My Story:  They Why Behind the Journey

Years ago, I stepped into a new full-time role teaching first grade in my community. What I didn’t realize then was how much the stress and chaos of that year would impact my body. I made it through, but as soon as summer arrived, my health began to unravel. I developed strange symptoms—extreme fatigue, joint pain, a swollen hip, and a rash across my face and chest.

Doctor visits became frequent, but answers were hard to come by. At one point, I faced a possible inflammatory breast cancer diagnosis and was placed on a high-dose, long-term steroid regimen. Eventually, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. For me, those steroids were a wake-up call—I knew I didn’t want to depend on them for the rest of my life. That moment became the turning point that set me on a mission: to seek out alternative ways to support and heal my body.

Through years of research and trial and error, I discovered the powerful role that nutrition, exercise, faith, meditation, sleep, and stress reduction play in restoring health. As I began changing my habits and experimenting with different approaches, I noticed clear connections between my lifestyle and how I felt.

Fast forward a few years—like many people, I let things slide. I wasn’t as careful with my food choices or stress management, and slowly, the symptoms crept back. More doctor visits. More medications. That’s when I realized something life-changing: this wasn’t a quick fix. It was a lifelong commitment—not just for me, but for my family too.

So we went all in. I cleaned out the pantry, built a plan, stocked up on nourishing foods, and embraced a lifestyle rooted in wellness. Over time, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside friends and family on their own journeys, and I’ve seen firsthand the amazing transformations that are possible.

Now, I’m here to walk with you. Whether you’re just beginning or recommitting, you don’t have to do this alone. Together, we’ll build a path toward healing and wellness that supports your whole self—body, mind, and spirit.

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”

— 3 John 1:2 (NIV) 

Career

Carey Shannon, DHM, DFM, PhD is a passionate health and wellness educator, functional wellness coach, author, and speaker dedicated to cultivating joy and empowering individuals and families through body, mind, and spirit. With over 30 years of experience spanning traditional education, career technical education, and whole-person wellness, Carey brings a rare and powerful combination of clinical knowledge, academic depth, and heartfelt compassion to everything she does.

Carey holds doctoral-level credentials in Holistic Medicine and Functional Medicine (DHM, DFM, PhD), reflecting advanced, integrative training in root-cause and whole-person wellness approaches. She also holds a Bachelor's and Graduate Degree in Education, along with advanced coursework in anatomy, nutrition, and pharmacology. Additionally, she holds a Career Technical Education credential in Health and Medical Technologies, a Certificate in Health and Wellness, and advanced training in telehealth and blended learning. As a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) with experience in pediatric healthcare settings, Carey brings a strong clinical foundation that informs her educational and wellness work.

An educator at heart, Carey began her career teaching elementary students (K–2), where she discovered her deep love for guiding others in growth and discovery. She went on to teach high school Allied Health and Medical Technologies, inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals, and later served as a college professor and Allied Health program director — helping to build and lead a thriving program that prepared students for careers in healthcare.

Carey is the founder of Carolina Sunshine Wellness, where she guides individuals navigating inflammation, autoimmune conditions, hormone imbalances, and chronic health challenges through a whole-person, anti-inflammatory approach. Her work is rooted in functional wellness principles, lifestyle education, and the belief that true healing begins by addressing the whole person — not just managing symptoms. Through her practice, Carey offers select specialty functional testing packages alongside personalized coaching and education — providing clients with deeper insight into what may be contributing to imbalance in the body and empowering them with practical, sustainable lifestyle strategies. Her programs are educational and coaching in nature and are designed to complement, not replace, care from a licensed medical provider.

Her work also continues to serve middle and high school students through online Allied Health and Medical Technologies programs, and she consults on curriculum design and professional development for health education pathways.

Carey is an experienced and sought-after speaker available for health and wellness conferences, professional development events, school and university programs, community gatherings, and corporate wellness initiatives. Drawing from her unique intersection of clinical healthcare, education, and functional wellness, she delivers presentations that are both evidence-informed and deeply relatable — leaving audiences inspired to take meaningful steps toward whole-person health. Speaking topics include anti-inflammatory lifestyle strategies, family and child wellness, functional medicine foundations, root-cause health approaches, and the future of health education. To inquire about speaking availability, please reach out through CareyShannon.com.

Carey is the author of The Sugar Break Up and the Journey to Wellness Series, as well as Raising Well: The Mindful Child Method — Building a Strong Foundation with Healthy Eating, Movement, and Positivity. She is also the creator of the beloved Traveling Tazi children's book series. Her books and programs are inspired by real-life experience, her love of education, and her unwavering mission to support vibrant health in individuals, children, and families.

Known for her warm, engaging teaching style and her ability to translate complex health concepts into simple, sustainable lifestyle shifts, Carey helps her clients and students live brighter, lighter, and more balanced lives — one joyful step at a time.

I have been blessed to share over 32 wonderful years of marriage with my amazing husband, Patrick — my greatest adventure partner and constant source of support. Together, we raised two incredible grown children who continue to fill our lives with joy, laughter, and inspiration every single day.

As a family, we have always believed that the best way to truly experience the world is to slow down and become part of it. Rather than passing through as tourists, we have spent extended time living alongside the communities and cultures we visit — learning their rhythms, sharing their tables, and discovering the ways people around the world nurture their health, happiness, and connection. These rich, immersive experiences became the heartbeat behind my wellness adventure travel itineraries, where exploration and whole-person wellness go hand in hand.

When I am not working, you will find me outdoors, staying active, and soaking up the simple joys — long walks, quality time with family and friends, and moments of stillness that restore the spirit. I am a firm believer that joy itself is a wellness practice, and I try to live that truth every day.

Faith, adventure, balance, and gratitude are not just words to me — they are the foundation of how I live, love, and lead. And they are the same values I am honored to carry into every coaching session, workshop, classroom, and conversation I share with the incredible people on this journey with me.