My Story
My journey into wellness began unexpectedly in 2018 when my best friend from high school, Trish, was diagnosed with a rare cancer at just 23. Determined to help, I immersed myself in researching cancer-fighting foods, compiling a detailed document of research from PubMed and expert sources. This was my first glimpse into the transformative power of nutrition. At the same time, my mom and a college roommate began investing in their health, and we shared tips that opened my eyes to just how impactful our food and environment are on our well-being.
I soon realized the extent to which everyday products, from the food we eat to the items we use for cooking and cleaning, could contain harmful ingredients. It was overwhelming, but I took it step by step, transitioning to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, beans, nuts, seeds, herbs, and adaptogens. I also eliminated foods with artificial flavors, MSG, canola oil, and harmful additives, and swapped plastic containers for safer alternatives.
The changes were incredible. I had more energy than I’d felt in years, my mood stabilized, my skin cleared, and long-standing chronic symptoms vanished. These results inspired me to share my experience, leading me to write and publish my book, We Can’t Change What We Don’t Know, in 2019. I realized that food truly is medicine, and I was determined to learn more, so I pursued a Master’s degree in Nutrition Education in 2020.
However, as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, I discovered another major piece of the wellness puzzle: stress. Chronic stress—whether from emotional turmoil, pathogens, or environmental toxins—can deeply affect our health. After experiencing high levels of stress, contracting COVID twice, going off birth control after 10 years, and experiencing debilitating hormonal symptoms, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). I thought I had already “figured it out” when it came to health, but this was a wake-up call.
My PCOS diagnosis made me realize how vital it is to address not just nutrition, but stress, lifestyle, and emotional health. I began incorporating yoga and meditation into my routine, eventually becoming a 200-hour certified yoga teacher and ThetaHealer. These practices, alongside my nutrition knowledge, have helped me manage stress and rebuild my health.
I wanted to share these tools with others, so I launched the Connecting the Dots podcast, interviewing top health experts to provide accessible, actionable wellness information. And after graduating from American University with my Masters, I launched Kathlyn Carney Wellness LLC to offer clients a holistic, integrative approach to health—one that considers the physical, emotional, and environmental factors that shape our well-being. Throughout the first year and half of my business, I received guidance from the top nutritionists in my field to earn my CNS and health coaching designations and bring clients the most up to date and innovative support.
Today, I work with clients who are navigating chronic illness, preparing to conceive, or looking to prevent disease and achieve optimal health.
If my story resonates with you, or if you have specific health goals you’d like to work on, head over to my services section and book a free discovery call. Together, we can create a personalized plan to help you thrive!
