I was born in Louisiana and raised on the West and East coast of the US. As an adult, I have primarily resided in the San Francisco Bay Area. My mother, a therapist, instilled in me a strong sense of self-awareness and encouraged questioning societal norms. This has had a lasting impact on my personal and professional growth.

As a child, I struggled with persistent ear infections, migraines, and a weak immune system. These experiences led me to explore alternative health care practices and adopt a vegetarian lifestyle at the age of six. At sixteen, I transitioned to veganism, driven by a desire to address the impact of animal agriculture on both the environment and human society. 

After completing an education in traditional Chinese medicine, I pursued further religious studies at Starr King School for the Ministry, a progressive seminary that embraces a multireligious approach and engages with social justice issues. This diverse education has further shaped my beliefs and reinforced my commitment to holistic wellness.