EMBRACE YOUR LIFE
MEET CARISSA
As a Certified Health Coach, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Cancer Exercise Specialist, and experienced Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), I help empower you to create healthy changes so you can embrace a new cancer-free life you love. Fear not and live fully!
MY STORY
Back in 2009, I came home from work because I was having some really bad pain in my right lower stomach. I thought maybe it was just a female problem. After meeting with doctors and getting tests done, they confirmed that I had colon cancer; I was in Stage 2B. I had surgery and was sent on my way home to recover. I was noticing that the recovery process wasn't the smoothest but I thought nothing major of it. At one point, I developed a blood clot that passed my heart and after more testing, they found a bloody surgical sponge that was left in my body for 8 weeks!
This ordeal created so many issues for me for more than 10 years. I was in and out of the hospital for 6 surgeries to remove the infection – plus poked, prodded, and given so many tests. After developing acute deep vein thrombosis pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE), they had to put in a prophylactic IVC filter – which they left in my body for 10 years instead of the maximum 6 months. I was told many times by the professionals that they couldn’t believe I survived this. But I know it was my faith that got me through this.
I also realized that I needed to take control of my life. And since then, I have adopted a holistic approach to life and I truly believe that I can help women just like me get healthy and feel as fabulous as I do today. Through exercise and eating a healthy, balanced meal, and changing my mindset about illness, I am in the best health I can be. Statistics say I should have died. But I am alive and well today!
It's been a long journey with all the surgeries I had to go through, but through it all I found peace. I found compassion. I found strength. I have reinforced my passion. I value the new life I live through my faith more than ever. I believe staying active and positive are the most important factors to fight through this battle spiritually and naturally.
I made myself accountable to get up every day to keep fighting. Even though sometimes I felt terrible, I got going and kept learning. Despite those many challenges, I embrace gratitude for the lessons I learned. And the losses of 2 sisters and other loved ones to cancer have fueled me to share my experience and knowledge to help other cancer survivors in need. Let's do this together.
Today, my mission is to help adults, seniors, and cancer survivors rebuild strength, confidence, mobility, and hope through evidence-based wellness and fitness programs. Through A New Beginning To Wellness™, I combine my healthcare experience, personal survivor journey, and professional training to help others embrace life again — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
AS A CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH, BOARD CERTIFIED HOLISTIC HEALTH PRACTITIONER, AND CANCER EXERCISE SPECIALIST, MY ROLE IS TO GUIDE YOU IN YOUR RECOVERY JOURNEY TOWARD GREATER HOPE, WELLNESS, AND VIBRANCY.
My holistic approach means we will look at all aspects of your health – body, mind, and spirit. Many clients want to create more balance in their lives and health – whether in their food choices, relationships, or overall well-being.
My own cancer recovery has revealed to me a real need that you may also have. I know what it means to be scared, confused, overwhelmed, or frustrated. I also know I wanted someone to be by my side to guide and support me.
MY CREDENTIALS
EDUCATION
• Bachelor’s Degree in Holistic Health Science – International Quantum University for Integrative Medicine
• Currently Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Natural Medicine
PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE BACKGROUND
• Licensed Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – State of California
• Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner – American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP)
SPECIALIZED WELLNESS & FITNESS CERTIFICATIONS
• Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist – Cancer Exercise Training Institute (CETI)
• Licensed Geri-Fit® Fitness Instructor
• Certified Personal Trainer (Fitour)
• Certified Health Coach – Dr. Sears Wellness Institute
Specializing in Adult & Senior Health
AUTHOR & WELLNESS ADVOCACY
I am passionate about health, nutrition, and spiritual well-being. My focus is on helping you recover through natural healing. Although each client’s journey is different, some general principles apply to all of my services.
• Compassionate guidance and careful listening so that together we can create a plan, protocol, and strategy that works for you
• Open-mindedness and flexibility. Whether planning and preparing meals, grocery shopping, or making sense of eating out – whether you are more comfortable keeping your medications or wanting to reduce them – I will meet you where you are
• A personalized solution that works for you because one size does not fit all
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT ME
I ENJOY GOOD HEALTHY FOODS AND A PASSION FOR HELPING PEOPLE FEEL BETTER
I ENJOY SPENDING TIME WITH MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND
I LOVE TO READ, ESPECIALLY THE BIBLE
I LOVE CONTINUING MY EDUCATION ON HEALTH AND WELLNESS, ESPECIALLY THROUGH A HOLISTIC APPROACH AND LEARNING ABOUT THE DIFFERENT MODALITIES OF HEALTH
I LOVE THE OUTDOORS AND NATURE, ESPECIALLY THE BEACH
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ARE YOU READY TO LET GO OF POST-CANCER CONFUSION?
Start a NEW chapter with confidence!
Together, we’ll identify the things that are holding you back and create doable steps to keep you steadily moving forward.
You will begin to make wiser choices day to day – unafraid that cancer will return and more in control of your health!