MEET PETRA mercier

Hi. I’m Petra, founder of Nutritional Wisdom in 2009. I’ve built my business around helping others cultivate a life inspired by the joys of nourishing food, self-care and mindful exercise.

My vision is to use my education and background in integrative nutrition, health coaching, yoga and holistic health as a guide to empower women to achieve—not just hope or strive for—a vibrant and full life.

Nutritional Wisdom uses your unique health history to build an individualized wellness program that makes food and lifestyle changes not only possible, but utterly joyful. We start with food, because when we are well nourished, the other important pieces of our lives, like healthy relationships and a fulfilling career, have the space to thrive and grow.

My goal, always, is to inspire you to find and sustain your optimal level of health and the vibrant energy that lives within you. I will be there to provide your initial inspiration, but you’ll find that you will naturally take over. You will be astonished by your ability to transform your mind, your body and your life.

EDUCATION

Massage Therapy: In 2010, I received a traditional Thai massage certification from the Thai Institute of Healing Arts in Arlington, Virginia. In 2012, I earned an advanced certification from the Old Medicine Hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I received my therapeutic massage certification from the Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage in 2018. I offer Swedish, Deep tissue, Aromatherapy, Traditional Thai massage, Raindrop, Craniosacral Therapy and Reiki.

Nutrition: I received my training as a Health Coach from the cutting-edge Health Coach Training Program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. My education has equipped me with extensive knowledge in integrative nutrition, health coaching, and holistic health. Drawing on these skills and my knowledge of different dietary theories, I work with you to help make lifestyle changes that nourish and transform you from the inside out.

Yoga Training: I am a certified Integral Yoga Teacher, specializing in restorative and hatha yoga. I have have clocked over 500 hours of training. I received my certifications in restorative, hatha, yin and adaptive yoga from the Satchidananda Ashram in Yogaville, Virginia.

I am passionate about teaching students how to adapt their yoga practice to feel comfortable in each pose, and I believe that gentle yoga has a powerful, transformative effect on the human body.