kate o’connor, RN MSN, FNP-C
Kate O’Connor founded Optimal Health & Wellness in 2023 as a haven for those seeking a balanced and holistic approach to health and beauty. OHW is the culmination of Kate’s lifelong passion for medical science blended seamlessly with the art of aesthetics.
Early Inspirations and Diverse Interests
Kate’s journey into the medical field began in childhood. Fascinated by the complexities of the human body, she vividly remembers assembling a paper skeleton from a Barnes and Noble kit, meticulously learning each bone by heart. This early interest laid the groundwork for her future career, although it initially took a detour through the world of fashion.
Growing up, Kate harbored two strong passions: fashion and medicine. She pursued her first dream by attending Purdue University, where she excelled in her fashion design program. Her talent and dedication allowed her to complete the degree in just three years, including a transformative period studying abroad in Italy. After university, Kate quickly made her mark in the retail world, opening her own clothing boutique in 2008. Her flair for fashion and business acumen made the boutique a success, yet something was missing.
Returning to Her First Love: The Medical Field
In 2011, Kate decided to follow her heart back to her first love – the medical field. She embarked on a journey into nursing, graduating in 2014 and swiftly earning her Bachelor’s in Nursing the following year. During this intense period of study and career change, Kate also embraced the joys and challenges of personal milestones, marrying in 2013 and welcoming her first child in 2015.
Deepening Medical Expertise and Embracing Holistic Approaches
Kate’s pursuit of medical knowledge didn’t stop there. She initially aimed to become a nurse midwife but soon realized her true calling was as a Family Nurse Practitioner. By 2018, she had completed her master’s degree in this field, bringing a compassionate and holistic perspective to her work in hospice care.
It was during this time that Kate’s focus shifted towards natural, clean living and alternative care methods. She gained experience in cutting-edge treatments like joint injections using stem cell and PRP therapies. Yet, she yearned for more – to explore the depths of alternative medicine and truly integrate her passion for holistic wellness.
Founding Optimal Health & Wellness
After furthering her education in functional medicine and welcoming her third child in 2020, Kate launched her LLC in 2021. Initially planning for a virtual clinic, she instead gained invaluable experience and certifications, including in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) and aesthetics, specializing in Botox and fillers.
Finally, in March 2023, Kate’s vision materialized with the opening of Optimal Health & Wellness. Here, she combines her extensive medical knowledge, aesthetic expertise, and a deeply ingrained philosophy of natural, holistic care.
The ohw team
Amanda
Life Coach
Amanda Kontor is a social worker with an unwavering commitment to guiding clients through a transformative journey of self – discovery, heightened awareness, and an enhanced overall well – being. With over 15 years of extensive experience, Amanda is recognized as a leading advocate for empowerment, specializing in aiding individuals to navigate a spectrum of goals, from personal aspirations to addressing severe psychiatric disorders.
Amanda’s wealth of expertise extends beyond individual counseling, encompassing significant contributions to underserved populations. Amanda’s commitment to community – centered well – being as further manifested through her proficiency and life coaching. In addition to traditional therapy, Amanda, excels in life coaching, offering clients a unique and empowering approach. Amanda’s integration of life coaching into her practice underscores her commitment to providing clients with versatile tools for personal growth and fulfillment.
Complementing her dedication to social work, Amanda is the founder of Saving Grace Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, a not-for-profit organization. Her passion for animal welfare aligns seamlessly with her commitment to empowering individuals, promoting animal – assisted interventions and therapy in collaboration with mental health professionals, educators, and community organizations. Amanda is dedicated toward creating a world where compassionate treatment of animals and protection of children, coexist, inspiring empathy, and harmony and society for all.
Erica
Esthetician
In her 20s, Erica became interested in skin care because of her own problematic skin. This led her to learning more about skin care leading her to getting her esthetics license in 2017. Her passion and focus is to educate her clients on all their choices of skin care services including proper home care that meets their skin care goals. Her goal at the end of a session with a client is they leave with a deep sense of serenity and confidence they can achieve their skin care goals. When Erica is not in the office she loves spending time with her grandkids and performing with her band.
Kate O'Connor
RN, MSN FNP-C
Kate is the owner of Optimal Health & Wellness and takes great pride in providing great care to every patient that steps foot in her office. Kate’s main goal in life is educating her community and helping people achieve health, wellness, and happiness.
When Kate is not in the office she is very busy with her 3 young boys, Hudson, Austin, and Mason. Since her oldest son was 3 years old she’s been coaching him in baseball and that time spent together on the baseball field is something she loves being a part of. Kate and her family have recently joined the BMX community to support her two youngest boys in their love for BMX racing. Kate also has a love for animals and treats all her animals like her children. The O’Connor family houses a dog (Poppy), 3 cats (Kitty, Willow, & Luna), and 4 goats (Hunter, Pepper, Everest, & Ellie). She’d love to add chickens to the clan ONE DAY!
Liz
PNOE Expert
She started her journey as a fitness instructor in 2016. She’s always had a passion for fitness and has always been active, so becoming an instructor was a natural Evolution. Over the years, She has been certified in many formats: Spinning, Group Ex, Barre, Pilates Reformer, TRX, Personal Training, and now PNOE Metabolic Testing. She is the founder and owner of Body Evolution, which offers small group classes, personal training, and fitness assessments and consultations. She is excited for her partnership with Optimal Heath & Wellness, and is looking forward to helping people create a healthy lifestyle regime that is sustainable.
Liz met her husband at Purdue, and they got married in 2006. They live in Valparaiso and have two incredibly active kids, Alaina & Aidan. They are always running to a gymnastics meet, basketball tournament, BMX race, violin or choir concert. She also has two fur babies, Mack & Olive.
I am so very fortunate to be in the fitness industry. I love helping people grow and Evolve into stronger individuals, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Helping people reach their potential is incredibly rewarding!
Corinne
Office Manager
Corinne is responsible for business development and manages the daily processes at OHW. A firm believer that nutrition is the foundation of health, Corinne works with clients as a Nutrition Therapist Master (NTM). Her philosophy focuses on nutrient-dense, whole foods.
Corinne has a diverse professional background, having worked in research, consulting, and education for the U.S. government and nonprofits in Washington, D.C., Rwanda, and the Bronx.
Her own health struggles and observations of the inadequacies of the American healthcare system influenced her personally and professionally – leading her to seek out natural approaches to health and join Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Children’s Health Defense as a Research Fellow.