ROOTS OF RESILIENCE
I was born and raised in Arlington, Texas, the daughter of parents who immigrated from the West Bank. As a first-generation American, my upbringing was a blend of two worlds. It was filled with the rich traditions of my heritage but also the immense challenges of navigating life in a new country. My parents worked tirelessly, instilling in me a deep sense of gratitude, resilience, and the value of education. Yet, growing up, I felt the weight of societal expectations and cultural barriers, which often left me feeling out of place.
Unlike many of my peers, sports were not part of my childhood. It wasn’t until much later in life, at the age of 34, that I discovered my athleticism and the incredible strength I had always carried within me. This realization marked a turning point, showing me that it’s never too late to rewrite your narrative.
a shattering loss
At just fifteen, my world fell apart. My mother, only 33 years old, was diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer. Watching her endure the pain of her illness was excruciating—not just for her, but for all of us. Her passing left an indelible void in my life. It was a loss that would shape my path, igniting a deep desire to heal others and prevent families from enduring similar heartache.
I stepped into adulthood determined to make a difference in the lives of others and became a nurse practitioner.
The turning point
Years after my mother’s passing, I chose a profession centered around root-cause medicine—a path driven by my deep desire to understand *why* My mom had such a traumatic diagnosis at such a young age. This question became a driving force in my life and career, shaping my commitment to uncover the hidden factors that impact health.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I came across functional medicine within the context of sports and performance. It was a moment of clarity—I realized there was a significant gap in the way health was approached, particularly for athletes and high performers. Traditional medicine often overlooked the deeper issues that affect recovery, energy, and overall well-being.
This revelation transformed my focus and purpose. I saw an opportunity to merge my passion for root-cause medicine with performance optimization, creating an approach that truly addressed the whole person—mind, body, and function. It was the system I wished had been there for my mom, and now, it became the system I would build for others.
ELEVATE PERFORMANCE MEDICINE
Today, my practice is more than a career—it’s a mission born from my journey of resilience, healing, and transformation. I have made it my life’s work to empower others to heal, thrive, and take charge of their well-being. My approach reflects the care I wished my mother had received. It’s deeply personal, holistic, and rooted in the belief that healing goes beyond medical charts—it’s about addressing the mind, body, and spirit. I am proof that even against the odds, transformation is possible.
