Born in Warwick, New York, I was encouraged by my mother to explore many forms of creative expression and I spent my early years immersed in art, pottery, music, dance, acrobatics, and gymnastics. I attended and graduated from the Waldorf School in Chestnut Ridge, New York experiencing an education that was both academically rigorous and deeply nourishing to the spirit - significantly music, art, movement, and literature are woven into the academic curriculum. Science and mathematics were always among my favorite subjects growing up, and the Waldorf approach beautifully balanced these analytical interests with creativity, imagination, and reverence for the human experience.
My early life was rich in varied spiritual traditions; I was baptized into the Catholic Church but during my childhood I was also profoundly influenced by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, the spiritual head of Siddha Yoga in South Fallsburg, New York. I still carry peaceful memories of visiting the Ashram — the meditation caves, the resonance of collective chanting that I could feel in my chest, the fragrant incense, and the deep sense of devotion and selfless service through Seva. I cherished small sacred gifts from that time, including a red velvet cloth from Swami Baba Muktananda’s pillow and gold butterfly earrings gifted to me, at age 9, by Gurumayi, who gave me the Sanskrit name “Pushpa,” meaning “the blossoming of inner devotion.” Toward the end of adolescence, I explored the teachings and group discussions of the G.I. Gurdjieff group and his sacred choreographies “Movements” during college.
Although my upbringing was deeply shaped by religious, spiritual, and philosophical influences—and I briefly considered pursuing those subjects academically—I ultimately chose the pre-medical path. Becoming a physician had been a clear calling for me since the age of five.
In medical school, when it was time to choose a specialty, Emergency Medicine was the path that most resonated with me. I was fortunate to complete my EM training in New York City, serving communities in both East and West Harlem. The work was demanding, humbling, and deeply rewarding. During those years, I witnessed daily both the fragility and the resilience of human life. After more than a decade of education and training devoted to saving lives and treating acute illness, I found myself increasingly drawn toward preventative and integrative approaches to health. I often wondered: what might our Emergency Departments look like if more time, energy, and resources were devoted to cultivating wellness before disease emerges?
My professional evolution was shaped by my own desire to become physically stronger, healthier, and more grounded. Through Yoga Teacher Training, I deepened my understanding of the body, breath, and nervous system. My initiation into Reiki further expanded my perspective on healing and reinforced my commitment to practicing medicine that honors the whole person — mind, body, and spirit.
In 2023, I officially opened Chestnut Ridge Wellness Medicine, my home-based integrative medical practice. My work blends the foundation of evidence-based Western medicine with complementary healing modalities, emphasizing prevention, resilience, and whole-person care. I believe healing occurs not only through medications and procedures, but also through connection, movement, nutrition, rest, emotional well-being, spiritual inquiry, and the restoration of balance within daily life.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling, gardening, practicing yoga asana, and sharing meaningful meals and conversation with friends. My most recent trip to Bali was especially transformative and reinforced my appreciation for spirituality, healing, and self-connection. I enjoy psychology - likely inspired by being raised by a hypnotherapist and clinical social worker - philosophy, world religions, and the writings of Rudolf Steiner. Above all, I cherish the time spent raising my daughter and son with my husband.
Welcome to Chestnut Ridge Wellness Medicine. It is an honor to walk alongside others on their path toward healing, vitality, and deeper connection to themselves.
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