My Journey

My Story & Mission

“Fresh, whole, local and sustainable foods are truly a gift of love from our abundant earth. My fondest childhood memories are around holidays, with big Italian family feasts overflowing with fresh, whole-food, mediterranean style dishes that were generously seasoned with love, laughter and community.

“In my early 20’s a dermatologist treated me for almost a year with low dose antibiotics for minor acne. Doctors were unaware in those days of the impact of long term antibiotic use. I started experiencing terrible digestive issues, which escalated after traveling in Mexico. I had picked up a bad case of resistant parasites. My prescribed Flagyl caused such acute, gastric distress after eating a few cherries, that I rushed to the ER. The wait was so long in my NYC ER that after my symptoms became manageable, I decided to call a holistic MD that a friend recommended to me.

“My holistic MD sent me for tests that showed I had Candida albicans and IBS as well as parasites. Long term use of antibiotics had left me with no healthy flora, leaving me vulnerable to parasites and C. albicans. Apparently, my GI system was too weak to handle the side effects of Flagyl. I experienced no distressing effects from the prescribed natural protocols or strict Candida Diet. It took time and commitment to kill off the yeasts, parasites and to restore my gut flora, but I eventually regained my health and vitality. That experience instilled in me a strong belief in complimentary medicine and the power of food and herbs for healing.

“I believe that good food is key to a happy, healthy and vibrant life. We eat to survive, but also to nourish our body, mind and spirit. Food can be powerful medicine. The food we choose to eat has the power to heal or to harm, not just us, but our entire ecosystem. You don’t have to choose between your health and your happiness. Explore the symphony of flavor, texture and taste only found in ‘real food,’ sourced straight from nature to you.”

~Donna

Education

After completing a Bachelors of Arts at SUNY Binghamton, followed by a 30-year career in yoga, massage and the healing arts, Donna expanded into the culinary arts. She mastered her culinary skills at Le Cordon Bleu, then completed her studies in science-based holistic nutrition and lifestyle at Bauman College. Her passion is to promote and share her love of exquisitely prepared, fresh, organic whole foods and healthy lifestyle. She has a strong culinary foundation with eight years of diverse experience in restaurants, catering and private chef work, including a nutrient-dense production kitchen. With a firm culinary foundation, IIN coaching skills and science-based nutrition knowledge, she is the perfect guide to help you navigate through the array of conflicting information about what to eat. She will educate and coach you on your journey to explore which changes in diet and lifestyle can increase your wellness and vitality.