Amber’s journey with holistic medicine began at the age of seven following 2 years of struggle with a diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Amber’s mother, Betsy, had brought her to Boston Children’s Hospital in hopes that they could help Amber recover from severe symptoms of fatigue, pain and inflammation. Unfortunately, the children’s medications weren’t helping, and Amber was prescribed adult anti-inflammatories in addition to the 24 baby-aspirin a day. After having not grown for a year, developing Asthma, and having no energy to even play, Betsy decided to bring Amber to a holistic doctor recommended by a close family friend. Dr. Sylvester DeVaux would come to the United States only a few times a year from St. Lucia to support individuals experiencing health crises. Dr. DeVaux utilized a combination of nutritional muscle response testing (NMRT) otherwise known as applied kinesiology, iridology, and traditional Chinese Medicine observations to determine Amber’s protocol. The recommendations consisted of dietary changes and an extensive supplement protocol. Betsy, not wanting to have to fight with or force Amber to eat foods she didn’t like, she decided to discuss the options with Amber like an adult, reviewing pros and cons and giving Amber the option to choose. Amber decided to try the holistic approach and within 3 weeks of starting the nutrition and supplement protocols she began to feel better. Following this recovery and then a relapse at age 10, where Amber had to face the journey of self-healing again, she, with her mother’s support, was able to completely overcome the disease. This early experience planted the seeds for a lifelong passion in mind-body wellness and natural healing. Roughly 20 years after Amber’s battle with JRA, she was given the opportunity to return the favor and support her mother in facing an even greater health challenge, a diagnosis of stage 4 kidney cancer. Amber played a key role in her mother’s healing journey through a combination of support and coaching in selecting a holistic healing cancer facility, balancing and implementing integrative therapies, nutritional and supplement support, energy work, and emotional healing, Amber helped her mother reclaim quality of life and defy the odds in completely overcoming stage 4 kidney cancer. These powerful, personal experiences have helped shape Amber’s deep commitment to helping others discover the power of holistic care. Amber graduated with High Honors in Biology from Mount Holyoke College in 2000, and worked at the National Institutes of Health in the Division of Hematology, studying blood substitutes and the effects of oxidation and antioxidants on cellular health. During this time her work in the lab led to 2 publications in peer reviewed medical journals. Amber went on to work in the biotech sector as well as for a medical publishing company as an editor for peer reviewed journals. Her scientific research experience grounds her holistic work in a strong foundation of evidence-based understanding. In 2009, she began teaching Holistic Healthcare Certification courses for the Washington Institute of Natural Medicine, covering a wide range of topics including Holistic Nutrition, Iridology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, Aromatherapy, and Energy Healing. With support from her graduating students, Amber opened Thrive Wellness Center LLC in 2011 in Northeast Pennsylvania with the mission to educate and support individuals on their health journey utilizing holistic approaches. Thrive served as a community hub for natural healing until 2020 when it transitioned to an online platform with the goal to expand its reach globally. Today, Thrive supports individuals worldwide in reclaiming their health through virtual coaching, education, and retreats. Currently based between the U.S. and Costa Rica, Amber offers 6-month customized wellness coaching programs for individuals with chronic health conditions, basic telehealth memberships for individuals who need lighter support, and holistic certification courses, group wellness retreats (Including Healing with Horses), and private and semi-private retreats on her two-acre cacao farm on the central pacific coast of Costa Rica. Her work blends the science and soul of holistic medicine, empowering clients to heal themselves from the inside out and discover how to live their best life. Amber’s extensive experience and training includes certifications in Holistic Healthcare (2002), Holistic Nutrition (2002), Level 2 Reiki (2003), Master Level Angel Therapy (2003), Instructor for the Washington Institute of Natural Medicine 2009-present, Mentorship work with Dr. Sylvester DeVaux (2008-2012), Founder and Owner of Thrive Wellness Center, LLC (2011- present), Certified Reflexology Practitioner (2019), Certified Intuitive Healer Coach (2021), Reiki Master (2024), and Yoga Teacher Training (2024). She also completed an 18-month self-development program with Training Camp for the Soul from 2022-2024.
