Born in Barbados, I am from a family that lives very close to the land, believes in nurturing healthy relationships, and promoting healing by natural means where possible. I recall from my childhood being given a tea and some kind of bitters as a part of my course of care towards regaining sound health whenever ill. Herbs, fruits, and vegetables that were grown around the home were all used to achieve and maintain good health. At an early age I learned that the kitchen, what was grown around my home , and nature,  generally were the first contributors to my first medicine cabinet and more than the actual medicine I was given, the intention and attention put into making it and delivering it to me was instrumental in its healing nature.  Daily life was filled with routines that together were focused on the wellbeing of the whole person.  These included accompanying my father to the sea each morning – trips that were always touched with his  instruction on  different aspects of the ocean and/or the clouds,  drinking a special elixir my mother required me to drink (even if I preferred to forgo breakfast),  and the much cherished occasions of sitting on my grandfathers lap, sharing his tea, being allowed to ask questions to my heart’s content, and listening  respectfully and attentively to his answers and instructions of how to care for myself and others. From this tender age I learned that good health was attained through an active daily process of habits and relationships – like treading water to keep oneself afloat.  Among my fondest childhood memories are creating little packets of herbs from my grandmother’s garden and pretending to sell them to my cousins or neighbors; instructing my family to eat fruit and drink water instead of the taking watered down “juice” alternatives; traveling after school with my aunt to individual homes, observing, and later assisting as she performed physical medicine for those who could not make it to the hospital. These are some of my memories that lay the foundation for my path to a career in medicine.

When I immigrated and settled in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A, I learned the unpleasant consequences of eating incorrect foods and that survival can be more a mental fight than a physical one.  I physically felt ill, yet I knew I would be better from the time my Uncle Charlie arrived from Barbados to spend time and have conversations with me as I struggled to comprehend my new country. I recall the physical healing I experienced from the joy I felt through my participation in the preparation and eventual distribution of sacked lunches to feed the homeless. I partnered with friends who were also international transplants to share our respective cultures and stories, and was active in faith youth groups. I read a phrase during that time of my life that has remained with me. “ In all things seek the positive and soon no search will be required,” author unknown.  I realized that a most potent cure was available to me by getting outside of myself through service, community outreach, and remembering the saying – “ A burden shared is half as light.”

When it was time for me to apply for college, I looked at various school catalogs and highlighted all the courses that were of interest to me- nutrition, poverty, health care, human genetics, and psychology. Then I looked to see if my interest could be placed into a major. The only school I knew that allowed me to put together my interest  and develop my major was Cornell University. I prayed, applied for early admission, and thankfully, was accepted to study and design my major of Biology and Society.  While at Cornell, I worked as part of a research team studying the effects of poverty and stress.  Through a study abroad program and volunteering with Medicin du Monde, I grasped the opportunity to see doctors use their position to advocate for patient needs such as access to housing and improved water quality. It stood out to me that these doctors invested themselves in looking for and addressing the underlying cause of illness in their patients.  Following my return to the Cornell Campus, I was trained in counseling. This was my entry into women’s health, sexual health, and various other topics of health promotion. I was trained to do peer to peer counseling as well as group facilitation.  Grateful for the opportunities afforded to me, I frequently sought feedback on what others saw in me, and showed measured empathy with the many and  varied health issues shared with me in confidence.  I was truly struck by the depth of my conversations which in turn motivated me to learn the most appropriate and efficient ways to alleviate or assist in addressing the identified need.

In my search to create another health program that truly promoted healing, I stumbled upon and was captivated by the book, “A Path to Healing” by Dr. Andrea Sullivan.  What I read resonated deeply with me. I was determined to study wherever this doctor studied. I turned to the front of her book and noted that it listed Bastyr University. I had never heard of either Naturopathic Medicine or Bastyr University. However, from my  childhood, work, and volunteer experiences,  I knew the kind of doctor I wanted to be,  and upon reading this book – which I finished in one sitting  - I called my mom (at 2 am!) and declared I was going to be a Naturopathic Doctor. I was accepted at Bastyr University where I completed my Naturopathic Studies, and because of my interest in women’s health, I specilaized in Naturopathic Midwifery.

While pursuing my midwifery studies at Bastyr, I was fortunate to become a mother twice. Both pregnancies and births were instrumental in my decision to forgo completing my qualifications as a licensed midwife and pursue Nurse Midwifery. My daughter, Aliyah- Rosabelle, was a stillbirth at 34 weeks gestation.  It was this birth that unmasked  many disparities in birth outcomes – including the political land-mine around birth in the United States – and affirmed my calling to be a midwife. I saw the strength of my midwife who labored with me knowing what I was going to deliver. My vigilance and sensitivity around birth grew in ways books cannot teach. I learned from the team comprised of one naturopathic midwife, a nurse midwife, and a perinatologist who cared for me during the second pregnancy, the gift of collaboration and the intrinsic relevance of naturopathic midwifery in high risk pregnancies.  With their collaboration I became a mother a second time to a baby boy and gift to my soul, Nile. My personal birth stories, being a doula, and participating in births as a friend and as a student influenced my decision to pursue an education towards a qualification that would allow me to provide and/or participate in collaborative and continuous care of women and their families.  This personal commitment, coupled with personal cultural and global knowledge that most births are attended by midwives who are also frequently instrumental in running rural public health clinics, lead me to pursue my Nurse Midwifery studies at Seattle University in a program designed with the mission to serve disadvantaged populations both at home and internationally.

I  therefore desire to serve as  a primary care practitioner and midwife who is accessible to all; a person who creates an honest and friendly-spirited partnership with each patient while providing quality health care, supporting her/his journey toward self-realization, empowerment, transformation and wellness. I chose to pursue degrees in Naturopathic Medicine and as an Advanced Practice Nurse in Nurse Midwifery because of my desire to serve, listen, teach, and coach women and families to reach their highest health goals and obtain appropriate tools to make informed choices for their own health and the future well being of their respective families and communities. I desired to be part of a practice that acknowledges the importance of how we enter this world, shares the desire to promote an entry that is safe, held sacred, and ultimately respectful of and empowering to women and their families.  I aspire to attend families,  guardianship the growth of pediatric clients, and assist women, men and families in their course of health through their adult lives. I hope to draw on and further my experience with a range of patient issues, including but not limited to, poverty, minority health, international health, refugee/immigrant health, alcohol and drug addiction, care of the elderly, homeless and transitional populations, particularly when coupled with women’s, maternal, and child health.

At Hirsch Holistic Family Medicine, I strive to practice and grow in the art of  Family Medicine in service through community  as a member of a team dedicated to the promotion of optimal patient and family well-being with attention to the totality of what makes up health.  I express sincere thanks and gratitude for the opportunity to serve and learn through relationships.