Julie Ruggins
Bouton,IA
Summary
Experienced healthcare professional with strong foundation in naturopathic medicine. Adept at patient care, herbal medicine, and nutritional counseling. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with teams to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Known for adaptability and results-driven approach. Skilled in holistic patient assessment, treatment planning, and wellness education.
Although I have been self employed for many years, I originally started my journey as a Herbalist in a small Apothecary in London England, this gave me the opportunity to work as a team and learn from my mentors, this practice was sold and so gave me the opportunity to have the confidence to start my own practice. I have now relocated to the USA and have just acquired my Greencard after a year, starting a practice on my own is not something I feel I would like to do at this moment in time. As I am new to this country and am looking to find community, friendships and working with others. Working as a lone practitioner can be very isolating when you have no back-up network. As I have not put down any roots so far, I am looking for the right way to begin my life and what I do and build my life around that.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Naturopath
Self-employeed
12.2018 - 10.2025
- Conducted comprehensive patient assessments to develop individualized treatment plans.
- Utilized botanical medicine and homeopathy to address diverse health concerns effectively.
- Educated patients on lifestyle modifications to promote overall wellness and disease prevention.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to integrate naturopathic principles into conventional treatments.
- Led workshops on nutrition, herbal remedies, and holistic health for patient education initiatives.
- Implemented stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation into treatment plans for enhanced mental wellbeing.
- Managed daily operations of a successful naturopathic practice, including scheduling appointments, maintaining records, and handling financial transactions.
- Developed strong relationships with local health food stores and herbal suppliers to ensure the availability of high-quality supplements for patients.
- Utilized diagnostic tools such as laboratory testing and imaging studies to accurately identify underlying health issues in patients.
- Stayed current with advances in naturopathic medicine by attending conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses regularly.
- Increased patient compliance with treatment plans by providing ongoing support, resources, and education.
- Provided compassionate care with excellent listening skills during initial consultations to establish trust with new clients.
- Conducted in-depth consultations to uncover root causes of patients'' health concerns, leading to more effective treatments.
Plant-Based Health Coach
Self-employeed
12.2018 - 10.2025
- Developed personalized wellness plans to enhance client health outcomes.
- Conducted individual assessments to identify client goals and barriers.
- Facilitated educational workshops on nutrition and exercise techniques.
- Monitored client progress, providing motivation and support for adherence.
- Implemented behavior change strategies to improve lifestyle habits effectively.
- Guided clients in setting realistic goals, implementing effective action plans, and monitoring progress for long-term success.
- Evaluated client progress regularly, adjusting coaching approaches as needed for optimal results.
- Supported implementation of patient health plan, weight loss programs and personalized fitness and exercise programs.
- Enhanced clients'' understanding of nutrition and exercise, resulting in better overall health and wellbeing.
Herbalist/CNHP/ Health Coach
Self-employeed
09.2014 - 10.2025
- Developed customized herbal remedies to address client health concerns and promote wellness.
- Conducted thorough consultations to assess individual needs and recommend suitable herbal solutions.
- Researched and sourced high-quality herbs, ensuring optimal efficacy and safety for clients.
- Educated clients on the benefits and uses of various herbs, enhancing their understanding and engagement.
- Collaborated with local health professionals to integrate holistic approaches into patient care strategies.
- Enhanced patient wellness by conducting thorough consultations and creating personalized herbal remedies.
- Used holistic approach to advise patients on diet, exercise, lifestyle and emotional wellbeing.
- Grew and produced herbal remedies for patient use such as peppermint, thyme and lavender.
- Expanded clientele base by offering workshops and seminars on herbalism, natural health, and holistic living practices.
- Maintained stock levels and ordered new stock to meet expected increases in demands.
- Studied healing properties of plants and herbs to treat patients and offer natural alternatives to modern medicine.
- Optimized production processes for handcrafted herbal remedies, resulting in reduced waste and improved efficiency.
- Improved client adherence to treatment plans by providing comprehensive instructions on how to prepare and consume custom-blended remedies correctly.
- Undertook follow-up appointments to assess patient progress and make changes to herbal medicine.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing in-depth education on the benefits and proper usage of herbal products.
- Prioritized safety by staying up-to-date on the latest research regarding herb-drug interactions, contraindications, and potential side effects.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and inviting shop environment that encouraged customers to explore diverse product offerings.
- Elevated customer experience through attentive listening, empathetic communication, and personalized recommendations for optimal health outcomes.
- Established trust among clients by adhering to strict confidentiality guidelines when handling sensitive personal information.
- Developed strong relationships with local suppliers, ensuring access to high-quality and ethically-sourced herbs.
- Marketed and promoted business by leveraging social media, building website and advertising in local sources.
- Gained information from patients about previous physical medical history and symptoms by conducting interviews and asking direct questions.
- Taught meditation and breathing exercises while using aromatherapy to lower heart and stress rates.
- Utilized behavior change techniques to empower clients in making sustainable lifestyle adjustments.
Yoga Instructor
Self-employeed
05.2005 - 10.2025
- Developed personalized yoga sequences to meet diverse client needs and enhance overall wellness.
- Facilitated group classes, promoting community engagement and fostering a supportive environment among participants.
- Conducted one-on-one sessions, tailoring instruction to individual fitness levels and health goals.
- Organized workshops focusing on advanced yoga practices and holistic health education for community outreach.
- Educated clients on the benefits of a consistent yoga practice for stress reduction, improved flexibility, and overall mental clarity.
- Planned and led yoga classes by selecting appropriate poses and sequences to meet abilities of individual students.
- Provided guidance and instruction on breathing techniques, meditation and other elements of yoga practice.
- Maintained positive relationships with class members through personalized and knowledgeable service.
- Developed tailored yoga programs for clients with specific health concerns or injuries to ensure safe practice.
- Explained different yoga styles and poses to students.
- Emphasized inclusivity in class design, accommodating a diverse range of ages, fitness levels, and abilities through modifications and variations on postures.
- Arrived early to set up room, greet students, and answer questions.
- Kept studio area safe, organized, and comfortable for students.
Auricular Acupnicturist
Self-employeed
12.2007 - 06.2024
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Certified Pilates Instructor
Self Employed Services
03.2003 - 06.2024
- Designed and delivered tailored Pilates programs to enhance client fitness levels and overall well-being.
- Led group classes while ensuring proper technique and alignment to maximize safety and effectiveness.
- Conducted assessments of client progress, adapting programs to meet evolving needs and goals.
- Collaborated with wellness team to promote holistic health solutions integrating Pilates into broader fitness plans.
- Established connections with local healthcare providers to promote referrals for patients seeking rehabilitative exercise programs through Pilates training.
- Assisted clients in achieving their personal fitness goals by providing ongoing encouragement and support throughout their journey.
- Advised clients on proper nutrition and lifestyle habits to complement their Pilates practice, promoting a holistically healthy approach to personal wellness.
- Attended continuing education classes to maintain current knowledge.
- Kept facilities and equipment clean and organized.
- Adapted classes to meet needs of participants with varying fitness levels.
- Developed engaging workshops to educate clients on Pilates principles and injury prevention techniques.
Education
Master of Science - Alternative Medicine
College of Naturopathic Medicine
London,UK07-2018
Bachelor of Science - Herbal Medicine
Middlesex University
London, UK09-2014
High School Diploma -
Ashford Six Form College
London, UK07-1978
High School Diploma -
Kneller Girls School
London, UK06-1976
Skills
- Holistic assessment
- Health promotion strategies
- Stress management strategies
- Mental health awareness
- Supplement recommendations
- Allergy testing
- Homeopathic treatment
- Nutritional counseling
- Clinical diagnosis proficiency
- Laboratory test interpretation
Accomplishments
I have successfully run a practice since qualifying as a Herbalist in 2014, whilst continuing to add to my knowledge qualifying as a Naturopath in 2018, which greatly enriched my practice and gave me additional still to serve my patients.
I consider myself to be a diverse practitioner always looking to continue my learning and include other appropriate skills to benefit the ways in which I can help my patients, giving them the best possible outcome for their optimum health and wellbeing.
Certification
Bachelor of Science
College of Naturopathic Medicine Diploma
OCR Teaching Exercise and Fitness - Pilates/Yoga Instructor
The College of Chinese Medicine- Auricular Acupuncturist
Fundamental & Advanced Kinesio Taping
Timeline
Naturopath
Self-employeed
12.2018 - 10.2025
Plant-Based Health Coach
Self-employeed
12.2018 - 10.2025
Herbalist/CNHP/ Health Coach
Self-employeed
09.2014 - 10.2025
Auricular Acupnicturist
Self-employeed
12.2007 - 06.2024
Yoga Instructor
Self-employeed
05.2005 - 10.2025
Certified Pilates Instructor
Self Employed Services
03.2003 - 06.2024
Master of Science - Alternative Medicine
College of Naturopathic Medicine
Bachelor of Science - Herbal Medicine
Middlesex University
High School Diploma -
Ashford Six Form College
High School Diploma -
Kneller Girls School