From Crisis to Clarity:
How Gut-Brain Health Changed Our Family's Story
Hello, I'm Bethany,
a Physician Assistant turned holistic wellness educator, helping moms and families heal from the inside out through the gut-brain axis.
For years, I did everything I was “supposed” to do.
I was a busy physician assistant, a devoted mom, and someone who trusted the medical system because I was trained by it. But nothing prepared me for what happened when my daughter’s mental health spiraled into a full-blown crisis.
In February 2022, she was hospitalized after experiencing extreme side effects from psychiatric medications — including suicidal thoughts, massive weight gain, and emotional numbness. It was every parent’s worst nightmare. And to make it even harder, the support we needed just wasn’t there.
We were left on our own, juggling inadequate medications and watching our girl continue to struggle. That experience left lasting trauma—not just for her, but for me too.
I was in constant fight-or-flight mode. Burned out. Desperate for answers. And filled with guilt that, as a PA, I hadn’t known what else to do.
But God wasn’t done with our story...
In our search for healing, I stumbled across something unexpected: the gut-brain axis. I learned how specific strains of probiotics could support mood, focus, resilience, and even behavior — naturally, without side effects. Skeptical but desperate, we tried a mental wellness drink designed to support the gut-brain connection.
Within weeks, I started seeing my daughter come back to life. Her impulsivity softened. Her moods stabilized. Her sparkle returned. And for the first time in a long time… we had hope!
I started drinking it too. My burnout lifted. My energy returned. I began to feel myself again. And I realized something powerful:
If I had known this years ago, I would’ve practiced medicine so differently.
Now, I’m on a mission to share what I’ve learned—
so that other families don’t have to walk through the same dark valley we did.
Today, I Teach What I Wish I’d Known
I help moms and families support mental health from the inside out using gut-brain science, holistic tools, and community support. With my background as a PA and my heart as a mom, I combine evidence-based education with lived experience.
I created Rise Up to Wellness as a place for healing, hope, and taking one empowered step at a time.
Whether you’re here for the Rise to Thrive 6-Week Challenge, joining our Book Club (RUTW Reads),
or just grabbing a free Mental Wellness Bingo to start feeling better…
You belong here. And I’m so glad we’ve connected.
Want to Make Mental Wellness Fun Again?
Grab your FREE Mental Wellness BINGO board and start feeling better — one small win at a time!
This isn’t your average self-care checklist.
It’s a simple, engaging way to build healthy habits around:
✅ Gut health
✅ Mental clarity
✅ Better sleep
✅ Consistent energy
✅ Calm and resilience
Every square is designed to support your
gut-brain connection
— and you can start any day of the month!
🎁 It’s totally FREE and includes:
A printable BINGO board
Daily challenges that take 5–10 minutes
Motivation + accountability in our wellness community
Prizes + giveaways when you finish a row!
👉Get My Free Bingo Board
Let’s make healing fun again.
Ready to play Mental Wellness BINGO?
Want more accountability and daily support?
Check out our Rise to Thrive Challenge
if you’re ready for more structure and support to accelerate your results!
Ready to Feel Better from the Inside Out?
Join the Rise to Thrive Challenge!
— a feel-good kickstart to your mental wellness journey through simple daily habits that nourish your
gut, brain, and body.
💧 Hydration.
🥗 Nutrition.
🚶 Movement.
😴 Sleep.
🧠 Supplements that support your mood & clarity.
This isn’t just another checklist — it’s a science-backed system designed to help you feel calmer, clearer, and more energized in just a few minutes a day.
What you'll get:
✨Daily motivation + mini habits to build momentum
✨Email support to guide you every step of the way
✨A private community for accountability and support
✨Exclusive invites to live trainings and more!
✨ It’s your time to THRIVE!
Ready to get started?
Rise Up to Wellness Reads!
Are you ready to feed your mind, spark your creativity, and connect with a community of curious, like-minded individuals?
Rise Up to Wellness Reads is more than a book club—it’s a space to explore ideas, reflect, and discover practical strategies to support your mental clarity, focus, and overall wellness.
Each month, we dive into books that combine science, personal growth, and actionable insights, helping you stretch your mind while learning new ways to thrive. Through guided prompts, thoughtful exercises, and interactive discussions, you’ll engage deeply with the material and with others on a similar journey.
Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking to carve out time for meaningful reflection, our book club offers a supportive environment to:
✨Expand your knowledge and perspective
✨Engage in thought-provoking discussions
✨Apply ideas to your daily life for lasting impact
✨Connect with a community of wellness-minded individuals
Join us and make reading, reflecting, and connecting a joyful and enriching part of your wellness journey.
Welcome to Redefining Happy Hour!
It’s time to rethink what “happy hour” really means.
Redefining Happy Hour is all about creating moments of connection, reflection, and wellness—without the pressure of perfection.
Join us for guided discussions, thought-provoking exercises, and opportunities to connect with a supportive community.
Each session is designed to help you:
✨Pause, reset, and recharge
✨Explore ideas that inspire personal growth
✨Connect with others who are on a similar journey
✨Make wellness, mindfulness, and joy a regular part of your life
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, connection, or simply a way to make your evenings more meaningful, Redefining Happy Hour gives you the tools and community to do it.
Join My Rise Up to Wellness Community
Rise Up to Wellness is a supportive community dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to better mental wellness by focusing on the powerful gut-brain connection. Through education, inspiration, and practical tools, we help you boost your mental clarity, mood, and overall well-being—starting from the inside out. This is also home to my Walking Club and Rise Up to Wellness Reads Book Club! Stay tuned for more on those coming soon!