I was born and raised in the Bay Area, brought up in an environment full of diversity and culture where I could be open-minded, ambitious, and naturally a food connoisseur. I enjoy working in collaborative settings in my academics, work, and sports, having a love for new experiences and perspectives every day.After receiving my B.S in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behaviors (NPB) and my minor in Psychology from UC Davis, I am now studying to be a Doctor of Physical Therapy at USAHS in Austin, Tx. I am the founder of the RIVER Health Coach Program which effectively provides free lifestyle coaching to underserved communities. In addition, I use my passion for healthy change as a health coach for my clients through James Yu Wellness. I have extensive experience in the physical therapy outpatient clinic, have conducted exercise and nutrition counseling for clients and volunteerism, created and led health curricula for Bret Harte Elementary School students, aiding health professionals at the UC Davis Medical Center ICU and Physical Therapy Unit, and collaborating with leaders within CommuniCare Health Centers and Nourish Yolo. Passionate about well-being and public health, I worked for the underserved populations in the greater Sacramento area and Yolo County, having led as former president of a non-profit preventative health organization, Recognizing Illness Very Early and Responding (R.I.V.E.R.).I aspire to be a physical therapist and start my own practice in the underserved communities I've worked with in order to promote therapy, preventative medicine, and health coaching alike.
