain Reprocessing Center and an ICF-accredited Associate Certified Life Coach (ACC).
I integrate evidence-based PRT tools, mind-body practices like Somatic Tracking, and my lived experience to help clients reconnect with a sense of safety, trust, and ease in their bodies.
My goal is to walk alongside you as you rediscover your strength, your resilience, and your sense of possibility.
A Little More About Me
Outside of my work, I find a lot of joy in simple, grounding rhythms. I’m an avid reader and love my book clubs — historical fiction is my go-to genre, though I enjoy exploring a bit of everything. My home is filled with houseplants, and over the past few years I’ve developed a deep appreciation for exercise and movement — something that’s become both a personal passion and part of my own healing journey.
I have a free-roam pet rabbit named Dwight, who brings a surprising amount of personality and calm into my day-to-day life.
Community is something I value deeply — whether that’s time with friends and family, volunteering, or staying connected to the spaces that help me feel rooted. These parts of my life keep me grounded and naturally shape the way I show up in my work — with steadiness, warmth, and genuine care.
If any part of my story resonates with you, I would love to connect and learn more about your own journey toward healing.