About

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The Backstory

Born a thinker, daydreamer, empathizer, and big imaginer, who liked to talk—a trait often negatively highlighted in my report cards but now seen as my gift!

Early in life, I discovered the profound impact of labels and misdiagnoses. I wore corrective (aka uncomfortable ugly) shoes following an orthopedic surgery after being wrongly diagnosed with a bone condition, when in fact I had a progressive neurological disease. Terms like “weird feet”—describing my high arches, curled toes, numbness, and poor balance—shaped my view of myself and my experiences with others.  Labels like fragile, too sensitive, and clumsy further challenged me, making even gym classes a significant struggle.

But even back then I knew deep down that I was more than my weird feet.

Trust me You are more than the one thing you view as your big flaw.

We are not a single narrative, our REAL selves are nuanced and accepting that is what fuels our power to fully live this amazing life.

My Personal Journey + Professional Insights =  Process for Transformation

For too long, I adhered to the whispers dictating what a woman “should be” — not too emotional, not too visible, not too assertive, always playing a part that never quite fit—much like my grown-up sensible shoes.

Maybe you recognize that internal voice.

Transformation, success, healing, healthy relationships, and our holistic health begins when we start listening to our own voice—the REAL one.

But learning to listen to our own voice, uncovering our fears and doubts takes courage and sometimes an AHA moment or pivotal event.

Transformation & Mission

My moment was during my first day as a psychologist at a major hospital when I met Nelson, a young man my age, battling AIDS. I was struggling with feeling like an imposter standing there in my white lab coat, with Dr. Stevic-Rust across the front, in my high heel shoes that felt too grown up for how I felt on the inside, fighting back tears—confirming the voices that said I was too emotional.

Amid the swirling doubts, I chose to trust my intuition. Nelson didn’t need me to be perfect; he needed me to be real. When he thanked me for truly seeing him, I realized that my greatest contribution as a healthcare provider was not be perfected but to be REAL.

To show up for others with my gifts, flaws and unique perspective to give them permission to be REAL and fully seen. 

I am committed to guiding you on a science backed, experience led, REAL Dr. Lori process for you to stop doubting, faking and pretending to satisfy the voices of others and live your true life.

Professional Approach

I believe in inspiration but I’m not about fluff. I believe in applying insight and action driven strategies to help you live your authentic life.

I believe in Holistic Health—we are not just mental health diagnoses or physical conditions. I am committed to helping you advocate for your health so you can fully thrive in this life.

I believe in science and proven methods for change based on my three decades of experience as a health psychologist listening and guiding thousands of people.

I believe in the power of the words AND & PAUSE—both guide us to a deep appreciation for the nuance of our REAL selves—being emotional AND strong. Learning to embrace the power of Pausing to allow our brain to use its highest skills.

I believe in laughter, joy, grief, tears, flaws, mistakes, aging, daydreaming, celebrating triumphs with pride, caregiving and care receiving.

I believe in my 105-year-old grandmother’s secret philosophy for living a long and fulfilling life—Live Greedy for Life® absorbing all that this life has to offer with an insatiable and grateful spirit. (she also believed in the power of eating an apple and popcorn every day and watching as much Cleveland baseball as possible—but that’s another story.)

If you share these beliefs and are looking for a path for change, empowerment and transformation, here are a few ways that we can work together to unlock the doors to your personal and professional fulfillment, helping you live out the truest version of your story.

– Sign up for the newsletter, Living Greedy for Life® to receive scientific updates, stay up to date on events, find some inspiration, and while you’re at it grab some freebies, discounts, and prizes.

– Follow along on the Blog for topics on Holistic Health, Women’s Entrepreneurship, Empowerment, Personal Insights. In these articles I provide tools and strategies not just for personal development but for building a business or engaging relationships and supporting your holistic health. Let’s ensure that you don’t reach the end of your journey with regrets about not fully participating in your own life.

– Listen to the podcast, Becoming REAL with Dr. Lori—weekly conversations with healthcare experts to keep you informed on holistic health topics to motivate and empower you to support and advocate for your health.

– Self-guided courses that are science based, actionable with the inspiration of stories to guide you on your journey of self-discovery. By focusing on real, tangible results, I guide you towards personal breakthroughs and professional success. Whether you’re seeking to overcome personal barriers or aiming to achieve new heights in your career, these courses are designed for you.

– REAL Women’s Collective Membership program. I created this membership to be comprehensive, rooted in my deep understanding of the brain –the courses focus on building self-awareness, using exercises to support the experience of emotions held in your body, building cognitive awareness for self-discovery, and learning your personal narrative—the REAL one not the version you may often use to protect yourself. Together, we’ll explore your life’s stories, celebrating your uniqueness and fostering an environment where you can feel safe to truly flourish.

It is a place to learn from self-guided courses, filled with guides and exercises on topics to support your journey of healing and empowerment. There is a place for healthy recipes, inspiration, some DIY projects to support the imaginative part of your brain. And it’s all done in a private community of like-minded women to support and encourage you on the shared journey.

– Limit spots for 1:1 coaching with me. With decades of experience as a psychologist, I’ve developed a profound understanding of how societal pressures can shape us. I’m here to help you dismantle these influences and reveal your true strengths.

    Learn More About Me…

    The Quiz

    Beach or Mountain

    The beach!  I think God may live there!

    Obsession

    All things Christmas—In fact I  think we should dump Halloween

    Can’t Live Without

    Dark Chocolate

    Coffee or Tea

    Starbucks Venti Chai Tea Latte, skim milk, only three pumps with no water or foam and extra hot

    Favorite Show to Binge

    Madam Secretary—is it obsessive if I have binged the entire series 5 times?

    Topics That Keep Me Talking

    Oh, there are so many—just ask my teachers over the years. Currently, it is about being a new grandma to my precious Isla Jane.

    Hidden Talent

    Repurposing furniture and household items –I love power tools!

    Something Only Those Close To You Know

    I can get loopy on the neck of a beer and then sing (really well—I think) “What’s New Pussy Cat” by Tom Jones

    Guilty Pleasure

    Makeup, plants, foot rubs and mint chocolate chip ice cream (sorry—couldn’t decide on one)

    Alternative Universe Job

    Neurosurgeon—In graduate school I used to hang out in the cadaver lab—I am fascinated and in awe of the brain

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