About

My Background

I’ve been in practice since 2010. I have exclusively practiced Functional Medicine in its truest and fullest form. I became an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP) in 2017, and I finished my Masters degree (MS) in Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine from the University of Western States in Portland, Oregon in 2020. I was also twice-featured on WOAI’s historic Wellness Matters show, and I’ve written several articles for Natural Awakenings magazine over the years.

I practiced in a clinic with my husband, Dr. Jay Sweeney, DC up until his sudden and unexpected passing in February 2022. I’ve since continued on, creating a virtual Functional Medicine and in-home Massage Therapy practice.

My Story

I know firsthand, what it feels like to be a slave to modern medicine. I was diagnosed with depression as a teen. They informed me that I had a brain chemical imbalance, and I was written a prescription for antidepressants. I took them for more than a decade, hating every minute of having to rely on a mind-altering drug just to feel normal. Several years later, the antidepressants had become less effective. To make matters worse, I gained 25-30% more body weight and became pre-diabetic, and I was never able to resolve the acne that had plagued me since I was a teen.

A few years after that, I suddenly craved salmon. No matter what, I couldn’t get enough of it. I ate it every night for six weeks before I found myself reading a book that discussed how salmon and other nutrients and supplements could give my body what it needed to balance my brain chemicals. My first thought was, “you mean I can eat these things and maybe not need to rely on prescription drugs?”; my second thought was, “I’ve got to share this with the world!” Eagerly and carefully, I acted as my own physician and used nutrition instead of pharmaceuticals to correct my body’s physiology.

It worked! Today, I am completely prescription-free and have been since 2002. The only downside is, I had to chart this unknown territory on my own. I could never find a doctor who knew enough about body physiology to help me back then. This motivated me to practice Functional Medicine to help others with some of these same chronic problems…to let people know they have options, and that they’re not alone!

I’ve helped people suffering from depression, thyroid problems, anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, high blood pressure, mental fog, chronic fatigue, eczema, psoriasis, and more! I’ve done my best to become the doctor I had always needed, but could never find: respectful, open-minded, compassionate, competent, and knowledgeable. Someone who would actually take TIME with patients, treat them as individuals, listen to their concerns, and offer a variety of treatment avenues.

You’re worth more than a 3-minute visit and a pill!