I began my first semester here at ACHS in May of 2008. Due to job-related commitments as a full time Lieutenant/Paramedic for a suburban fire department, I was only able to take one class at a time. Thus, the 4 year time frame it has taken me to reach my goal. I am currently enrolled in the Holistic Health Practitioner Diploma program and will be starting my last class (Nat 306) in Fall Semester 2012 to complete the required curriculum. In addition to the core courses, my training has prepared me with baseline knowledge in holistic nutrition, aromatherapy, and flower essences. Once I finish my diploma program, I intend to start my own holistic wellness education and consulting practice.

To apply the principles of my training, I mostly use myself as the human experiment in order to figure out which of the holistic wellness protocols work best on minor complaints such as sore muscles, constipation, and insomnia. Following hernia surgery last year, I developed my own personal pain protocol (aromatherapy, herbal supplements, and nutrition) and successfully avoided the use of synthetic narcotic drugs. I do offer holistic strategies to family and friends, but am going to wait until I complete Nat 306 to ensure that I comply with the best business practices of the holistic community. I recently volunteered with the Green Earth Institute (a Community Supported Agriculture organization) located in Naperville, Illinois where I will be a contributing columnist to the ” What’s Cooking?” section of the weekly CSA newsletter that is distributed to its shareholders.