About Me

Hi, I’m Jae, a nutrition coach, holistic health coach, herbalist, Crystal & Reiki Practitioner, and certified Yoga & Meditation teacher. My heart-centered approach to healing in rooted in the belief that healing yourself is an empowering experience. I want to help you take back control of your health and reconnect with your body & spirit so you can truly thrive.

My own journey has been anything but simple. I spent nearly two decades as an internationally-produced playwright and theater artist, pouring my energy into a demanding career—until burnout led me to re-evaluate everything. Realizing I’d neglected my own healing and self-care, I decided to make a change. I quit alcohol, immersed myself in herbalism, and dedicated myself to nutrition and healthy living.

Raised in an abusive home and a survivor of trauma, I’ve learned firsthand how challenging the path to healing can be. Breaking free of my family of origin deepened my resilience and reinforced my commitment to supporting others on their healing paths. From a young age, I found comfort and connection in meditation, crystals and nature. By the time I was ten years old, my deep compassion for animals and the planet led me to become a lifelong vegetarian, giving up meat as part of a compassionate life.

Travel has also been a powerful teacher. My spiritual journey has taken me across the globe—from the spiritual centers of China, Israel, and Tibet to the breathtaking landscapes of the American Southwest. One of my most transformative experiences was hiking the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail for six months. In the wilderness, I reconnected with my love for nature and unearthed a profound inner strength I didn’t know I possessed.

Upon returning to New York City, friends began calling me “Gaia”—a name that felt like a perfect reflection of my journey and passion for healing. In 2017, I founded Urban Gaia to help others heal and connect in the same way. I began by selling crystals, holding healing circles and teaching classes across New York City on crystal healing and herbalism. As a spiritual coach, I worked one-on-one with clients, guiding them through their own unique journeys. My work has evolved and expanded to include herbalism & nutrition - educating and helping people to feel empowered and whole.

Over the past decade, I have immersed myself in holistic healing, earning certifications in Nutrition & Healthy Living from Cornell University, studying Herbalism with Rosemary Gladstar, and training as a meditation guide and trauma-informed yoga teacher (RYT-200 from YogaFarm Ithaca.) I’m also a certified Reiki 2 practitioner with additional training in Aromatherapy, Flower Essences, and Crystal Healing. My education and experience allows me to offer a unique blend of healing practices for a holistic approach to your health that is tailored specifically to you.

If you’re ready to transform your health, reconnect with your inner strength and take steps to achieve your health and wellness goals, I’d love to work with you.

Let’s take this journey together. Work with me and take the next step toward a healthier, more empowered you.