About Desiree
From Isolation to Empowerment: A Journey Through Autoimmunity to Advocacy
Have you ever felt invisible, exhausted, or misunderstood because of an autoimmune condition?
Whether you're facing chronic fatigue, brain fog, or relentless pain—at work, in relationships, or in everyday life—I understand. Because I've lived it.
My Story: A Personal Fight for Answers and a Path to Healing
For years, I battled unexplained symptoms—starting with endometriosis and a cycle of invasive treatments that offered no lasting relief. Seeking better answers, I turned to whole foods, which helped, but lingering fatigue, brain fog, and depression signaled something deeper.
A diagnosis of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis brought clarity, followed by others: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Sjögren's Disease, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome triggered by mold exposure. Each added new layers of complexity.
Traditional care often overlooked how these conditions overlap. Suggestions like "just rest" or "do yoga" felt out of touch when even simple tasks were exhausting. I knew there had to be a more compassionate, effective path forward.
Discovering Functional Medicine and My Purpose
This turning point led me to study Functional Medicine and become a Certified Functional Health Coach, where I found a model that actually listens to patient stories, explores root causes, and values the connection between mind, body, and lifestyle.
I later pursued certification in the Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) Protocol, first for my own healing—and then to support others on their paths to wellness. I also became deeply invested in mindset work, neuroscience, and patient advocacy—tools that help individuals shift from surviving to thriving.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
My health journey became my calling. I launched the "Stronger Than Autoimmune" podcast, created coaching programs, and began speaking out to help others avoid the same years of confusion, dismissal, and delay in care.
I now work with both individuals and organizations to transform how autoimmune disease is understood and supported—from daily life to the workplace.
My Mission
Whether you're a patient navigating a new diagnosis, or a workplace leader trying to better support your team—you don't have to figure it out alone.
I'm here to:
✅ Equip individuals with sustainable, personalized strategies for energy, clarity, and resilience.
✅ Empower workplaces to create inclusive, high-performing environments where those with chronic conditions are supported—not sidelined.
✅ Bridge the gap between lived experience and systemic change through advocacy, education, and policy impact.
How I Can Help
For Individuals:
- 1:1 Autoimmune Health Coaching
- Patient Health Narrative Workshops
- Functional Wellness & Mindset Programs
For Organizations:
- Corporate Wellness Consulting
- Autoimmune Awareness Training
- Manager Education on Invisible Illness
- Speaking & Advocacy Engagements
You Are Not Alone
Autoimmune conditions can be isolating—but they don't have to define you. My work exists to remind people that healing is possible, and support is essential—at home, at work, and everywhere in between.
Let's co-create a path forward that honors your story and leads to lasting impact.
