Back in the last century I was a know-it-all vegetarian who knew nothing about health.  Until I  lost mine when I developed a nearly fatal case of pneumonia.  Then I got a brutal education that saved my life.  Did you know we are what we eat?  And what we think?  And what we do and say?

As a professional musician who lived in nightclubs and recording studios, I got little to no sun or outdoor air, and very little sleep.  Although I didn't smoke, I breathed in several thousand cigarettes nightly on the job in the form of second-hand smoke.  Since I loved animals I wouldn't eat them, so I got my protein, I thought, in the form of ice cream and cream in my coffee which kept me awake throughout the day and night.  Ah, youth.  And stupidity.  I possessed both.  Then pneumonia.  Followed by four month's' loss of work and a hardcore facing of facts - I was the responsible party who had compromised my health with my actions. 

I was back in school.  This time to become a doctor.

Taking responsibility for my health meant not expecting doctors to come up with the answers as to what had 'happened' to me - I had to come up with the underlying cause for my condition, which was most likely something I had done to myself, not something that had 'happened' to me.  Once I figured that out, it was obvious to me that I had to eliminate the actions that led to my condition, i.e., eliminate the underlying cause.  Now that I had accomplished this step, it was necessary to build up my weakened immune system.

Voila.  All it took was 3 easy steps to return me to vibrant health.  3 easy steps I now like to share with anyone who wants to recapture their vitality and embrace the joy that good health brings to them.

Have you been told … ?

• "There's nothing more we can do for you."
• "You'll just have to learn to live with this condition."
• "You’ll have to take this drug for the rest of your life."
• "If you don’t schedule this surgery, you could die!”
• “There are no other choices—do this, or no one can help you!”                

Don’t you believe it!   You Always Have Choices!

The natural world offers us not only inspiration and great beauty, but all that we need to attain and maintain our health. As we displace more and more of the natural world, we have to work harder to find the resources that allow us to continue on the path to good health. We at BASTIS Foundation are committed to helping you know more about your healthy options and provide a foundation for you to create a healthy lifestyle that uniquely fits your natural health needs and goals.

BASTIS Foundation is happy to offer you a wealth of information, wisdom and resources to empower you to take charge of your health, your body and your life.

Back in the day I was a singer who pursued my passion for music, playing venues packed with people and cigarette smoke. My claim to fame is that I sang with Lionel Hampton!

Life dramatically changed for me when I was diagnosed with life-threatening pneumonia. The doctors, in fact the AMA, failed me. I turned to homeopathic medicine and lifesaving lifestyle changes. I was committed to learning everything I could about Naturopathy, and wanted to pay it forward to help as many people as possible, and empower them to do the same.   Having watched people go from a wheelchair to hiking again when they were told they had no hope through conventional medicine is inspiring and possible.  I'm very blessed to have been given my health challenges so I could learn the truth about the organic living body and help others who feel they have no hope. 

Going back to school, the School of Natural Healing, and Hahnemannian Research Institute, provided me with a wonderful base.  The real lessons come from hands-on work with every individual who comes to me.  Everyone is unique and everyone requires a different protocol designed specifically for them.  This way we see real success.

Being listened to and having my message heard. I have always challenged and been challenged as a renegade especially by physicians and the AMA.  I look to eradicate conditions, not manage them like the AMA does. It is a political challenge and institutions count on revenue from diseases like diabetes. 

I am caring and a good listener who is able to tune in to people. I have a passion for making the whole person well and believe in paying it forward.

Reaching the diabetics in the community and providing them with an organic farm and a plant-based diet brings me great joy.  I have been called on by UNM as an authority and to teach their program on diabetes management, but turned them down because I'm not a drug pusher.  I am, however, a whole-food, plant-based pusher because I've seen tremendous success.  Every day it becomes more clear to me that you cannot separate food and health.  They go hand in hand.

This past year bought many changes to me when I lost my dad. I was his primary caregiver and that involved a lot of time and energy. I am regrouping and looking to enjoy life a bit and maybe do some traveling - I would love to get to the beach! I am looking for a young apprentice or  protege who is willing to learn what I have to teach so she can eventually take over my practice. 

My mom was a renegade inventor and truth seeker.  She never stopped learning and helping others help themselves.  She inspired me to be the best I can be at what I do.  When I see people recover from horrific maladies with information I shared with them, I give thanks that my mom pushed me to stop only once we've seen our goal be met. 

Simply, she cared. 

I find solace in my gardens and enjoy my time in my greenhouse. I also love singing and writing music.