I’ve lived with life-threatening allergies to numerous foods (including peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, potato and more) as well as having environmental allergies and asthma my entire life.
During my senior year of college, I did an independent study on the rise in prevalence of children with food allergies. I realized as I interviewed parents, that many were fearful and seeking guidance on how to teach their children to navigate the world safely with allergies. I was raised by parents who understood a child’s need for independence.
My parents showed me how to become the self-reliant, adventurous, world traveler that I am today. I realized I could put my allergy expertise to good use by guiding others to live and thrive with food allergies.
In 2008, there were still very few blogs and social media was just on the cusp 
of becoming popular. When I created the blog Miss Allergic Reactor, I saw a need and wanted to help others understand from the allergic child point-of-view. With a Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism, I figured it was also a way to keep writing while pursuing other passions.
The following year, I applied to an intensive ten-month graduate school program to receive my Masters in Education. For the past eight years, I have been a full time fourth grade teacher (in Boston and Italy) as well as writing, speaking, and participating actively in the food allergy community.
I’ve been featured in multiple publications, including the New York Times. I have also been interviewed by NPR, the BBC and continue to freelance write for many of the top allergy publications across the country including Allergic Living Magazine, where I write Travel Features.
This website has been through many makeovers in its ten year existence. I am proud of this journey and all that I have learned along the way. I believe in the importance of building community 
and empowering this next generation of “allergic reactors” to pursue their passions without allowing allergies to get in their way.
In honor of Allergy Awareness month in May of 2016, I created #EmpowerFAkids to build a space to share empowering allergy moments in the community.
My love of travel has taken me all over the world on irreplaceable adventures. With my Tuesday Travel Tips on Instagram and many posts about my adventures across the globe, I continue to pave the path for travelers in the allergy community.
My extensive knowledge of Italy has also led me to assist numerous families with safe travels throughout the country.
Since I grew up not knowing anyone else with life-threatening food allergies, I understand how isolating it can feel at times, but was also raised by parents who empowered me to see past that and to live life to the fullest. For this reason, I hope to continue to inspire and empower others in the allergy community with my continued dedication to Miss Allergic Reactor.
