Tiffany Hopkins, FDN-P
 (FUNCTIONAL DIAGNOSTIC NUTRITION PRACTITIONER)

From a young age, I developed a profound passion for aiding others and rescuing animals, finding intrinsic fulfillment in these endeavors.  Despite growing up in a challenging and toxic environment, I was unaware of the concept of purpose until adulthood.  The lack of emotional support during my childhood resulted in lasting trauma, a phenomenon that can endure in our DNA and lead to ongoing challenges in adulthood. Unaddressed trauma can give rise to survival-oriented coping mechanisms, impacting our well-being.  My personal journey reflects the profound impact of carrying this heavy emotional baggage into adulthood, eventually manifesting as disease and illness.  Join us on this transformative journey as we strive to address the roots of trauma and promote holistic well-being for a healthier future.

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My story begins with a pursuit of approval, striving for academic excellence and athletic prowess to fill a void of acceptance—a common response to trauma.  However, at the age of 13, the pressure to perform for validation became overwhelming, leading me to rebel against the expectations.  I turned to substance abuse as a means to cope with the profound emotional pain, a habit that persisted until I was 26, when I recognized the detrimental path I was on.  Reflecting on my past, pivotal health challenges emerged, including a severe bout of Mono at 17, which later developed into Epstein-Barr Virus, a persistent condition that often masquerades as life-threatening.  Additionally, a tick bite during that same summer resulted in alarming symptoms of Lyme disease.  Despite clear signs of illness, medical professionals in my hometown of Kansas City, MO dismissed my concerns, a phenomenon known as medical gaslighting (a term I became intimately familiar with over the next two decades) as I sought validation and accurate diagnosis.

 

Driven by a relentless pursuit of answers, I delved into extensive medical research while pursuing licensure as a massage therapist and nurse, driven by a deep-seated desire to assist others despite personal health challenges.  The turning point came at 30, when I discovered Functional Medicine, drawn to its emphasis on uncovering root causes through comprehensive lab analyses, challenging the status quo of accepting "normal" bloodwork despite feeling far from healthy myself.  This transformative journey inspired me to further my education and become an FDN, witnessing firsthand the prevalence of overmedication and symptom-focused treatments in conventional medicine.  Now, I am here to guide you on your path to wellness, offering insights to unearth the underlying factors affecting your health and empowering you to reclaim vitality and vitality.