Ask the Experts – Health & Wellness

Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.

As a Loveland native, Northern Colorado has always been home. My calling to counseling began during high school, rooted in genuine curiosity about people and a desire to listen and encourage. Through my education and training, I’ve developed specialized experience in trauma-informed care, EMDR and couples and family therapy. I bring curiosity, compassion and clinical expertise to each session, creating a space where clients feel safe, understood and empowered to grow.

What’s the most rewarding part of your work?

Watching individuals, couples and families move from feeling stuck or disconnected to experiencing greater hope, confidence and connection. Being invited into someone’s journey of healing and growth is a privilege I don’t take lightly. We’re all human, and we’re all doing our best.

What’s a question you get asked all the time, and how do you answer it?

I’m often asked in couples counseling, “Are you going to take my spouse’s side?” My answer is simple: I don’t take sides; I support the relationship. I help couples feel heard, understand what’s beneath the conflict, take healthy responsibility and shift from “you versus me” to “us versus the problem.”

What’s one small, realistic step readers could take toward better health this year?

It takes just one step to start. Make the call, send the message or lean into your community. Choose one place where you can be known and connected, whether that’s your neighborhood, a team, your faith community or a counselor. We are wired for connection and were not meant to do life alone.

What sets your approach or practice apart?

I believe meaningful change begins with understanding—not just what is happening, but why. I help people better understand themselves, their experiences and their relationships. I strive to create a safe space where people can heal, connect, grow and make lasting changes that improve how they live and relate to others.

Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.

I am originally from upstate New York. At 18, I participated in a Rotary exchange program in Ecuador, where I experienced a dental emergency. The exceptional care and compassion I received from the local dentists during that difficult time inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry and help others feel healthy, confident and comfortable with their smiles.

My husband and I moved to Colorado in 2014 to complete my dental residency, and we are now proud parents of three children. As the owner of Shores Family Dentistry, I am passionate about building lasting relationships with patients while providing compassionate, high-quality care.

What’s something people are often surprised to learn about your field?

Oral health is closely connected to overall health. Dentists are often the first healthcare providers to notice signs of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and sleep apnea. That’s why routine dental visits are about much more than checking for cavities. They are an opportunity to support a patient’s long-term health and well-being while helping them feel confident in their smile.

What’s a question you get asked all the time, and how do you answer it?

“Do I really need X-rays?” Yes. X-rays allow us to see below the gumline and between the teeth, helping us catch problems we can’t see during an exam. Modern digital X-rays use very little radiation, making them a safe and valuable part of responsible dental care.

What sets your approach or practice apart?

Our judgment-free approach. We understand coming to the dentist can feel intimidating, especially if it’s been a while. We’re not here to lecture or make you feel bad; we’re happy you’re here. Wherever you are in your dental journey, our goal is to meet you there and help you move forward.

Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.

I grew up in Nebraska, but I always knew I wanted to live in Colorado. Once I completed all of my medical education and plastic surgery training, I was fortunate to be able to start my own business here. I love the Colorado lifestyle and staying active outdoors. I also really enjoy cooking, especially when I can incorporate something from my garden or eggs from my chickens.

What’s something people are often surprised to learn about your field?

Plastic surgery consists of broad, complex training that covers everything from your head to your toes. After years of training, plastic surgeons generally focus on specific areas of practice they excel in. My focus is cosmetic surgery for facial and body aesthetics.

What’s a question you get asked all the time, and how do you answer it?

“How difficult is the recovery from this surgery?” Overall, the procedures I perform are well tolerated. However, it is still surgery. We ask patients to follow our recommendations and allow us to support them in their post-op journey through recovery.

What’s one thing you wish every patient/client knew before their first visit?

A patient may feel like they are the only one who struggles with their body aesthetics. They are not. From injectables to dramatic, total-body aesthetic changes, we are here to support them.

What sets your approach or practice apart?

Our office is dedicated to maintaining a strong, positive culture. Our staff is more like family, and we feel proud of the care we provide for our patients. We understand this field can feel intimidating, and it is our privilege to assist patients in achieving their aesthetic improvement desires.

Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.

I’ve spent over a decade in the fitness industry, from gym leadership and operations to bodybuilding and coaching. Fitness has shaped much of my life, but my passion has always been helping others discover their own strength, confidence and capabilities. Today, I’m focused on making fitness approachable, sustainable and empowering.

What sets your approach or practice apart?

We spend a lot of time keeping our clients consistent and accountable. People are pretty good at working out once they’re in the gym. Where most people struggle is staying consistent. One of my titles here is the Chief Consistency Officer; I will make sure you get great workouts week after week.

Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.

After navigating my own autoimmune diagnosis and experiencing the limitations of conventional medical care, I became deeply committed to redefining how chronic and complex health concerns are addressed. My personal health journey, combined with my own transition through perimenopause, sparked an interest in hormone optimization, metabolic health and longevity medicine, leading me to explore more advanced, integrative approaches to care.

What’s something people are often surprised to learn about your field?

How much biomarker testing can reveal about their disease risk by uncovering warning signs that traditional medicine may miss. Knowledge is power, and understanding your baseline is the first step toward truly optimizing your health. Many are also surprised to discover how hormone replacement therapy can optimize energy, mood, metabolism and overall health, making it a powerful tool for longevity.