Like many other parents of children with food allergies, my world was turned upside down when my one year old son (now almost seven) was diagnosed with life threatening food allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, and shellfish.  I was overwhelmed.  Suddenly playgrounds, schools, birthday parties, restaurants, and even my own home were not safe. 

Clearly, the Epi-Pen given to us at the doctor’s office was not the only tool needed to keep my son safe.  I became an expert on navigating life with food allergies, and grew passionate about educating and raising awareness around this growing epidemic. 

I went through my cabinets, read every label, and was shocked at how many ingredients I couldn’t pronounce or had never heard of.   “You are what you eat” never rang truer.   I became interested in the connection between food and health and well-being.  I enrolled at, and became certified by, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City and committed to my family eating cleaner.

Prior to starting The Allergy Nut, I spent over 20 years creating innovative marketing programs.   I caught the entrepreneurial and healthier living bug when I joined Method Products, Inc. as their fourth employee.  Since then I have applied my skills to other brands offering healthier options including Lifefactory, Yes To Carrots, Own Products, and Beautycounter.  Previous companies have also included Vogue Magazine, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. and Nordstrom. 

I am a member of Stanford Food Allergy/Sensitivity Community Council and the Los Angeles based Take a Bite Out of Food Allergies.