About

Married for over 20 years, an experienced PA in family medicine, a mother of four children with celiac disease - boy, do I have help for you! If you are looking for practical advice on how to adopt and survive a gluten free lifestyle, you have come to the right place. If you need tips on how to make this lifestyle work with your crazy family schedule - I've got you covered. If you don't know where to start in the grocery store or the kitchen - help is here! Help is what I do best - hence the creation of the Gluten Free Mentor.

I remember shortly after my kids were diagnosed in 2017, our family went to a graduation party of a close friend. There was not a single thing my kids could eat. It made my heart sink. On top of that, our school did not provide a gluten free meal plan, and our small-town grocery store had very limited gluten free options. I was overwhelmed thinking "how are we going to make this drastic lifestyle change?" I just wasn’t prepared for the work ahead of me. I am sure each one of you with celiac disease (or a loved one with celiac disease) can relate to these emotions.

Out of necessity, I have developed ways to simplify a difficult lifestyle. Our family is forever on the move and I have solutions for you and your gluten free loved ones. I understand your struggles - I really do. I'm here to share unique ideas and insights that you have not seen before. My understanding of this lifestyle is on a deeper level than most because of my medical background and my experience raising four kids with celiac disease. I want nothing more than to see my kids grow up strong and healthy. We have embraced this lifestyle and made it good! Rather than allowing this lifestyle to control what we do, we have customized it to meet our demands, and it works. It really does work for people on the go. I can't wait to share what we have learned together as a family.

As I reflect on the past three years, there are so many blessings in our story. One of the biggest is that this diagnosis has taught my children a sense of self-control and responsibility that most kids are not forced to learn. They have to be mindful and disciplined in their daily routine and eating habits. They have learned to enjoy fresh produce and healthy foods. It is no fun to be different from your friends, but they have matured a great deal through this and I am so proud of them for embracing it! They are my inspiration.

Blogging is something I NEVER imagined I would do. Just ask my kids and co-workers about my technological abilities! I could not do this without the help and support of my husband and my children. I love sharing ideas, developing new relationships, and learning new things. I value your support. Thank you for being my new GFF (gluten free friend)! Let the adventure begin!

P.S.
As you read my pages and posts, you will find that I refer to celiac disease rather than non-celiac gluten intolerance. My website is definitely intended for both groups. These problems are prevalent, and both are important!