From the moment I finshed training, I hit the ground running—straight into the chaotic, fast-paced world of the emergency room. I spent over a decade working in the ER, and it was there that I met my husband, a firefighter. We crossed paths during my internship, and from then on, our lives have been nothing short of an adventure.
We got married and had three kids back-to-back. As any mom knows, those early years were pure chaos—beautiful, exhausting chaos. I was trying to keep up with motherhood, a demanding job, and the weight of life itself. And it was starting to show. Chronic stress, anxiety, and fatigue became my daily companions. My body was screaming for help, but I didn’t know how to listen.
I remember feeling like I was drowning. No matter how much I slept, I never felt rested. I’d get dizzy spells, my hormones were all over the place, and the brain fog was constant. My weight started creeping up despite my best efforts, and nothing seemed to help. I was a patient at the doctor’s office over and over, searching for answers, but all I got were blank stares and more prescriptions. No one was asking the right questions. No one was looking at the bigger picture.
I was frustrated. I was exhausted. But I was also determined. Deep down, I knew there had to be a better way. I started digging, researching everything I could about holistic health, and that’s when I discovered functional medicine. I dove headfirst into the world of alternative health, pouring over books, taking courses, and learning from some of the best practitioners out there. Everything I read and studied just made sense.
At the same time, I made a huge shift in my career. I stepped away from the high-energy demands of ER work and transitioned to a behind-the-scenes management role. This move allowed me to focus on my own healing and education. It was a leap of faith, but it was exactly what I needed. I started applying what I was learning to my own life, and little by little, I began to feel better.
Eventually, my family and I moved to the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, trading the city’s hustle for a slower, more intentional lifestyle. And it was there, surrounded by nature and the space to breathe, that I finally embraced the calling that had been on my heart for a decade—to start my own practice. Modern Holistic Wellness Center was born out of my own journey from chronic stress, anxiety, and fatigue to genuine healing.
Looking back, I can see how every step led me to this place. It’s amazing to think that the dream that was planted so many years ago is now my reality. Today, I get to help others find their own path to wellness, using the same tools and strategies that changed my life. And I couldn’t be more grateful for this journey. 🌿💚
Written by Mikayla Mersereau, IHP2
Founder of Modern Holistic, Mikayla blends her 16+ years of emergency department experience with a passion for functional medicine and root-cause healing. She specializes in helping women (and men) rebalance hormones, restore gut health, and feel like themselves again—without the overwhelm.
Explore virtual and in-person wellness care at www.modernholistic.org
