We can always be reminded that who we are inside, matters, not just what people can see on the outside and the same is for the products we use. Through taking her health into her own hands and researching solutions to her health challenges, Kate realised that the so-called healthy products and the food we use and consume daily are not all that they seem to be.

Join Inside Matters as Kate looks inside matters of wellbeing and shares more about what she has learned and the changes she's made to her life to improve her health. 

One of my passions is being able to educate and support others looking to improve their health from the comfort of their own homes, whether that’s someone with a chronic illness or someone looking to improve an aspect of their health – wanting more of, or less of something in their life.

I am a mum who lives in West Auckland and loves sports and our beautiful NZ outdoors. For 20 + years my health has been challenged by a genetic disorder called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which was un-diagnosed until 2019. EDS affects how the body makes collagen and therefore impacts your connective tissue along with disrupting numerous body systems. As a result, I developed an immune system condition, Mast Cell Activation Disorder, which lead to multiple allergies, intolerances, and chemical sensitivities, and then Myalgia Encephalomyelitis (ME) commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Since my diagnoses in 2018 and 2020, it's been a journey researching and trialing various treatments and lifestyle changes to support my physical and mental well-being and recovery. With these illnesses not being well recognised in the mainstream medical system, the majority of things that have helped are alternative therapies, medicines that are not funded, or treatments that require knowing the right doctor or specialist who understands the condition. Navigating the health system (public, private and alternative) has been a project in itself and by sharing my story I am hoping something I share may help someone else in a similar situation. 

Despite the impact these conditions have had on my life since my early 20s, I have always strived to live my best life. I played sport to a high level as a teenager but had to give this up when I was 21 and turned my focus to my career and dabbling in art. I fell into the event management space working on community events, which lead to an established career in project management. Highlights in my career included working for a Leadership development organisation based in London, but working in parts of Africa, Russia, China, and Brazil, then volunteering with an organisation that worked with Street Children in Tanzania. Then on my return to NZ, I worked for Youthline Auckland and Auckland Council's Community Action Youth and Drugs team, until I transitioned my career into the health and wellbeing space. 

These experiences have humbled and motivated me to always work in a way where I can make a difference in others' lives.