Hola, I’m Meli!
True resilience isn’t just about pushing through,
it’s about knowing when to restore.
My journey: from survival to real energy
I didn’t just study resilience, I lived it.
At 11, after losing my father, my world changed overnight. My mother introduced me to functional medicine and holistic healing, but I had no idea how deeply I’d need those tools later in life.
In my early 20s, I was unknowingly pushing my body beyond its limits: overtraining, under-fueling, and living in a constant state of stress. I thought I was doing everything right, working out hard, eating “clean,” and staying productive. But instead of thriving, I was battling panic attacks, chronic fatigue, and metabolic burnout. No amount of exercise or dieting could fix it.
That’s when I discovered the truth: resilience isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about learning to recover, restore, and regulate.
Today, I guide clients using a body-centered approach to functional nutrition, where physiology, movement, and regulation come together to support real energy and long-term resilience. My method is rooted in three pillars: nervous system awareness, energy pattern recognition, and metabolic support.
I focus on root-cause strategies that go beyond quick fixes to help each person reconnect with their body, restore vitality, and feel strong from the inside out.
Through functional nutrition, nervous system regulation, and movement designed for healing not just output, I finally began to feel like myself again. I rebuilt my metabolism, my nervous system, and my relationship with my body.
Now, I help others do the same.
Why I do this work?
I see so many high-performers, athletes, and driven professionals stuck in the same cycle I was in thinking exhaustion is normal, overtraining instead of recovering, and believing that feeling “off” is just part of life.
But the truth is: energy isn’t just about food or fitness, it’s about how well your body adapts and recovers.
That’s why my work blends physiology, compassion, and real-life strategy because healing isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what actually works for your body.
My Signature Approach
✔ Nervous system regulation to stop the stress spiral
✔ Functional nutrition & fueling strategies tailored to active and athletic physiology
✔ Science-rooted movement plans that work with your energy, not against it
✔ Coaching that balances metabolism, hormones, and lifestyle for sustainable, real-life results
My Credentials & Experience
I hold a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition (MScN), a Post-Graduate Diploma in Sports Nutrition (Dip. IOPN), and I’m a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist (LDN), and Certified Personal Trainer (CPT). I’m currently pursuing a Doctorate in Integrative Health, with a focus on women’s wellness, nervous system regulation, and metabolic recovery.
Over the past 17+ years, I’ve worked with professionals and athletes from companies like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Kaiser Permanente. I also spent over a decade leading workshops around the world as a Zumba Fitness choreographer and global presenter, where I deepened my understanding of how movement, metabolism, and recovery are deeply interconnected.
My practice combines clinical insight with lived experience and a whole lot of heart. It’s rooted in a trauma-informed approach that respects the nervous system and honors each person’s unique story.
Certifications and Licenses
Projects
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Bold: Wellness for Active Aging
Featuring on-demand and live movement classes, functional nutrition support, and practical resources for longevity, like healthy eating blogs and podcast episodes designed to keep you strong, energized, and empowered through every stage of life.
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Zumba®
For over 8 years, I led choreography creation, on-demand video content, and instructor trainings for Zumba®, including presenting at the world’s largest fitness conference. I helped bring over 600+ routines to life, impacting more than 5,000 ZIN™ members worldwide.
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Fitness Coach & Educator
Over 19 years of experience coaching for top fitness brands like Equinox, Crunch, 24 Hour Fitness, Uforia Studios, and Orangetheory. Roles have spanned from instructor to program designer and manager, blending movement science with real-world experience to lead impactful, high-energy classes.
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Corporate Wellness Programming
Led fitness classes, healthy lifestyle talks, workshops, and on-demand education for companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, Kaiser Permanente, SCAD, and more. Focused on energizing teams, boosting productivity, and creating a culture of well-being in the workplace.
Fun facts:
I’m originally from Caracas, Venezuela, and proudly bring my Latina roots into everything I do.
I choreographed and presented at Zumba® Conferences for 8 years, dancing is still my favorite form of therapy.
My playlists are always on point (yes, even the cooldowns).
I’m an introvert at heart and love recharging with my dog, Blueberry the Havanese.
Personal development is my jam, I’m always learning, evolving, and helping others do the same.
