My Story
My parents and I always planned on working together, but it wasn’t until Dr. Teff formally retired from daily chiropractic care in 2014 that I took over the functional nutrition part of his clinic. At Optimum Vitality, we offer a holistic approach, striving to pinpoint the underlying dysfunction at the root of the problem. A true blend of traditional therapies, Western science, and functional muscle testing to create a healing program that is as unique as the individual.
From the day I was born, I was exposed to “alternative” remedies & therapies. My dad is a chiropractor with a tenacious drive who has always valued fresh, homemade food in its purest form. My mother, who felt fulfilled when sharing her love with those she cared about, understood the value of balance in one’s life. The outcome was an utterly successful clinic and three thriving kids. I’m the youngest.
My last name is a grain, so it’s probably no surprise food and its ultimate healing power engulfed me as a teenager. I was surrounded by chiropractic care, healthy eating and the practice of visual imagery while growing up which certainly provided me a unique perspective on life. More importantly, however, it allowed me to excel in ways many didn’t think possible. With the help of therapeutic nutrition, chiropractic care, and mindfulness, I made the Junior National Rowing Team in high school and went on to earn an athletic scholarship to UCLA. While competing at UCLA, I was named All-American three consecutive years, named Most Valuable Oarswoman and broke the school 2k record my sophomore year. This all came at a cost! However, what I learned is that when one’s body is effectively supported; your body and mind can do anything!
Rowing is exhausting physically but even more so mentally. When I would hit “the wall” after 40 strokes but knew I had 200 more to go, I looked for another tool to add to my repertoire. This tool came in the form of yoga with a remarkable woman named Ally Hamilton. Yoga (and Ally) changed my life and allowed me to feel a greater sense of calm under pressure. She taught me that with the breath, it’s OK to sit with the pain or any other intense sensation one may be feeling. By breathing consciously, I was able to quiet my mind. By tuning in, I was accurately able to tune out. I’ve taken the benefits of my yoga experience and applied them to my own studio. I strive to give another healing modality while also bridging the gap between those seeking a large studio atmosphere and those afraid to enter an exercise facility. All combined, creating the most well-rounded clinic with a unique approach to everyone’s needs.
