Hygiea Health & Wellness

About

Hey there, I’m Cathy—Owner of Hygiea Health & Wellness and Founder of The Institute of Breath. I’m here to help you rediscover your true self, heal from life's hardest moments, and feel empowered to navigate whatever comes next.

My journey began over a decade ago when my younger sister was diagnosed with a rare form of Malignant Melanoma. She was just out of her teens, and I was in my early twenties. Watching her decline so quickly, I made the decision to bring her home for in-home hospice care. Little did I know, that choice would profoundly shift the course of my life. Taking care of my sister through the most heartbreaking and challenging time taught me more than I ever expected about love, resilience, and the complexities of grief.

The years that followed were filled with emotions I didn’t know how to process—confusion, anger, and deep sorrow. It was then that I realized how much trauma can shape our lives, and I began my journey as a therapist. Driven by a deep curiosity about the human mind and a desire to help others, I dove into Grief and Integrative Health, determined to find a way to help others through their pain and struggles.

Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of guiding many people through their darkest times. Through our work together, they’ve found peace, reclaimed their inner voice, and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. I consider myself more of a guide than a traditional therapist—think of me as your personal mentor, here to equip you with the tools you need to navigate your own epic journey.

I use a highly individualized approach because, to me, you are a VIP. I see my role as a therapist like a guide or teacher – think Yoda, Glenda the Good Witch, Dumbledore, or insert your favorite movie-hero mentor! You are the rising star of your epic fairytale. My part is to ensure you have the right tools, maps, and directions to get you to your happily ever after feeling.

You deserve a safe and nurturing space to explore your pain and manifest joy. Together, we’ll uncover the roots of your stress and develop powerful coping strategies. Using a combination of traditional therapy, breathwork, somatic exercises, and techniques that access the unconscious mind, we’ll unlock your authentic voice and help you feel more in control of your life.

I know that life-altering change can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. I’m here to support, validate, and inspire you as you transition from just surviving to truly thriving. Whether you're navigating grief, trauma, or simply feeling stuck, I’ll walk alongside you every step of the way, guiding you toward healing, balance, and resilience.

Outside of my practice, I love hiking the beautiful mountains of New Hampshire, trying new recipes (though I might not win "Nailed It!"), and spending time with my two boys—my oldest son, who proudly serves in the United States Air Force, and my youngest, who keeps me on my toes with his wild spirit. My family and our house full of animals remind me of the beauty in life’s chaos, and I cherish the quiet moments in between.

I’m here to shake things up in the best way possible—supporting you, guiding you, and helping you get back to being you again. Let’s unlock your potential together.

My Skills

M.S., Psychology (Southern New Hampshire University)
Certified Trauma and Recovery Practitioner – Harvard Extension School
Grief and Bereavement Counseling – American Academy of Grief Counseling at AIHCP
Certified Holistic Nutrition Health Coach – Institute for Integrative Nutrition
Certified Integrative Health Practitioner
Certified Mental Health Practitioner
Certificate in Natural and Herbal Medicine

Professional Associations / Memberships

International Association of Healthcare Practitioners

International Breathwork Foundation

Global Professional Breathwork Alliance