But there’s more to TLC…
As TLC continued to evolve, so did our team. I was working at a local hospital and had been promoted to Regional Medical Director. This meant I was not only a full-time doctor but also responsible for overseeing all satellite clinics and managing the staff of doctors, NPs, and PAs at each location. One clinic, Seymour, was struggling to find a permanent doctor after the previous physician retired. During my rounds, I met Rhonda, a delightful phlebotomist, and we instantly became fast friends—my sister from another mister. Then, I met Tori, the lead medical assistant, an energetic multitasker who kept everything running smoothly. Their warmth and dedication convinced me that Seymour felt like home.
After much deliberation, I chose to become the lead physician in Seymour, and for five wonderful years, Rhonda, Tori, and I formed an unbreakable team. Our patients loved the exceptional care we provided, and I promised myself that when I opened my own clinic, they would be part of it.
Leaving that hospital system under difficult circumstances was a turning point. I knew I wanted to pursue functional medicine but needed more experience. I searched nationwide for opportunities and eventually accepted a position with a major hospital system in Wisconsin to start a functional medicine practice. I wanted to help people heal while still working within the insurance model. However, after a merger, my ability to provide the care my patients needed—lengthy consults and follow-ups—became unsustainable. When the financial and operational constraints became overwhelming, I took a leap of faith, knowing the universe would provide.
At the same time, I was battling my own health struggles. Unbeknownst to me, mold exposure in my home had severely impacted my well-being. The symptoms—extreme fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, and joint pain—were debilitating. Despite specializing in mold-related illnesses, I initially failed to recognize the signs in myself. Starting my own clinic felt impossible, yet I persisted. I began by renting space in a chiropractor’s office, slowly building TLC while living with my mom in Illinois to save money.
Gio’s support was instrumental in our growth. With his help in marketing and managing calls, TLC started gaining recognition. My expertise in mold and functional medicine had earned national attention, but I needed a physical location to establish myself locally. When we found the perfect property, the next step was assembling my dream team. Would Rhonda and Tori take the leap with me? I asked—and they said yes.
Rhonda, a whiz at anything blood-related and everything else, became certified in IV therapy and stepped in seamlessly. Tori, our diligent rule follower, excelled in procedures and embraced the complexities of functional medicine. Though this field was new to them, they adapted quickly, and I couldn’t be more grateful for these superheroes on my team.
As we look ahead, I know our healing family will continue to grow. Sitting in a staff meeting today, surrounded by these incredible humans, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. If you haven’t met them yet, stop by. Take a tour, enjoy a cup of cocoa, and feel the warmth of our community. I promise—you won’t want to leave. That’s exactly how I feel every day, working with these amazing people. How much better can it get?