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Breaking the Stigma: Autoimmune Disease Myths

Ah, autoimmune diseases! The realm where our bodies, in a plot twist worthy of a telenovela, decide to wage war on themselves. Why? Maybe our bodies are bored, perhaps they've been binge-watching too many battle movies, or [...]

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BrightlyThrive, The Autoimmunity Community™️, is an online network that integrates the latest autoimmune research, education, and expertise, bridging the gap between holistic healthcare and allopathic medicine. We empower our members to unlock their healing potential and live a fulfilling life by reimagining autoimmunity together!

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#THRIVETOGETHER

 

BrightlyThrive, The Autoimmunity Community™️, is an online network that integrates the latest autoimmune research, education, and expertise, bridging the gap between holistic healthcare and allopathic medicine. We empower our members to unlock their healing potential and live a fulfilling life by reimagining autoimmunity together!

BECOME A MEMBER

QUICK LINKS

 

#THRIVETOGETHER

 

© Copyright 2023 BrightlyThrive All Rights Reserved | Website Credits

Hi, I’m Desiree!

Hi, I’m Desiree! I’ve come to understand that health is the real wealth, because it fundamentally underpins every facet of life. Our wellness directly influences our physical, mental, and emotional states. My personal journey through health has been a challenging one; I am a quintuple Autoimmune Warrior, battling Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hashimoto Thyroiditis, Endometriosis, Sjogren’s, and Fibromyalgia. These conditions have not only tested my resilience but also complicated my diagnostic journey, propelling me towards becoming a certified functional health coach.

Now, I dedicate myself to partnering with individuals who have been diagnosed with autoimmune conditions. My goal is to help them become champions of their own lives by fostering habits that effectively manage fatigue, flares, and pain, thereby allowing them to savor life’s moments.

Beyond health coaching, I’ve ventured into the world of podcasting as the creator and host of the Stronger Than Autoimmune Podcast, where I engage with experts and fellow patients to shed light on autoimmune diseases. Additionally, I lead a local support group offering a haven for individuals struggling with autoimmune challenges. With an unwavering commitment to my community, I’ve also achieved an additional certification as an Autoimmune Paleo Coach, equipping me with specialized knowledge to serve my chronically ill clients better. My journey is one of advocacy, education, and empowerment—for myself and for others living with autoimmune diseases.

WAKE UP TIME: 7:30/8AM (Sleep is King/Queen) 😴

BREAKFAST: I usually fast so my breakfast is lunch.

NEMESIS: Gluten, Beans and Tomatoes

FAVORITE BEVERAGE: Chicory Coffee with Coconut milk, Adaptogens and Chocolate protein powder

WORKOUT: Weights Baby!!

ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: Plants, a book, and a night light for reading

UNIFORM: Depends on if I’m staying home or going out but usually a dress with fun shoes or boots or if I’m home workout gear.

LAST MEAL: Homemade burger with gluten Free bun and homemade sweet potatoes fries. (my favorite meal) 🍔

SUPPLEMENTS: What don’t I take! j/k Fish oil, Vit. D k2-k3, BrocElite, and Magnesium

MENTORS: My parents and Grandparents

THEME SONG: Stronger by Kayne West and Daft Punk

BEST ADVICE: Soup and sleep make a big difference and so does a little lipstick. – Grandma Yanes

MANTRA: I am strong in mind body and spirit.

SOULMATE: My husband, Anthony.

BEDTIME: 9:30PM and then I read for 30 minutes.

YESTERDAY: What did I do? Hmmm… Brain Fog 🤪

ZODIAC: Aquarius (I am now singing…It’s the Age of Aquarius song)

Desiree Werland

Dez-Frame of Mind Guide

Hey friend, I’m Bridget!

Hey friend, I’m Bridget, a Certified Integrative Health Practitioner (IHP) dedicated to empowering women with autoimmunity to regain control over their health. Through my coaching, I help create healthy, enjoyable, and authentic lifestyles that conquer autoimmune challenges.

My personal journey, living with Multiple Sclerosis for over 15 years, led me to become a certified practitioner. I’ve experienced the transformative power of holistic health firsthand.

Beyond my coaching role, I serve as a communications director in the medical research field, giving me unique insights into balancing a healthy lifestyle with life’s other demands.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me strolling San Francisco’s beautiful beaches with my husband and dog, indulging in the latest Netflix obsession, or watering my ever-growing collection of houseplants.

WAKE UP TIME: 6:30-7 a.m

BREAKFAST: Chia pudding with berries, almond butter, and gluten-free granola

NEMESIS: Bad vibes 😂

FAVORITE BEVERAGE: H2O with sea salt + lemon juice (nature’s gatorade), or an Olipop or iced latte when I feel like a treat!

WORKOUT: Pickleball, walking outdoors, and dance!

ONE YOUR NIGHTSTAND: My Kindle, water bottle, and journal

UNIFORM: Classic jeans and a tee with my comfy quilted jacket, fun baseball cap, gold jewelry, and comfy sneakers.

LAST MEAL: My last meal would be either really good Mexican food (like enchiladas) or pizza!

SUPPLEMENTS: I love a good multi-vitamin, Omega-3 Fish Oil, and Seed Synbiotic

MENTORS: Dr. Stephen Cabral (who trained me) and also inspired by doctors like Dr. Alisa Vitti and Dr. Russell Kennedy

THEME SONG: Best Life by Cardi B 🎧

BEST ADVICE: Base your goals on how you want to FEEL, not what others may think.
In this moment I am safe, loved, and resilient.

SOULMATE: My husband, Arthur!

BEDTIME: 9:30 pm (although I tend to be in bed earlier with a book)

Bridget Ballesteros

 Integrative Health Practitioner

Hi, I’m Christina!

I am a Registered Nurse and Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Practitioner who specializes in helping individuals with autoimmune disease to take control of their health using functional nutrition and lifestyle shifts in order to reconnect to their true selves not defined by chronic disease! I’ve been in the healthcare field for 12+ years and have been exclusively coaching clients for 8+ years and over this time have honed the skills, depth and expertise it takes to support you in truly finding your own unique path to health.

My work combines Functional Nutrition Coaching, guidance in unwinding limiting beliefs and patterns keeping you stuck, and breath and somatic exercises to ground and nurture your nervous system.

I know firsthand that the road to health can feel overwhelming and lonely at times, but I assure you no matter where you are at, there is a path to healing for all of us!

WAKE UP TIME: 7:00am

BREAKFAST: Seed sweeper (ask me for the recipe!)

NEMESIS: The gopher in my backyard!!!

FAVORITE BEVERAGE: Holy basil tea

WORKOUT: Strength training

ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: Chapstick, diffuser and my kindle

UNIFORM: Flowy pants, a big sweater and comfy socks

LAST MEAL: Chicken soup

SUPPLEMENTS: Always changing, but my NAC and Dim are favorites right now

MENTORS: My healers and teachers who I’ve learned all of the different healing arts from

THEME SONG: Rocket Man – Elton John

BEST ADVICE: Take imperfect action

MANTRA: Everything is happening FOR me, not TO me

SOULMATE: My husband Kiel and Kate Mckinnon

BEDTIME: 9:30pm (I love sleep)

YESTERDAY: Grateful for it all

ZODIAC: Cancer

Christina Tidwell

RN and Functional Nutrition Coach

Hi friends, I’m Alexa!

I have been a functional nutritionist since 2017 helping people with IBD and other digestive and chronic issues. My passion for whole-body wellness grew from my own experience with Crohn’s disease. I LOVE using food, nature, and our lifestyle choices as medicine! I have a book and eBook on living with IBD, a private remote practice, a self-guided IBD course, and I occasionally write health articles on the internet. I am a lifelong learner and adapter and have taken several additional professional courses, my favorite being functional blood chemistry, that enables me to order and review lab work for my clients! I cannot wait to connect with you!

WAKE UP TIME: 6:30 AM

BREAKFAST: 3-4 eggs, berries, a gluten free bagel, avocado, and coffee

NEMESIS: Traffic 🚙

FAVORITE BEVERAGE: Cappuccino

WORKOUT: Pvolve

ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: Books, crystals, my fertility tracker, a plant, journal

UNIFORM: Skirt, boots, blazer or the comfiest sweats and crewneck

LAST MEAL: Ribeye steak with mashed potatoes 🥩

SUPPLEMENTS: Probiotics, B Complex, digestive enzyme, organ capsules

MENTORS: A nutritionist colleague and biz owner friends

THEME SONG: Radio by Lana Del Rey

BEST ADVICE: The less you can take personally, the better

MANTRA: My body is always working for me

SOULMATE: TBD 😉

BEDTIME: 10:30pm

YESTERDAY: is something to learn and grow from

ZODIAC: Gemini sun, Aries rising, Taurus moon

Alexa Federico

Functional Nutritionist

 

Hey there!

Hi, I’m Melvin. Bringing nearly a decade of expertise to the video production industry, I specialize in video post-production, where storytelling takes center stage. While my core focus has been in this realm, I’ve also ventured into digital commercial directing when time allows, adding an exciting layer to my skill set.

Before the pandemic, I was deeply involved in commercial directing and video production management, crafting compelling narratives for brands. Beyond my professional life, I was an avid online gamer. However, in September 2022, I discovered a new passion and lifestyle – cycling. What started as a hobby has evolved into a profound love for the sport.

In late 2022, I embarked on a remarkable journey, completing a grueling 130KM cycling event known as AUDAX in the Philippines. It was a test of endurance and willpower, but the sense of accomplishment made every challenge worthwhile. This December 2023, I’m gearing up for an even more ambitious endeavor, a 200KM race with a tight 13.5-hour time limit.

Life is an adventure, and I’m embracing it on two wheels, creating captivating stories both on and off the screen!

WAKE UP TIME: 5AM to 530AM
BREAKFAST: Blended oats with almond milk, peanut butter and banana
NEMESIS: Myself
FAVORITE BEVERAGE: Pour Over Coffee
WORKOUT: Running and Cycling
ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: Charger and lamp
UNIFORM: Comfy loose cotton shirt and shorts
LAST MEAL: Chicken or Pork Adobo sa Puti and Grilled Liempo with White Rice
SUPPLEMENTS: Vit C and E
MENTOR: My bestfriend/fiance/soon to be wife
THEME SONG: Como Te Quiero by Khruangbin
BEST ADVICE: Take a break from what you can’t control, live a little.
MANTRA: Whatever it is, I’m surely grateful at the moment.
SOULMATE: My bestfriend/fiance/soon to be wife
BEDTIME: 10PM to 12AM
YESTERDAY: Present is all that matters, learn to let go.
ZODIAC: Sagittarius

Melvin Picasio

Functional Nutritionist

Hey there, I’m Margaret!

I have 30 years in the medical field that began as an EMT. After graduating with a Biology degree from Stony Brook University, I pursued nursing from Columbia University with a BS and MS in Nursing and graduated Sigma Theta Tau Honors. I taught and mentored nurse practitioner students during my early years as an NP. A few years later, I moved and opened up a wellness practice in Santa Fe NM with 2 acupuncturists and took over a women’s health integrative practice in Boulder, CO. I managed both practices for years. I then moved back to NY and taught functional medicine at Columbia University while managing my solo practice. I’m the podcast host for The Sacred Medicine Podcast and author of From Flare to Fabulous: 25 Things You Must Do to Prevent Your Next Lupus Flare. I currently help women overcome autoimmunity using functional medicine.

WAKE UP TIME: 6:45am

BREAKFAST: Protein shake or eggs

NEMESIS: Working out! 😜

FAVORITE BEVERAGE: Water with electrolytes

WORKOUT: Weight training and Pilates

ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: Essential oils and lip balm

UNIFORM: Comfy clothes

LAST MEAL: Short ribs with polenta

SUPPLEMENTS: B complex, Magnesium, Zinc, Ubiquinol, PC, Digestive enzymes, D3 K2

MENTORS: All functional medicine leaders

THEME SONG: Unstoppable by SIA

BEST ADVICE: Let your intuition lead, never logic.

MANTRA: This too shall pass.

SOULMATE: Too many to list.

BEDTIME: 10:30-11pm 💤

YESTERDAY: Was another beautiful day.

ZODIAC: Taurus

Margaret A. Romero

NP, Author, Podcast Host, & Autoimmunity Expert

 

Hey there, I’m Allison!

I’m a Certified Holistic Health Coach for women with Hashimotos Disease. I’ve had every symptom you can imagine. From the weight gain, to the fatigue, to the brain fog. You name it, I’ve had it. I’ve been able to reverse 90% of my Hashimotos symptoms not once, but multiple times. My passion lies in educating and teaching others to do the same!

WAKE UP TIME: 6:00 am

BREAKFAST: 8:00 am

NEMESIS: Conventional Medicine 😜

FAVORITE BEVERAGE: Iced Matcha

WORKOUT: Yoga

ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND:“When The Body Says No” by Gabor Maté

UNIFORM: Yoga pants!

LAST MEAL: Chicken soup 🍜

SUPPLEMENTS: Binders and TUDCA

MENTORS: My supportive friends

THEME SONG: “Rise” by Katy Perry

BEST ADVICE: Have compassion for yourself. No one is perfect.

MANTRA: Nothing changes, if nothing changes.

SOULMATE: Still looking for him!

BEDTIME: 10pm

YESTERDAY: is gone. Today is a new day 🙌

ZODIAC: Leo

Allison Rassp

Hashimoto’s Expert & Holistic Health Coach

Hey there!

I’m Benjamin (a.k.a Gio), a writer who’s passionate in building communities and growth mindset. At some points in my life, I’ve been a teacher and an allied health professional, but as God has deemed it, I’m back to my first passion – writing.

Personally, I’m no stranger to the challenges of living with a major health condition, and I can’t tell you enough how crucial it is to have a solid community to understand and support you, even if it simply means being there.

That said, I’m really positive that we can help and inspire one another. Let’s make the most of our journey and thrive together… for good!

WAKE UP TIME: 6 AM

BREAKFAST: Not a breakfast person, but I do take some vitamins first thing in the morning

NEMESIS: Extreme weather

FAVORITE BEVERAGE: Black coffee or just cold water

WORKOUT: Walking, indoor cycling, and swimming


ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: My phone, glasses, and menthol rub

UNIFORM: Oversized tees, jeans, and sneakers 👟

LAST MEAL: Fried chicken and rice

SUPPLEMENTS: Green tea supplements and probiotics

MENTORS: My mom and some Puritan authors

THEME SONG: Gold by Utada

BEST ADVICE: Find your purpose.

MANTRA: Let’s do this! 🙌

SOULMATE: Still out there…

BEDTIME: Between 10:00 and 11:30 PM

YESTERDAY: has been said and done, but today’s definitely a new one!

ZODIAC: Virgo

Benjamin (Gio!) Vera Cruz

Community Writer

About Bernadette

Hey there! I’m Bernadette, your go-to girl for all things Creative and Social Media!

With a decade in Marketing, I plunged into the dynamic realm of Social Media – and let me tell you, I’ve been loving every bit of it! I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a wide array of brands, spanning from ambitious startups to industry powerhouses, all while significantly boosting their digital presence.

Being an ENFJ, I’m all about building communities and creating meaningful relationships online.

WAKE UP TIME: 6:30am

BREAKFAST: Fried rice and scrambled egg

NEMESIS: Numbers! I’m so bad at quick computations.

FAVORITE BEVERAGE: Iced Shaken Hibiscus Tea with Pomegranate Pearls 🌸

WORKOUT: Yoga and badminton

ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: My daily devotion book and my peppermint scented soy candle

UNIFORM: Wide leg pants, tank top, and slip-ons

LAST MEAL: Katsudon – one of my faves!

SUPPLEMENTS: Multivitamins, vitamin D

MENTORS: My three best friends and my brother

THEME SONG: Pocket Full of Sunshine ☀️

BEST ADVICE: Focus on what you can control

MANTRA: What’s meant for you won’t pass you by

SOULMATE: My fiancé

BEDTIME: 10:30 PM

YESTERDAY: …is gone, today is here!

ZODIAC: Virgo

Bernadette Villa del Rey

Creative Director

About Oliver

I’m Oliver Jan Villarino, the current Lead Graphic Designer for Brightly Thrive, with over a decade of experience specializing in graphic design, 2D animation, and video editing. I’m very passionate in what I do because I take satisfaction in putting my God-given talents into good use. Outside of work, it’s all about family and making good memories with them.

WAKE UP TIME: 5:00am

BREAKFAST: Spam, Fried Eggs, and Rice

NEMESIS: My Back 😆

FAVORITE BEVERAGE: Coffee

WORKOUT: Anything that involves carrying my kid is a workout!

ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: Phone and Rosary

UNIFORM: Regular days: Superhero shirt, Shorts, Flip flops. Winter time: Hoodie, Pajama, Bear claw slippers

LAST MEAL: Chicken Pastel and Rice

SUPPLEMENTS: Vitamin C and Daily dose of Family

MENTORS: My parents

THEME SONG: Battle Symphony by Linkin Park 🎶

BEST ADVICE: If at first you don’t succeed, try doing what your wife told you to do the first time

MANTRA: “Do your best, surrender the rest.” “For Greatness!”

SOULMATE: My Beautiful Wife 🥰

BEDTIME: 10:30pm

YESTERDAY: …. you said tomorrow

ZODIAC: Libra

Oliver Jan Villarino

Lead Graphic Designer

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About ThriveGuide™

Bio coming soon!

John Doe, BrightlyThrive Thrive Guide

Coming Soon

Thrive Guide

About Hanna Jade

Hey there, lovely people! I’m Hanna Jade, a music therapy graduate from the University of Alabama, although my true passion lies in teaching. In 2020, I decided to embark on an exciting journey and established my very own studio. Teaching guitar, voice, piano, and ukulele brings me immense joy.

On a personal note, I’m intimately familiar with the challenges of living with autoimmune diseases. I have Hashimotos and Celiac, which have propelled me on a transformative healing path and spiritual awakening. Along the way, I’ve cultivated a profound connection with myself and forged beautiful bonds with incredible souls like Cassie, Erin, and Noelle.

My heartfelt desire is for you to discover the solace, companionship, and understanding that we all deserve when autoimmune conditions impact our lives. As the community host here at BrightlyThrive, I’m right there with you, cheering you on, offering unwavering support, and being your go-to-girl, just like a lively party host. Together, we’ll navigate the ups and downs of this journey, celebrating your victories and providing a comforting presence during the challenging times. I’m here to ensure that you never feel alone, offering a listening ear, a compassionate heart, and a wealth of knowledge from my own experiences.

Let’s create a vibrant and uplifting community where we can all thrive, share our stories, and support one another on this remarkable path of autoimmune wellness. Remember, you’re not just a member, you’re a cherished friend. So, let’s raise a virtual toast and embark on this incredible adventure together!

WAKE UP TIME: 6:30 AM thanks to Minion 😄

BREAKFAST: Bacon, turkey sausage, or a gluten free pastry treat

NEMESIS: GLUTEN and OATS

FAVORITE BEVERAGE: Filtered water

WORKOUT: I love walking, Zumba, yoga and dance of any sort

ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: Disney Twisted Tales, Sarah J Maas, and Hay House books

UNIFORM: Crop tops and flowy pants (hippie 4 lyfe)

LAST MEAL: Homemade chicken alfredo

SUPPLEMENTS: None currently!

MENTORS: Cassie (our very own!), Hannah, and my grandmother

THEME SONG: Everybody (Backstreets Back)

BEST ADVICE: Enjoy your life!

MANTRA: I am safe. I am loved. I am free.

SOULMATE: My dogs Minion and Pop Tart, and my cat, Blueberry

BEDTIME: 9 or 10:30, depends on how tired I am!

YESTERDAY: A beautiful memory and healing moment

ZODIAC: Scorpio sun, Capricorn Rising, and Pisces moon

Hanna Jade Watson

Head of Community Well-Being

About Erin

Hi loves! My name is Erin and I’m a wellness enthusiast with a passion for helping others create their most empowered lives. Like so many others – my interest in health started with my own journey, after suffering from debilitating and chronic issues for over a decade. I’ve experienced it all, from leaky gut, to brain fog, inflammation, and eventually a diagnosis of Lyme Disease. After chasing down symptoms and bouncing from doctor to doctor with little results, I soon discovered that I had to take my health into my own hands and become my own advocate.

I dove deep to learn about the gut-brain connection, food as medicine and the impact of trauma and suppressed emotions on the body. It wasn’t until I learned about the nervous system, somatic work and intergenerational healing that I truly regained my health, which are all topics I love sharing and talking about most today. I believe that we all hold the answers within and accessing our body’s innate wisdom is the key to unlocking not just our wellness, but our most true selves. Creating safety in the body is crucial, as we learn to build capacity and trust ourselves along the way. I am also extremely passionate about self-expression as medicine, sharing our truth and voices to access deeper levels of healing and personal power.

I hold a Masters of Social Work Degree from UNC Chapel Hill where I went on to become a licensed clinical social worker and have my own private therapy practice. I also hold my Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Certification and am a Certified Autoimmune Paleo Coach. I have extensive experience in the online business space as well, working with wellness entrepreneurs to help them step into their most expansive selves and authentic vision.

In my spare time you can find me in the mountains or at the beach – soaking up mama nature as much as possible! I am a creative at heart, and love writing, dancing, music and exploring the spiritual arts. I am also super passionate about local food, and love finding all the best spots wherever I go! My life philosophy is turning pain into power, and I truly believe no matter what we’ve been through, we can always transmute it into learning, growth and greater purpose. I’m so excited you’ve found your way here and can’t wait to create magic with you!

WAKE UP TIME: 8:00am (not a morning person!)

BREAKFAST: Eggs and avocado

NEMESIS: The cold!

FAVORITE BEVERAGE: Herbal tea

WORKOUT: Hot yoga

ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: All the books, journal and crystals

UNIFORM: Shorts, crop top and sandals

LAST MEAL: Chicken and veggie bowl

SUPPLEMENTS: B-Vitamins, Magnesium and Electrolytes

MENTORS: My grandmother and best friend

THEME SONG: “Give a Little Love” by Queen Jasira

BEST ADVICE: Listen to your own voice above all else

MANTRA: I will RISE

SOULMATE: Myself (self-love baby!)

BEDTIME: 11pm

YESTERDAY: My greatest teacher

ZODIAC: Aries

Erin Conroy

Director of Community Flow

Hey, hey!

I’m Noelle, an entrepreneur and Co-Founder of BrightlyThrive. Let’s rewind a bit and delve into my journey, filled with unexpected detours and life-altering revelations. Prior to entering the wellness realm, I was the founder of my own consulting firm where I honed my expertise and built a successful track record in my industry. I was the lead facilitator behind some seriously impressive learning projects and professional development programs, working with some big shot Fortune 500 clients.

But life has a way of throwing curveballs, and in 2018, my world turned upside down. I began experiencing some mysterious and debilitating health symptoms. After numerous hospital visits and more doctor’s appointments than you can shake a stethoscope at, I was finally diagnosed with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis. It’s a fancy way of saying “my immune system turned on me and caused a lot of damage.” It’s also referred to as it’s previous name, “Wegener’s Granulomatosis”. And trust me, it’s as unpleasant as it sounds.

This rare and life-threatening autoimmune disease not only caused some freaky symptoms but it left me with some permanent damage too, like my very own “saddle nose” deformity ( also known as a septum perforation) and the inability to hear my favorite Billie Eilish song without cranking up the volume (hearing loss). I suddenly found myself in a foreign land of steroids, infusions, and chemotherapy drugs. Talk about a drastic career shift!

Amidst the chaos and confusion, I had an epiphany—a burst of light in my darkest hour. I realized that while I couldn’t control the cards I was dealt, I had the power to influence how I played the hand. And so, armed with determination (and a pinch of Sagittarius stubbornness), I embarked on a healing journey that would change my life forever.

I started making gradual shifts in my life, embracing the power of nutrition and self-care. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but within a few short months, I saw major improvements and achieved the unthinkable—my disease went into medical remission. Cue the confetti! And so, this pivotal moment ignited a passion within me to help others achieve their own well-being.

I went back to school to study integrative health, trained with the very best in the wellness space, and along the way, have worked for a handful of innovative wellness brands. I am Board Certified in Health & Wellness, obtained comprehensive training through Duke University Integrative Medicine. I have a bunch of other certifications too, ranging from nutrition to breathwork and everything in between. Oh, and did I mention I’m a Registered Yoga Teacher? Yep, I can hold a warrior pose for hours and share my favorite biohacking tips without breaking a sweat.

As an entrepreneur in the health and wellness space, I’ve made it my mission to shatter barriers and make the path to wellness a “gluten-free” cakewalk. I believe in doing work that truly matters, work that can change lives. That’s why I joined forces with Cassie, to co-create BrightlyThrive, our brainchild, born from our shared pain and passion. It’s a sanctuary, a cozy corner of the internet exclusively for people navigating the complexities of autoimmune conditions.

But wait, there’s more to me than just wellness and conquering autoimmune woes. When I’m not busy spreading health to the world, I’m a wife and stepmom to an incredible and supportive family. I’m also an unapologetic animal lover with a soft spot for those in need. Our home resembles an animal sanctuary with five dogs and three rescue bunnies. Life is never dull!

You can usually spot me in the morning, clutching my chai tea like it’s my lifeline. But let’s not forget my other obsession—sunshine. I love to soak up those golden rays, channeling their energy to fuel my endeavors. And what better way to appreciate the earth’s beauty than by venturing into the great outdoors? I’m also a nature enthusiast, always on the lookout for the next hiking trail, beachside escape, or breathtaking vista. Nature is my therapy, my escape from the chaos of the world.

And speaking of escaping, I’ll mention I have a love of travel. I’ve traveled through 48 states and 26 countries, collecting memories like stamps on a passport. But let me tell you a secret—I still have an endless list of places I want to discover. That’s why keeping my health in peak condition is non-negotiable. Because when you have an adventurous soul and a body that’s primed for action, there’s no adventure too grand or remote destination that can’t be conquered.

So, there you have it. Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end of my bio. You must have the patience of a saint or the boredom of a sloth (no judgment). Either way, I’m so glad you’ve found your way here and I hope you consider joining our community. I promise it’ll be your most epic adventure ever.

WAKE UP TIME: 5 AM

BREAKFAST: Is usually skipped! (I like to fast)

NEMESIS: Humidity, plastic packaging, flight delays ✈️

FAVORITE BEVERAGE: Keto Chai Tea

WORKOUT: Weights, hiking, hot yoga

ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: Water and a book

UNIFORM: Leggings and oversized hoodie

LAST MEAL: Sea Bass and asparagus

SUPPLEMENTS: Sunshine, probiotic, beef organs, magnesium

MENTORS: Are essential! I have too many to count ☺️

THEME SONG: Beautiful Day – U2

BEST ADVICE: There’s no such thing as starting over. Only starting from experience. (thanks Cassie!)

MANTRA: Always challenge the status quo.

SOULMATE: My husband

BEDTIME: 9:30 pm

YESTERDAY: and it’s lessons are today’s reason why

ZODIAC: Sagittarius

Noelle Creamer: BrightlyThrive Co-Founder

Noelle Creamer

Co-Founder & CEO

Hey, hey!

I’m Noelle, an entrepreneur and Co-Founder of BrightlyThrive. Prior to entering the wellness realm, I was the founder of my own consulting firm where I honed my expertise and built a successful track record in my industry. I was the lead facilitator behind some seriously impressive learning projects and professional development programs, working with some big shot Fortune 500 clients.

But life has a way of throwing curveballs, and in 2018, my world turned upside down. I began experiencing some mysterious and debilitating health symptoms. After numerous hospital visits and more doctor’s appointments than you can shake a stethoscope at, I was finally diagnosed with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis. It’s a fancy way of saying “my immune system turned on me and caused a lot of damage.” It’s also referred to as it’s previous name, “Wegener’s Granulomatosis”. And trust me, it’s as unpleasant as it sounds.

This rare and life-threatening autoimmune disease not only caused some freaky symptoms but it left me with some permanent damage too, like my very own “saddle nose” deformity ( also known as a septum perforation) and the inability to hear my favorite Billie Eilish song without cranking up the volume (hearing loss). I suddenly found myself in a foreign land of steroids, infusions, and chemotherapy drugs. Talk about a drastic career shift!

Amidst the chaos and confusion, I had an epiphany—a burst of light in my darkest hour. I realized that while I couldn’t control the cards I was dealt, I had the power to influence how I played the hand. And so, armed with determination (and a pinch of Sagittarius stubbornness), I embarked on a healing journey that would change my life forever.

I started making gradual shifts in my life, embracing the power of nutrition and self-care. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but within a few short months, I saw major improvements and achieved the unthinkable—my disease went into medical remission. Cue the confetti! And so, this pivotal moment ignited a passion within me to help others achieve their own well-being.

I went back to school to study integrative health, trained with the very best in the wellness space, and along the way, have worked for a handful of innovative wellness brands. I am Board Certified in Health & Wellness, obtained comprehensive training through Duke University Integrative Medicine. I have a bunch of other certifications too, ranging from nutrition to breathwork and everything in between. Oh, and did I mention I’m a Registered Yoga Teacher? Yep, I can hold a warrior pose for hours and share my favorite biohacking tips without breaking a sweat.

As an entrepreneur in the health and wellness space, I’ve made it my mission to shatter barriers and make the path to wellness a “gluten-free” cakewalk. I believe in doing work that truly matters, work that can change lives. That’s why I joined forces with Cassie, to co-create BrightlyThrive, our brainchild, born from our shared pain and passion. It’s a sanctuary, a cozy corner of the internet exclusively for people navigating the complexities of autoimmune conditions.

But wait, there’s more to me than just wellness and conquering autoimmune woes. When I’m not busy spreading health to the world, I’m a wife and stepmom to an incredible and supportive family. I’m also an unapologetic animal lover with a soft spot for those in need. Our home resembles an animal sanctuary with five dogs and three rescue bunnies. Life is never dull!

You can usually spot me in the morning, clutching my chai tea like it’s my lifeline. But let’s not forget my other obsession—sunshine. I love to soak up those golden rays, channeling their energy to fuel my endeavors. And what better way to appreciate the earth’s beauty than by venturing into the great outdoors? I’m also a nature enthusiast, always on the lookout for the next hiking trail, beachside escape, or breathtaking vista. Nature is my therapy, my escape from the chaos of the world.

And speaking of escaping, I’ll mention I have a love of travel. I’ve traveled through 48 states and 26 countries, collecting memories like stamps on a passport. But let me tell you a secret—I still have an endless list of places I want to discover. That’s why keeping my health in peak condition is non-negotiable. Because when you have an adventurous soul and a body that’s primed for action, there’s no adventure too grand or remote destination that can’t be conquered.

So, there you have it. Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end of my bio. You must have the patience of a saint or the boredom of a sloth (no judgment!). Either way, I’m so glad you’ve found your way here and I hope you consider joining our community. I promise it’ll be your most epic adventure ever.

WAKE UP TIME: 5:00 AM

BREAKFAST: Is usually skipped (I like to intermittent fast)

NEMESIS: Humidity, plastic packaging, flight delays ✈️

FAVORITE BEVERAGE: Keto Chai Tea

WORKOUT: Weights, hiking, hot yoga

ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: Water and a book

UNIFORM: Leggings and oversized hoodie

LAST MEAL: Sea Bass and asparagus

SUPPLEMENTS: Sunshine, probiotic, beef organs, magnesium

MENTORS: Are beyond essential. I have too many to count ☺️

THEME SONG: Anything by Prince! (80’s baby)

BEST ADVICE: There’s no such thing as starting over. Only starting from experience. (Thanks Cassie)

MANTRA: My commitment to myself is unbreakable.

SOULMATE: My husband

BEDTIME: 9:30 pm

YESTERDAY: was a deposit into my soul 💙

ZODIAC: Sagittarius all the way!

Noelle Creamer: BrightlyThrive Co-Founder

Noelle Creamer

Community Co-Founder

Oh hey there!

My name is Cassie, and my life has been a rollercoaster ride of mysterious symptoms, a love for work that might have bordered on obsession, and a knack for collecting rare and unique health diagnoses.

From the time I entered this world, my body seemed to have a secret agenda of its own, with symptoms that left doctors scratching their heads. But hey, who needs sleep or energy anyway, right? So I became a workaholic, fueled by ambition and caffeine, with a “no pain, no gain” mentality. Little did I know that my body was trying to send me subtle messages. Over time, those messages became louder than an air horn at a Def Leppard concert!

After 2 years of medical dumpster diving, I finally got diagnosed with idiosymptomatic gastroparesis – aka my stomach was on the fritz. Down the road came more diagnosis grenades – adrenal fatigue, non-Celiac gluten sensitivity, Raynaud’s (hello cold limbs!). And truth be told, the medicine I was prescribed didn’t offer much relief.

To heal, I had to go rogue and boy did I find some hidden health secrets! What irked me the most was that I practically had to fall off the medical community’s radar in order to apply any of these healing modalities to my autoimmune journey. That is what sparked me to join forces with Noelle to create BrightlyThrive. We knew we had to blaze the autoimmune trail for others, clearing away as many obstacles as possible. And we knew that community and connection had to be at the heart of it all.

I wouldn’t change a thing about the bumpy road that is my healing journey because amidst the challenges, I’ve discovered my passion for wellness and spirituality. I’ve accumulated a treasure trove of degrees and certifications, equipping myself with an arsenal of skills for healing. I’m a Certified Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Mind Body Eating Coach, AIP Coach, RESTART instructor and Certified Stretching Coach. Phew! I’m basically the Queen of Acronyms!

Fun facts: Music, cooking, and books rock my world. Boymom, animal lover, moon worshipper – that’s me.

Through the ups and downs, the tears and laughter, I’ve learned that life is too short to take ourselves too seriously. So I approach my health journey with a dash of humor, a sprinkle of self-compassion, and a lot of curiosity. I’m determined to help others on their own health journeys, and to prove that laughter truly is the best medicine (well, maybe after gluten-free brownies). Let’s embrace life’s quirks, share a laugh or two, and rock this wellness adventure together! Who’s with me?

WAKE UP TIME: 5:00 AM

BREAKFAST: Bulletproof Coffee

NEMESIS: Raw veggies – GP Thriver joke 😉

FAVORITE BEVERAGE: London Fog with coconut milk

WORKOUT: Anything that doesn’t involve cardio!

ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: Rose quartz crystal and a picture of my Boys

UNIFORM: Fleece lined leggings, vintage graphic tee and bare feet whenever possible

LAST MEAL: Asian beef bowl with broccoli and crushed cashews

SUPPLEMENTS: A secret blend of electrolytes, vitamins, minerals and unicorn dust to keep me youthful.

MENTORS: My biz bestie, Noelle. Her perspective is the yang to my yin.

THEME SONG: ‘Pretty Girl Magic’ by Moonlight Scorpio

BEST ADVICE: “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” ~George Bernard Shaw

MANTRA: Every little cell in my body is happy. Every little cell in my body is well.

SOULMATE: Hands down, my Hubs.

BEDTIME: 9:30 PM

YESTERDAY: The compass I use to navigate today

ZODIAC: Capricorn Sun, Taurus Rising, Pisces Moon

Cassandra Carpenter: BrightlyThrive Co-Founder

Cassandra Carpenter

Community Co-Founder 

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