Born in a refugee camp in Hong Kong and later immigrating to Canada, my upbringing was steeped in the tradition of Chinese medicine. From an early age, the aromas of healing herbs and the sight of acupuncture treatments were part of my everyday life. This familiarity with alternative medicine sparked my interest in health, leading me to pursue studies in Human Kinetics and Nutrition at the University of Guelph.

My path took a crucial turn during a third-year nutrition course at the University of Guelph, where I first discovered naturopathic medicine. At the time, I was silently grappling with scalp psoriasis, mistakenly dismissed as a common issue like dandruff by multiple doctors. The worsening condition deeply affected me. There is no cure for psoriasis, which left me in a cycle of topical treatments and increasing distress, impacting my mental well-being.

Seeking a respite and focus on my mental health post-graduation, I found comfort and guidance in my indigenous mentors. They generously shared ancestral wisdom, medicines from our lands, and profound teachings from our revered elders. Immersing myself in sweat lodges and vision quests, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, finding solace and understanding in my identity and purpose.

It was in this awakening that I embraced my authentic self, realizing the intricate connection between my Chinese heritage and the profound healing power of nature.