I never imagined that one day I would become a children's book author, speaker, and advocate for health education. But looking back, my passion for helping others live healthier lives was shaped long before I ever wrote my first book.
I watched chronic illness and addiction impact the lives of people around me growing up and this experience deeply shaped me and gave me a determination to break that cycle, not only for myself, but for others as well. I wanted people to understand that they do have control over their health, that the habits they create and the foods they eat matter, and that their future does not have to look like the struggles surrounding them.
When I was 18 years old, I transitioned to a fully vegan diet, began weight training, and started intentionally building healthier habits into my life. Nutrition transformed the way I felt physically and mentally. For the first time, I truly felt confident and strong in who I was. That journey sparked a passion that has only continued to grow.
When I entered the pageant world at 20 years old, my perspective shifted even further. Competing taught me that health education and wellness resources are far less accessible than many people realize. By volunteering at various community events and researching health initiatives in Oregon, I started seeing firsthand how many people simply lacked education and support surrounding nutrition and healthy living. That realization shaped both my career goals and my purpose: helping people live longer, healthier lives.
That's where my children's book, Why Is My Tummy Grumbling?, came to life. My mom and I were shopping for my little sister, Juniper, who just turned one, and we were searching through the baby book section for a nutrition-focused children's book. We couldn't find one. I was shocked there were so few resources available for young children, so I decided I would create one myself.
As a former preschool teacher with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, I understand how important early learning is and how much it impacts a child's future. While writing my book, I discovered that less than five percent of children's books focus on healthy eating and nutrition. That statistic reinforced just how needed nutrition education is for young learners.
My goal is for children and families to understand how food impacts the way we feel physically and mentally, our energy, sleep, mood, and overall wellbeing. I want healthy eating to feel approachable, realistic, and empowering.
One of the biggest lessons I try to teach is that small changes matter. For people here in Klamath County, improving nutrition does not need to mean completely overhauling your life overnight. I encourage people to focus on balance in each meal by prioritizing whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and protein sources. Instead of thinking about what to remove from your diet, think about what healthy foods you can add in. Even small additions can improve sleep, energy, hormone health, longevity, and overall wellness.
Although I finished the book months before publication, navigating the publishing process was a challenge. Seeing it finally available as both a free downloadable eBook and an extended interactive version on Amazon has been incredibly rewarding.
What has been even more fulfilling, though, is sharing the book with children throughout the Klamath Basin in various schools. So far, I have read and presented to more than 400 students from preschool through second grade and educated more than 800 individuals through my E.A.T. to Live Nutrition Education Seminar. I never expected this work to impact me as deeply as it has.
At the heart of everything I do is one simple belief, healthy living does not need to be complicated. Small habits, balanced choices, and education can completely change a person's future. If children can learn from an early age how food fuels their bodies and minds, they will carry that knowledge with them for the rest of their lives. That is why I continue doing this work. Because every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, confident, informed, and empowered.
