Meet Gene
Owner | Nurse Practitioner
About
I graduated from Furman University in 2002 with an undergraduate degree in Health and Exercise Science. I went to nursing school at MUSC where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in nursing, followed by my Master’s Degree and Advanced Practice Nursing License (as a certified nurse-midwife).
I started my career caring for women as a Labor and Delivery nurse. I, then, worked as a Certified Nurse Midwife caring for obstetric and gynecological patients in the clinic, as well, as taking care of laboring and postpartum women in the hospital setting.
In 2014, I continued taking care of patients’ gynecological needs and bioidentical hormone optimization. I completed coursework through the Academy of Preventive and Innovative Medicine for training in bioidentical hormone optimization.
In 2017, I began my functional medicine training through the Institute for Functional Medicine. I have completed their cornerstone course Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice and the 7 Advanced Practice Modules offered through IFM.
Why Functional Medicine?
It just makes sense (for management of life-altering symptoms, chronic disease, and to to allow you to feel you best). It gives people hope (when conventional medicine has failed). It is the most fun and life-giving way to practice medicine.
Now, that is not to say I don’t need or want conventional medicine. It is absolutely necessary for acute care/illness. Conventional medicine definitely saves lives and has its place.
Having experience and training in both functional and conventional medicine gives me the lens to see that it is not an “either/or” but often a “both/and”. I love being able to offer patients more options and the opportunity to be a leader in their own healthcare.
What is Rising Tide to you?
Rising Tide Wellness is a labor of love and a project full of hope.
The desire to create Rising Tide Wellness was born out of love for my patients, for Erin, and for myself. I knew practicing in the conventional medical system that I was not caring for patients in the best most authentic way that I could. Rising Tide is in existence because we knew there was a more impactful way to deliver care. I knew I needed to be able to serve patients in a way that creates and nourishes connection and that empowers patients to be in the driver’s seat as it relates to their own health and life.
Rising Tide Wellness is the structure and platform that allows these things to happen in a way that provides hope. With that hope comes healing, and through healing we start to see what else is available…for our bodies and for our lives. I have experienced this is my own life AND the lives of the many we have had the opportunity to care for.
We are able to offer a health care experience that is NOTHING like what most people have ever had. We are able to give you the tools to physically heal and optimize your health. And then, it’s the transformation that arises when the physical body is no longer limited where life really begins to change! We love that opportunity to walk beside you to be your coach and your guide. Rising Tide was created to meet our patients right where they are and help them go to where they want to be.
What areas in your life do you see opportunities for growth?
I believe my growth edge in this season of my life is the daily practice acceptance and surrender….letting go and trusting that whatever circumstance comes my way is for my greater good. My natural way of being (that has ultimately allowed me to create a life I love) is that of DOING…and often, if I’m being honest, manipulating and controlling. My opportunity now is to lean into BEING…..finding joy in my work, my people, and my life. I want to experience compassion, non-judgement, and kindness regardless of circumstance, and I want others experience of me to be the same.
I had a mentor tell me one time….what if you chose not to allow anyone’s actions/words reaction disrupt your peace? THAT is my goal!
More About Gene!
Family:
I married my high school sweetheart, Rusty, in 2004. We have grown up together and it feels like such a gift to be able to keep going on that journey together. He holds my hand to the fire and constantly encourages me to work to be the best version of myself.
Our kids, Holman, Geni, and Nora have changed who we are and who we thought we wanted to be. We are constantly learning as much from them as we hope they are from us. They are precious gifts that motivate and inspire me to never stop growing.
In addition, I am so thankful to have my parents, sisters, and their families living close by. They are all a huge part of our lives, for which there is truly no replacement. Doing life with them all gives my kids, my husband, and me a deeper sense of belonging, community, and the realization that we ARE part of something bigger than ourselves.
Favorite book:
The Surrender Experiment, by Michael Singer. I love a memoir and especially this one. I listen to it on repeat at night before I go to bed.
Top played song on your Spotify account: Seasons of Love (from Rent)
Favorite quote:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” ~Martin Luther King