I’ve always had a passion for health and wellness, which led me into healthcare Throughout my 20 years in healthcare, I've gained valuable knowledge and shared many heartfelt moments with patients. Celebrated their wins and supported them though their most vulnerable moments.

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However, a common theme I noticed was poly-pharmacy, chronic medication use, and re-occurring health events for patients despite treatment. It wasn’t hard to see why this was the case.  ​

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Western medicine is undoubtedly valuable, but it is clearly missing some vital components to successfully treat and HEAL chronic conditions.  

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Most chronic diseases are preventable and mostly attributable to 10-15 years of unhealthy lifestyle habits. 

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​I believe we all have the power to health ourselves if given the right tools and guidance using a combination of western medicine, alternative/natural therapies, and lifestyle changes.

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It is in my opinion that most pharmaceutical use should be short lived, and the mainstay of treatment should be directed to the use of natural medicine and healthy lifestyle habits such as nutrient dense foods, exercise, and natural sunlight. We were all meant to live a meaningful and quality life, not one hanging on by the thread tethered to Big Pharma. 

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I say all this from personal experience...

  

As someone who has struggled with mental illness and found freedom through integrative methods, it was important for me to bring my life experience to the forefront for other women like myself.  

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High achieving women who walk around with a smile on their face, only to feel empty, depressed, and anxious behind closed doors. Who are motivated to change, but don't know where to start. Who are tired of our traditional healthcare system that “throws a pill at every ill”. Who are looking for targeted integrative therapies for true healing. I understand what it feels like to be in the depths of mental illness and I'm here to bring my wealth of knowledge to women. 

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I’ve dealt with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, body dysmorphia, and disordered eating since I was a teenager. I had never developed healthy coping skills, so I resorted to substance abuse, which is something we all know very well and see every day. I started smoking marijuana, then transitioned to cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse until my 30s. 

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 I eventually hit a rock bottom and made the decision to get help for the first time in my adult life.

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I made my first appointment with a psychiatrist and therapist. Although extremely nerve racking, I KNEW IT WAS NECESSARY. I was started on medication and began a new chapter.  The medication gave me the jumpstart I needed to work on my coping skills and propel forward in reclaiming my life. This is why I still believe in the power of western medicine, especially in mental health. I regret not starting treatment sooner. 

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I was curious about expanding my spirituality. I grew up in a Christian household, but for some reason it never fully resonated with me. Albeit there are parts of Christianity I cherish, but I desired more. I came across a book called, “The Untethered Soul” by Micheal A. Singer. It changed my life.  It comforted me and gave me the peace I needed to see that my troubles weren’t as big as I thought. It changed my perspective on life and gave me a new hope and inspiration. 

 

 I began to incorporate meditation and positive affirmations in my life, which allowed me to experience peace and calm consistently. I learned the healing power of  spirituality. This is why I encourage my patients to engage in a spiritual practice that speaks to them. 

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I set small realistic goals for myself. First, I quit smoking cigarettes. It took me a long 7 months on Chantix, but it worked. After I quit, I started group classes at my local gym 3x a week. Here, I found my joy again in fitness.

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Setting small realistic goals attributed to my success and healing progression. As a clinician, I incorporate motivational interviewing to capture patient values to develop a frame work for goal setting. I support them through every obstacle and milestone achieved along the way. 

 

After a year, I dropped the guy I was dating (he wasn't doing me any good) and joined my first online fitness competition. It was during this time I drastically changed my outlook on life and started to drink minimally. The fitness challenge wasn’t about vanity for me as much as it was a comeback to my authentic self.

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I felt mentally stronger, clearer, confident, and focused. I found purpose again. The biggest transformation was mental, although a nice butt to go along with it didn’t hurt lol. I was able to recognize the person I always envisioned. A capable strong woman who is resilient and worthy of a great life.

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Along my healing journey I focused on incorporating nutrient dense foods and natural supplements to support my fitness goals. I discovered that most of the supplements were also beneficial for mental health. Go figure!

 

Eating well and using natural supplements to aid my mental and physical health was a game changer for me. It gave me energy, clarity, and mood stability.  The healing power of whole foods is often overlooked and this is why I incorporate and emphasize good nutrition in my treatment plans.Good food supports your brain's ability to produce healthy feel good chemicals that aid in mood and emotional regularity as well as metabolic efficiency.

"Happy Tummy, Happy life!"

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I got to a point where weightlifting and taking care of my body was my new norm. I tapered off my antidepressant and I rarely drank alcohol. My new lifestyle was my therapy and medication. I strongly believe strength training allowed me to taper off my antidepressant successfully. Studies show that exercise can increase neurotransmitters and reduce anxiety and depression. 

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After another failed relationship (there seems to be a correlation between splitting with exes and my sudden urge to level up lol) I decided to compete in bodybuilding. I wrestled with this for a few years and figured why the hell not. Everyone thinks I'm a bodybuilder anyway and I’m not getting any younger.  

I stepped on stage a year later. I LIT UP inside. Bodybuilding literally saved my life. It made me face my obstacles and fears. It propelled me forward in more ways than one in my life and I'm forever grateful for it.  

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 I started getting an itch to do more with my career as a nurse practitioner and bodybuilder ( I'm still an amateur but best believe I’m getting that IFBBPRO card). My nurse practitioner role in mental health was a passion of mine, but I wanted to do more for people on my own terms. 

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I desired the freedom to practice the way I felt patients needed to truly heal. I wanted to bring together my passions for fitness, nutrition, and mental health. I started to brainstorm some ideas, and I came across Functional Medicine and Integrative Psychiatry AND THERE IT WAS! 

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A perfect blend of what I love all put together in a beautiful bow for me to deliver to other ambitious women like myself. Being able to bring the tools that helped me to other women brings a level of contentment and fulfillment I cannot put into words. This is how Center U Wellness and Integrative Healthcare was created. It was created from the depths of my struggles and the peaks of my healing.  

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I hope to help guide you to your true authentic self. To a life of purpose. A life worth living. I got you girl. 

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With love,  

LaToya