I am a naturopathic doctor, mom, and executive who is lucky enough to call this place home. I have two adult sons, two dogs, and a huge extended family around Southern California. I work a lot – but when I’m not working I love to bake, read, and travel. If you become my friend I’m likely to offer you both unsolicited health advice and cookies.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family is an eclectic bunch. My parents live in Laguna where they have been for decades. I have 2 sisters who both recently moved back to Orange County and a brother in LA. I have two sons in their 20s. My older son lives in Denver and works in the building industry. My younger son is a musician and lives in Huntington Beach. My extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins is huge. I have so many cousins I once met someone on-line who turned out to be a cousin. They are a very diverse group from lawyers to artists. It makes for interesting family gatherings.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and a long-time executive in the natural products industry. I just left a long-time position as Chief Research Officer at a company called Thorne to return to consulting. I have worked with a lot of local companies over the years – VitaTech International, Promax Nutrition, Body Wise International, Metagenics, Alkemist Labs – and was co-founder and Chief Science Officer of a company called Bariatric Advantage. That company started right here in Newport, and still exists even though we sold in back in 2010. These days, I consult to a diverse group of companies from natural ingredients to finished good, mostly supporting them in product and business development. I’m also building a little ingredient company which is kind of fun. I love what I do because I love the community and the people. I get to work every day with individuals and companies who are truly invested in the health of people and the planet.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love healthy food, and I cook, so I don’t eat out a ton. If I need a quick bite when I’m out, Flower Child is always a good option – or Bear Flag Fish Company closer to home. I love the Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens. I could just go there and eat their roasted veggies.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Orange County a lot of my life. My family moved to Laguna Beach when I was 15. I moved away for school, but came back to OC when I was 30 and have made it my home since. Almost all of my professional career has been here in Orange County.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
That is an impossible question. I meet so many interesting people all the time!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I admittedly watch very little TV. My favorite thing I watched recently was Only Murders in the Building. My current favorite movie is Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Prioritize your health. It’s an easy thing to neglect until you don’t have it anymore. It’s generally a low-cost investment if you are already healthy, with a good return. Start by eating better. If you don’t know what that means, ask someone who does.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Uruguay. Or Morocco. Or maybe Vanuatu. I’d like to see the Arctic. Honestly, I just love to travel. I’m constantly planning my next trip or trips. Did you know that travel to new places increases the neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain? That means it increases your sense of pleasure, but it’s also a little addictive. I got addicted very young.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
This is a rotating list for me. Today, maybe Dr. David Nutt, from Imperial College of London just because I’m a fan of his work and his podcast. Or Dr. Cynthia Kenyon so I could pick her brain on aging. I’d probably try to take them someplace quiet so we could actually talk. Maybe someplace like Summer House.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I feel lucky every day that I can walk to the beach – most people don’t get to do that in a lifetime. My neighbors are genuine, friendly people, and my community feels like a real community. Unique? I often tell visitors to go ride the Balboa Ferry.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully still here in Newport at least part of the time. Maybe with grandchildren?
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am 100% terrified of rollercoasters. Even little ones that kids might ride on. Not going to happen. Don’t even ask.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Watching sunset on the beach. That is always 10/10 anywhere on the planet.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Probably everyone says this, but my kids. They are growing up into amazing humans and it constantly challenges me to stay both supportive and inspirational as a parent.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, friends, dogs.