my story

Hi I’m Alyssa (she/her/siya) 👋🏽

I’m a daughter of Filipino immigrants, born/raised on Ramaytush Ohlone land (San Francisco, CA).

In my early years, I struggled with the confusing identity crisis of not being “Filipino enough” and not being “American enough.” Growing up, I was criticized and ashamed of my Tagalog accent, my “tabachoy” (chubby) body, and the abundant food I consumed.

I just wanted to “fit” in with the crowd (and into my tight skinny jeans).

Influenced by the media and sociocultural preference for Eurocentric beauty standards, I started dieting, working out, and weighing myself daily, wishing that one day I would finally love myself. In 2014, I started binge eating, fasting, and incessantly exercising.

My mind was absolutely consumed with food & exercise that I missed out on social events, meeting new friends, and quality time with my loved ones.

I wanted to change so I mustered the courage to seek help and go to therapy.

“Instead of focusing on your stomach, zoom out and look at your body as a whole,”

…my therapist advised. This was an “ah-ha” moment for me. I used to think, “Only when I achieved a certain physique will I finally be able to love myself.” But the truth is that

your beauty and worthiness are innate.

I also learned that my habitual eating were a product of cognitive conditioning and that I had the power to unlearn and reprogram my mind.

Because of neuroplasticity and our brain’s ability to create new neural pathways,

I was able to stop binging and purging.

As a Nurse Coach, Reiki practitioner, and yoga teacher, I combine science with spirituality to empower women of color to heal beyond their body image. I coach clients to embrace their whole selves so that they can move mindfully, eat intuitively, and feed their souls with authenticity, peace, and joy.

more about me

Registered Nurse, BSN
Board-Certified Nurse Coach
Registered Yoga Teacher
Dynamic Mindfulness Trained
Level 2 Reiki Practitioner
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Nature is my medicine
Dog-lover