Hello.
My name is Amber and I'm the author of this here fine blog called The Tasty Alternative.
Thanks for stopping by!
Now that we've been properly introduced,
let me tell you a little about myself.
In a nut shell...
I have Crohn's Disease, and therefore most of my blog is dedicated to diet, food, and holistic healing (related to Crohn's and other health issues). My son and husband suffer from eczema and so this is a frequent topic you'll see here including diet and homemade holistic remedies for this skin condition.
In more detail...
After being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 2004 I made a drastic lifestyle change in order to manage this disease and made a commitment to myself to heal from within by changing my diet, by taking herbs, vitamins, supplements, and striving for internal peace (concerted efforts toward decreasing stress). I have since become an alternative food junkie and find genuine happiness in providing healing, nourishing food to my family and friends. I have created a holistic approach to living which incorporates taking care of my mind/body, my family and the environment. When I'm not cooking you can find me playing with my awesome kids, working in the garden, or watching a comedy with my husband (or a Sci-Fi flick if he wins the coin toss). I have a propensity toward perfectionism but a flair for being a huge goofball- a nice balance in my opinion. I try not to take life too seriously and find great pleasure in being silly and having fun everyday...and laughing as much as possible!
I'm the proud mommy of two fantastic kiddos and loving wife to best friend and husband. I'm currently a stay-at-home mommy during the week, and on the weekends, I work as a clinical therapist at an inpatient mental health hospital (providing group therapy and assessments). I live in gorgeous Northern California with my family. I have a deep passion for alternative cooking, holistic healing, organization and the environment.
Health
In 2003, at the age of 26, I developed my first Pleural Flare, was misdiagnosis for months, and in 2004 diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. You can read more about my health and healing journey here. The Crohn's diagnosis left me with a weakened digestive system and compromised immune system; I also discovered along with my previous lactose intolerance, other food sensitivities to gluten, cane sugar and soy. I also suffer from characteristic lupus flares (isolated to the lungs and heart) along with the common "butterfly rash." In the face of disease, I began studying alternative healing, alternative eating and holistic living in order to manage my symptoms and to live a positive quality of life...and never looked back.
Professional Experience
I am so very proud and honored to work in the field of social services. I'm a L.C.S.W. (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and have worked in many different areas within the field, including child and family therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, transitional housing, drug and alcohol, and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders). I began working in the field of social services in 1999. In 2001 I became a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) and specialized in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In 2003 I graduated with my Masters degree in Social Work and began my journey as a psychotherapist. Becoming a L.C.S.W. is a dream come true for me and I'm continually inspired by the individuals and families I've had the great pleasure of working with.
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Professional Experience
