Here Is My Story
I always had health issues as a young child: asthma, allergies, and irritable bowel syndrome. By the time I was 30, I was labeled with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. At the time I was working as a Dietitian and had my own private practice. By the time I was 35 I was so ill and in so much acute/chronic pain I stopped working.
As the years went on I got sicker and more physically limited. I became homebound for over 10 years. It was not until I was 50 (2015) that I discovered I had undiagnosed chronic Lyme Disease. I treated with herbs, herxed and got much better. But I was still had a long list of challenges. And in March 2020 my Lyme disease resurfaced. The same month I was diagnosed with Grave’s Disease and active Epstein Barr Virus.
I was too ill to do what I loved, to work as a health coach or to be able to participate in activities in my community. My diet was down to 10 foods I could tolerate. I was diagnosed with a long list of other issues: SIBO, Osteoporosis, Ligament Laxity, Bartonella, etc. My walking and standing were extremely limited. I had chronic neuropathy in my legs and terrible brain fog and a long list of other symptoms. I was at the chiropractor 3x/week for 8 years due to ligament laxity. I was spending a lot of money on treatments and supplements, chasing symptoms without seeing major improvements.
I was eating organic but not getting better. Then I learned I had been exposed to mold since my childhood. In reality I had a toxicity issue. Not a Lyme issue. I went to a CIRS trained practitioner who put me on binders for CIRS but after 4 months of treatment absolutely nothing had improved in my health.
I was then introduced to regenerative nutrition and detoxification principles. I incorporated them into my life. Within the first week, I was able to start adding new foods into my diet. I quickly started seeing improvements. By 3 months my brain fog had lifted, my walking was improving and I no longer had ligament laxity and no longer needed to go to the chiropractor.
Today, I have my health back! My Lyme and associated conditions have been put to rest. I am able to go on long hikes, cook, clean and do the things I enjoy.
It has been a huge blessing to see how God has used my struggles, pain and journey to help others.
Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
I have personally walked thru restoring my health after 26 years of chronic illness and severe disability. I am proof that when your body is given the right nourishment and tools you can restore your health.
It has been my personal journey that has taught me more than my education alone ever could have. I have learned the importance of nourishing the body at a cellular level, opening detox pathways, supporting the organs of detoxification and gently detoxifying the body.
I use regenerative nutrition and detoxification principles along with my knowledge as a functional health coach to guide you on your health journey.
I am passionate and excited about giving you hope, resources, encouragement and guidance on your journey to help you restore your health. I look forward to hearing more of your story.
Credentials:
BS in Nutrition, Pennsylvania State University, 1987
Registered Dietitian, 1989-2005
Certified Diabetic Educator, 2000-2005
Certified Insulin Pump Trainer 2000-2003
Institute for Functional Health Coaching, 2019 https://instituteforfunctionalhealthcoaching.com/
Board Certified Functional Health Coach (AANWC) https://aanwc.com/
I would love to work with you If:
You’re serious about your health and committed and open to making lifestyle changes
You know you are capable of healing but you feel frustrated and overwhelmed to figure it out on your own
You have time, energy, and resources to commit to addressing the root causes of your health issues
You are open to a holistic approach to restoring your health and willing to think outside the box
Have Questions?
Schedule a FREE 20-minute call see if we are a good fit
What My Happy Clients are Saying...
"After struggling for thirty years with chronic health issues, I received a consult from Heather. She was wonderful! She surmised that I was suffering from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), and bloodwork confirmed it.
Heather has been with us every step of the way to encourage, guide, and give us great resources and advice to help us regain our health. Our doctor has been astounded at how much our health is improving, as she is regularly testing our blood and seeing it the results improve at each visit."
"After struggling for thirty years with chronic health issues, I received a consult from Heather. She was wonderful! She surmised that I was suffering from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), and bloodwork confirmed it.
Heather has been with us every step of the way to encourage, guide, and give us great resources and advice to help us regain our health. Our doctor has been astounded at how much our health is improving, as she is regularly testing our blood and seeing it the results improve at each visit."
~Jacqui C.
"I approached Heather with my coaching needs because she had restored her health form chronic Lyme Disease and Bartonella which I too was struggling with. She was living proof that I too could overcome it and be on my way to rejuvenated health.
I thought I knew a lot about my illness and how nutrition played a major role in fighting it, but Heather was able to articulate in a very simple way things that I was doing to slow my journey.
Heather has been able to provide me with the tools I need to take on my health challenges. She has helped me realizethat I can do the work to get my health back. She gently encourages me along the way, but still gives me room to grow and learn things on my own."
~Gina S.
"With Heather guiding me as my health coach I have experienced the following:
•I lost 70 lbs
•I have more energy
•I'm able to clean my kitchen floor
•I rebounded from Polynephritis (kidney infection)
•My HbgA1c, Triglycerides and Cholesterol all came down
•I have been able to decrease several of my prescription medications and came of one medication for my heart
•My blood pressure has come down
I am forever grateful for her, her belief in me, and encouragement to persevere."
"With Heather guiding me as my health coach I have experienced the following:
•I lost 70 lbs
•I have more energy
•I'm able to clean my kitchen floor
•I rebounded from Polynephritis (kidney infection)
•My HbgA1c, Triglycerides and Cholesterol all came down
•I have been able to decrease several of my prescription medications and came of one medication for my heart
•My blood pressure has come down
I am forever grateful for her, her belief in me, and encouragement to persevere."
~Debra R.
"I met Heather during the darkest time in my life: I was completely bedridden due to upper cervical instability. I made contact with her when I was looking for answers to my elevated inflammatory markers.
When Heather suggested mold I couldn't believe it, as our house was newly renovated and in very good condition. Our home was contributing to my families health issues. She helped me navigate this very confusing journey and helped me to detox. She was supportive through thick and thin.
Her guidance worked and I am feeling so much better along with our kids Heather was supportive every step of the way, extremely knowledgeable and caring. Thank you Heather, it was and it continues to be a pleasure to work with you!"
~Petra M.
“Heather Sunderland is the real deal. Heather "talks the talk" because she has "walked the walk".
She first hand understands lyme and mold as she too has been affected by these severely debilitating illnesses. In addition to her vast knowlege, Heather is kind and compassionate. She will be your number one cheerleader on your road to recovery. Thank you Heather for all your support.”
“Heather Sunderland is the real deal. Heather "talks the talk" because she has "walked the walk".
She first hand understands lyme and mold as she too has been affected by these severely debilitating illnesses. In addition to her vast knowlege, Heather is kind and compassionate. She will be your number one cheerleader on your road to recovery. Thank you Heather for all your support.”
~Lorraine L.
“Heather has helped give me direction and clarity to steps on my healing journey. Heather is the most caring and non-threatening health coach I have ever had. I love her no pressure approach.
She is very knowledgeable and will give direction, but will leave it in your hands to do as feels right/good. I also love that she is a dedicated Christian. I don’t feel like Heather is out to get my money, but is honest and truly wants to help people heal and has compassion for the hurting!
I would highly recommend Heather to anyone, whether you are local to her, or remote. She will do an amazing job of gentle, caring coaching!”
~Carmen B.
“ I have been sick for years and none of my doctors were able to diagnose what was wrong with me. While working with Heather we discovered I was previously exposed to mold and was currently living in toxic mold.
Heather is very helpful, friendly, caring, knowledgeable, professional, encouraging, supportive, empowering and generous with her time. I can not say enough good things about Heather. I would highly recommend her. “
“ I have been sick for years and none of my doctors were able to diagnose what was wrong with me. While working with Heather we discovered I was previously exposed to mold and was currently living in toxic mold.
Heather is very helpful, friendly, caring, knowledgeable, professional, encouraging, supportive, empowering and generous with her time. I can not say enough good things about Heather. I would highly recommend her. “
~Sona K.
When we met Heather, my family had already spent 7 years detoxing from mold. Detox after detox and doctor after doctor, we were weary with little results and hopeless with no quality of life. Heather changed all of that!“
Her style of coaching revealed her genuine, caring heart. She was consistently non-judgmental and empathetic with every encounter. She made us feel comfortable and created a safe place for us to be vulnerable. We shared all of our struggles with her daily and she was always available, positive, knowledgeable, and had a quick response time. Heather’s professional guidance included obtainable, result-oriented steps towards healing. Her personal touch made it easy to lean in and trust her wholeheartedly. We never felt alone or like we were a bother or “crazy” like many health professionals made us feel in the past. In fact, we were never disappointed with Heather’s coaching. The more results we experienced, the more we trusted her wise insight and faithful instructions.
Heather’s priceless coaching coupled with our commitment to do all that she suggested brought the most healing to our lives. Some of the results we experienced since working with Heather are as follows:
Our brain fog lifted, concentration improved, we sleep a solid uninterrupted 8 hours a night, energy levels increased, inflammation decreased, we can tolerate going to moldy places with little to no symptoms and recover quickly.
The most eye-opening lesson that Heather taught us was that we had to focus on emptying our entire “toxic bucket” instead of only focusing on mold. And given the toxic world that we live in, we are now equipped to continue to care for our bodies all through life. Her coaching took us from despair to hopefulness and from isolation to community. We highly recommend Heather for anyone ready to heal, gain quality life, and strength and health. Her dedication will lead you on the path of reaching your health goals just like she graciously did for our family. You will be forever grateful for Heather as we are! “
~Jyll O.
I unknowingly moved into a moldy home and my body started to decline quickly.
Heather's approach is to feed the body at a cellular level and clean it up the internal terrain so it can innately heal. This was a completely different way of looking at restoring health compared to my naturopathic and functional doctor’s approaches which was to kill, kill and kill and I saw no relief after 20 years of illness.
When we first met, I was desperate and felt like I was dying. Her first request was to get out of the house, which I did. That is when the healing began. My nervous system could finally calm down.
This process is taking time, but I see progress. I have down days, but I have more good days than I have in a very long time. I see healing in a different way due to the regenerative approach.There is no doubt in my mind, that God has led Heather to me. I am grateful every day for her. we communicate very effectively and I have a very clear picture of what she’s asking me to do and I follow her advice. I am extremely grateful for Heather‘s personal journey, knowledge, listening and her compassion. She is also very accepting of my own choices and decisions in the healing process. She trusts that I’m making the right choices for myself. Also, learning to trust myself has been a big deal.
I have amazing gratitude for Heather!
~Melanie C.
I started working with Health Coaching by Heather in October 2023 because I was diagnosed with CIRS. I knew that I did not want to do the traditional CIRS appraoch with cholestyramine approach. It was totally God that led me to Heather through a mutual friend.
Consulting with Heather has been the best decision I have made to move the needle…before I felt very stuck. When I first began working with her, I was unable to tolerate any supplements or medications besides Claritin to calm mast cell/histamine reactions I was having quite frequently. We slowly began by opening my detox pathways that had not been working properly for years & that is when healing began.
I am now almost 1 year into my healing journey & still working with Heather. Though it has not been an easy journey, I have been able to increase what I can tolerate food wise, which has been a huge blessing. I still have quite a ways to go to complete healing, but Heather has been so supportive this past year. If I have any questions, she is always kind to offer her knowledge, resources, & personal experience of her own healing journey. If you are looking for a health coach who will support you on the journey with compassion & empathy, Heather is the functional health coach you want on your team!
I started working with Health Coaching by Heather in October 2023 because I was diagnosed with CIRS. I knew that I did not want to do the traditional CIRS appraoch with cholestyramine approach. It was totally God that led me to Heather through a mutual friend.
Consulting with Heather has been the best decision I have made to move the needle…before I felt very stuck. When I first began working with her, I was unable to tolerate any supplements or medications besides Claritin to calm mast cell/histamine reactions I was having quite frequently. We slowly began by opening my detox pathways that had not been working properly for years & that is when healing began.
I am now almost 1 year into my healing journey & still working with Heather. Though it has not been an easy journey, I have been able to increase what I can tolerate food wise, which has been a huge blessing. I still have quite a ways to go to complete healing, but Heather has been so supportive this past year. If I have any questions, she is always kind to offer her knowledge, resources, & personal experience of her own healing journey. If you are looking for a health coach who will support you on the journey with compassion & empathy, Heather is the functional health coach you want on your team!
