About Me
I’m Heather, a culinary nutrition instructor, Reiki practitioner teacher, and recipe creator in Hawaiʻi.
I teach kids and adults the culinary skills to create delicious, health-building meals using seasonal, local foods. Or simple yet powerful energy techniques so they feel more confident: to be the healthiest versions of themselves.
My journey to my multi-faceted practice has been a unique one full of exotic, mouth-watering flavors, fiery passion, and wisdom learned through gardening and world travel, combined with the challenges of overcoming a few big health obstacles.
As a young child…
… my deep love of gardening was born exploring outside in the big, green garden. I was fascinated by the bright colors, sweet earthy smells, birdsong, and delicious raw flavors that were bursting from the abundant Pacific Northwest.
Health issues…
… held me back ever since a difficult birth. By the age of twenty I was miserable and desperate just to be healthy and thrive. With little success dealing with severe allergies, asthma and chronic bronchitis I was pushed to my limit.
Permanent relief…
… finally came with the help of a brilliant N.A.E.T. Doctor. With gentle allergy treatments, and a change in eating habits we were able to permanently eliminate my body’s reaction to seemingly everything on the planet. It took two years to complete the treatments, but significant relief came after only a few sessions, something I had never experienced before.
My entire world changed…
… with new found health, not only did I feel amazing but I was finally able to indulge in foods that had been forbidden most of my life. I felt free. Free to travel the world for months at a time. Tasting creamy avocado with the heavenly fresh scent of newly sliced lime. Warm tacos on the beach with my toes in the powdery pristine white sand, OR ceviche straight from the ocean with ice cold coconut after snorkeling in Latin America.
I happily ate my way…
… through Central America and S.E. Asia, tasting foods I’d never heard or dreamed of. The perfectly balanced sweet, sour, spicy, saltiness of Thai street food. Fragrant with kaffir leaves, lemongrass, basil, ginger and galangal root. Fresh tamales, coastal seafood stews like Ital and Tapado swimming in freshly pressed coconut milk. Warm corn tortillas wrapped around various fillings, straight from the fire, formed by little old, loving hands. My spanish may have been terrible but I spoke the love language of food, fluently.
Exploring different cultures…
… became an addiction. Despite often being shocked and saddened by the poverty and inequality I witnessed, I was equally touched by the hearts and enormous generosity of the people. Many connections were made over simple delicious meals and I just couldn’t stop going back for more. it was pure culinary bliss indulging in the freshest seafood, exotic fruits and local dishes. I often swam in turquoise waters, or climbed ancient Maya ruins, daydreaming various ways to simmer in that decadent lifestyle a little longer. It was like a beautiful dream.
Sustainability in Hawaiʻi…
… was where my adventurous, dreamy spirit would eventually lead me. To raise a family in a paradise of edible, tropical abundance and beauty. The incredible journey into parenthood came at the high cost of my cherished good health, but I was determined to regain my health again. With focus and guidance from a few brilliant practitioners, I was massively transformed and Inspired by the healing power of food.
Hungry for more knowledge…
……I enrolled in certified culinary and functional nutrition programs to dive deep into using food as the optimal fuel for health, growth, awareness and resiliency. I felt fascinated, empowered, and supported by a worldwide community of like-minded people.
Transforming recipes…
… into something that feeds not only our physical bodies but also our taste buds and spirit has become one of my specialties. I love creating healthier versions of classic comfort foods.
Following my intuition to learn Reiki…
…was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I learned Usui Reiki as a way to support my family during challenging times of stress, transition, or sickness. I earned my certification on East Hawaii island. As my journey into Reiki deepened, my life path unfolded before my eyes and I eventually was initiated to Master teacher level and into Healing Buddha Mandala Reiki. Reiki has transformed my life and flows through all I do. Nothing brings me greater joy than witnessing the gentle, transformative presence of Reiki in my clients and students’ lives. Just knowing they will have energy tools for life brings me deep satisfaction. I’m captivated by each unique session and journey.
Food and medicine…
… have intertwined for me over the years, combining my passions for growing, preparing, and eating food to use as nourishment and medicine in creative, sustainable ways. My integrated approach now encompasses all aspects of food from seed to kitchen to student to stomach.
Gathering over healing food…
… grown locally and sustainably, has the power to uplift individuals, families, farmers and their communities, while bringing people of all ages, and backgrounds together in a joyful way. With happiness and gratitude, I gather my community around the table to have some fun while sharing valuable knowledge of food and health.
Showing hands-on…
… what can be created together for better health and a brighter future. You will find influences in my recipe creations and classes from rich travel experiences, my commitment to sustainablity and equality, and my personal health challenges and triumphs. Greatly inspired by the incredible, natural abundance of Hawaiʻi.