Food as Medicine
I was born and raised in Italy, in the beautiful city of Vicenza at the foot of the Alps. As you may know, in Italy—and much of Europe—eating well and staying active is simply part of our culture. While our cuisine varies from region to region, at its heart, Italian food is rooted in simplicity, fresh ingredients, and the vibrant flavors of herbs and spices.
Beyond that, my fascination with holistic healing began in childhood. My mother often took me along to her therapy sessions, where she was treated with unconventional practices like homeopathy, acupuncture, and iridology. Those early experiences planted a seed in me. As I grew older, my travels through Southeast Asia deepened my appreciation for alternative approaches to well-being—meditation, deep breathing, and the profound interconnectedness of all things.
Like most Italians, I was raised Catholic. But over time, my spirituality evolved from believing in a single higher power to feeling connected to a vast universal energy that links us all. I believe things happen for a reason and that we each have a purpose, though life’s challenges can sometimes disconnect us from ourselves and our true path.
My formal education in healthcare began in 2015 when I earned my Pharmacy degree from Università degli Studi di Ferrara in Italy. Later, in 2021, I became licensed in the U.S. as well. In 2019, I expanded my expertise by earning a certification in Functional Nutrition through the Functional Nutrition Alliance, founded by the world-renowned Andrea Nakayama.
Because each of us is unique—our backgrounds, genetics, and needs differ—my goal is to create personalized nutrition plans that support your body’s specific requirements and help you feel your best.
My Emotional Background
I was born out of grief.
Before I came into this world, my mother suffered an unimaginable loss—her second child, my sister, died in a tragic accident at just three years old. To this day, my mother carries the weight of that pain, often blaming herself. She has admitted that the only thing that kept her going was the fact that she was pregnant with my older sister. A few years later, hoping to bring her lost daughter back, she conceived again.
But instead, I was born.
Grief, combined with her strict Catholic upbringing in post-war Germany, shaped my mother in ways that made it difficult for her to give or receive love. As a child, I tried everything to please her—to make her laugh, to lift her spirit. But no matter how hard I tried, I always felt like I was falling short. I couldn’t understand why she seemed so distant, so easily angered, and so hard to please.
If you’ve ever watched the show Sharp Objects, there’s a line that resonates deeply with me: “You can't compete with a dead child.” It’s true. The child who came before me, the one I was meant to replace, would always be more perfect, more pure, than I could ever be.
Over the years, the joyful, funny child I once was slowly faded into a shy, quiet, and melancholic girl with little self-esteem and even less trust in others—especially men. My happiest moments were spent in my own imaginary world.
Even now, I sometimes struggle to voice my needs and desires, fearing I might upset or disappoint those around me. But through therapy and self-work, I’ve developed tools that help me navigate life with more confidence. Some days are easier than others. There are moments when I still feel fragile and want to retreat from the world. But I’ve learned—and I help others learn—that emotional healing isn’t about reaching a finish line where everything is suddenly "fixed." It’s an ongoing journey, full of ups and downs.
That’s why I see myself as a guide, a friend, and a compassionate listener. I’m here to help others reconnect with themselves, to find balance, and to move forward with kindness and patience—both for themselves and their journey.
The Joy In Movement
Sports have always been a part of my life. There has never been a time when I wasn’t practicing some form of physical activity. Sure, I have my lazy days, and my consistency fluctuates, but I always return to movement—because when I’m active, I’m happier. My body feels stronger, my mind clearer, and my heart healthier.
From the age of six to twenty-one, I competed in Alpine skiing. At times, I felt I had little say in the matter, and I didn’t always enjoy the sacrifices and pressure that came with competing at a high level. But those years shaped me, forging resilience and discipline that I carry with me to this day. Alongside skiing, I also competed in tennis, but eventually, I chose to prioritize skiing, moving to the Italian Alps to train for hours each day after school and compete every weekend.
My dream was to make it to the Italian National Team, the Ski World Cup, and even the Olympics. I had the talent, and I gave it my all, but life had other plans. Instead, I became a certified ski instructor—a highly selective process in Italy—and alongside my studies, I taught both children and adults in the Italian and French Alps.
My love for sports didn’t stop there. Over the years, I explored everything from boxing to CrossFit to soccer and ultimate frisbee. But it was in my late 20s and early 30s that I found my true passion: endurance sports—especially trail running. In 2021, I ran my first 50K ultramarathon. In 2022, I completed my first Ironman. And in 2023, I pushed my limits even further, finishing my first 50-miler.
Trail running, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. While 50K (31 miles) is my go-to distance, I’m always drawn to new challenges. Someday, I’d love to explore the 100K and even the 100-mile distances.
For me, running is more than just a sport—it’s a form of therapy. It helps me release negative emotions, reconnect with myself, and build the confidence to take on whatever life throws my way.
The Power of Art
Art therapy is a powerful tool for emotional healing and self-expression. It provides a safe way for people to release emotions that may be difficult to put into words. Engaging in creative activities like painting, drawing, or sculpting can also help reduce stress and promote relaxation, much like meditation.
Through the process of making art, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences, uncovering subconscious thoughts and emotions. It also fosters a sense of accomplishment, boosting confidence and self-esteem. The focused nature of artistic expression encourages mindfulness and mental clarity, helping individuals stay present in the moment.
For those who have experienced trauma, art therapy offers a non-verbal way to process difficult emotions and move toward healing.
What to Expect in a Session
Every person is unique—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to health. That’s why our sessions start with a deep conversation. I’ll ask plenty of questions to understand your background, your challenges, and what might be causing imbalance in your body. Together, we’ll explore how food can be used as medicine, creating a personalized meal plan that truly works for you.
But well-being isn’t just about what’s on your plate. Movement, mindset, and daily habits all play a role. While my expertise is in food, our sessions may also touch on exercise, mindful practices, and techniques I’ve discovered in my own journey—tools that can help you feel stronger, more balanced, and more in tune with yourself.
My goal is to guide you toward a lifestyle that supports your unique body and mind, in a way that feels natural and sustainable.
