Valerie has practiced in the field of allied health care for over 30 years as an Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist (OTR/L, CHT) in the area of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. She received a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and a Master of Science in Health Education with a concentration in Exercise Physiology from Florida International University in Miami.

Valerie graduated Magna Cum Laude in both and was inducted to the Pi Theta Epsilon Honor Society, F.I.U. State Chapter and also received an Academic Excellence Award from the College of Education for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. Her professional career choices have always reflected her passion for health and wellness and her desire to empower others to be their own health advocates and make more informed choices to promote health in body, mind and spirit.

Valerie completed her Doctor of Naturopathy training through Trinity College of Natural Health in Warsaw, Indiana. Trinity College is a Christian, non-denominational, educational institution offering a wide variety of professional programs of study in natural health. Trinity School is accredited and recognized by the American Naturopathic Medical Certification and Accreditation Board, Inc.

Valerie also received the designation of CNHP through completion of the certification program dedicated to the training and certification of individuals who seek to counsel others in natural health techniques and who seek ways to live healthier and balanced lives. Valerie served as the program director (Orlando area) for the Florida chapter of CNHP in it’s inaugural years. Along with professional endeavors, she has a benevolent heart and is a supporter of several organizations including Shiba Inu Rescue Association (SIRA), Wounded Warriors and Bee Friendly Initiative.

When not consulting or advancing her knowledge, Valerie enjoys traveling, experiencing multicultural encounters and outdoor adventure.  She was born and raised in the Canal Zone Republic of Panama and has traveled to over 25 countries and is multilingual, fluent in English, Spanish, Italian and conversant in French.  She gets a charge out of hiking, white water rafting, canyoning, waterfall rappelling, canopy ziplining in her native Panama and Hawai’i, along with simply communing in nature. 

Some of the most exciting and majestic climbs and hikes she has conquered and experienced are Mytikas the highest peak of Greece on Mt. Olympus, Aiguille du Midi in Mont Blanc France and the 10,000 ft summit of Mt. Haleakala in Maui to view an awe inspiring sunrise. Traveling to Blue Zone Regions around the world to learn from from those who live an extraordinary long and happy life, is my fascination.

She enjoys smooth jazz, kundalini yoga, crafting superfood elixirs, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life like spending time with family and friends. Her regal Shiba Inu, Basilico remains the Heart of her Heart.

Always and Forever! May 2005 - September 2021