Frequently Asked Questions

Scheduling an appointment is simple and follows an initial introduction call to ensure I am a good fit for your needs. To book an introduction call, visit the "Book an Appointment" tab in the navigation toolbar at the top of this page.

I am focused on the WHY of your symptoms. Rather than simply managing your symptoms, I will collaborate with you to explore why your symptoms started and how to address them with evidence-based natural solutions tailored to your lifestyle, priorities, and preferences.

Functional Medicine is a personalized, holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of disease rather than only focusing on symptom management. We focus on treating the whole person with the goal of restoring FUNCTION, VITALITY, and QUALITY OF LIFE. Rather than viewing each body system as a separate entity, this approach views your body as a network of systems, tracing systems through interconnected pathways to find the drivers of disease.

Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. Unlike traditional medicine, which often focuses on disease diagnosis and medication management, functional medicine takes a holistic approach by considering factors like lifestyle, environment, and nutrition to optimize overall health. This method encourages thorough assessments and personalized treatment plans, aiming for long-term wellness rather than temporary fixes.

Health is not a static state. It is an ongoing balancing act between our body’s internal physiology and our external environmental factors (nutrition, toxin burden, stress, sleep, community, movement, and other factors). Unlike traditional medicine, which often follows a 'one-size-fits-all' model, functional medicine considers each patient's unique history, genetics, and lifestyle factors to create personalized treatment plans that get down to the root of the problem.

This is truly patient-centered care.

1. Telehealth allows you to receive high-quality, personalized care from the comfort of your own home—without the time, stress, and inconvenience of travel or waiting rooms. It makes care more accessible and flexible, so you can stay consistent with your visits, ask questions when they arise, and integrate your care plan into your real daily life. It also reduces your exposure to other sick patients, helping you stay well while seeking care.
2. Because telehealth removes many of the barriers of traditional healthcare, it allows for a more thoughtful, patient-centered approach. Rather than rushed, disease-focused or medication-focused visits, I am able to take a deeper look at root causes and support your health as a whole—creating a more efficient, connected, and meaningful care experience using evidence-based, natural interventions that produce results geared toward YOUR health priorities.
3. Functional Medicine specialty consultations via telehealth allow me to offer the most flexibility to my patients and give you the most direct access to your provider.

Many patients today feel rushed through appointments—unheard, dismissed, and handed another prescription without clear answers or care that truly aligns with their needs. Shepherd Vitality was created for patients who are ready to be listened to, understood, and guided with intention.

I prioritize time and depth. Initial visits are 60–90 minutes, with follow-ups ranging from 15–45 minutes—allowing space for meaningful conversation and thoughtful care, not rushed interactions. And my work doesn’t stop when your visit ends. Behind the scenes, I'm researching, refining, and building a plan tailored specifically to you, so each step forward is intentional and informed.

I recognize that a team best supports your health. While I focus on root-cause care, I actively collaborate, refer when appropriate, and communicate with your other providers to ensure your care is coordinated—not fragmented. My goal is to guide you back to vitality with clarity, support, and a truly personalized approach.

After a difficult “birthing process” into motherhood, I experienced the loss of my full-term stillborn son, Shepherd, while parenting two young children. That experience refined my vision for the care of patients experiencing true hardship, struggle, and loss. I strongly believe that your concerns deserve to be addressed in a way that honors your motherhood, your child, your story, and your future. I am here to support you for the long haul.
If you are a woman who is recovering from miscarriage, stillbirth, or another form of perinatal loss and grief, I am here to support you physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.

During your first telehealth appointment with Shepherd Vitality, you can expect a warm and supportive environment where your concerns are heard and addressed with thoughtful consideration.

We'll take the time (usually 60 - 90 minutes) to thoroughly discuss your health history, current concerns, any known conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors that may impact your well-being. This is a collaborative process where we'll focus on understanding your unique needs and goals. After our discussion, we'll develop a personalized plan tailored to your holistic health objectives in a way that is realistic for your lifestyle, health budget, and schedule.

I have four populations of focus at this time (Postpartum, Men's Fertility, Fatigue, & Impaired Focus). If you express an urgent-care-appropriate condition, symptom, or concern, you can expect to receive a referral to the appropriate level of care. I consult with stable patients concerning long-term health outcomes and my services are not intended to treat, or manage minor or major medical emergencies.

At this time, I do not offer primary care, but may offer this in the future. If you are interested in receiving primary care with Shepherd Vitality, please express your interest at your next appointment. My services are not meant to replace those of your primary care provider, but rather to work alongside primary care in order to provide you with solutions using natural interventions.

Due to the administrative barriers inherent to medical insurance, Shepherd Vitality is a cash-pay practice. Choosing a cash-pay model allows me to provide care directly to you, without the middleman - free from corporate constraints and unnecessary red tape. Using the cash-pay model allows for FULL pricing transparency and allows YOU control over which services you actually want to pay for.
While cash-pay care can feel more expensive upfront—especially if you’re already paying into insurance—it often ends up being more cost-effective care than patients receive when they are passed between multiple specialists who focus on isolated symptoms. My approach is to look at the whole picture, address root causes, and treat your body as an interconnected system rather than a collection of separate issues.