Compassionate, Experienced Mold Support and Healthy Home Consulting

Healthy Home Wellness is here to offer coaching and support and when navigating the many challenges that arise with mold issues. Ashley has firsthand navigated the roller coaster of mold exposure and remediation numerous times. She was determined to further her education and resources so her family could confidently move forward and help others on this journey to prevent overwhelm and confusion.

Whether you’re deciding on a mold remediation company, choosing the right cleaning products, or looking for supportive foods on your detox journey, Ashley is here to help. She’s been through it all firsthand and has deepened her expertise on homes and building science through certified mold, air quality, and home inspection training, continuing education, and studying key guidelines and research.

Understanding Mold Illness & Toxic Mold Exposure

If you've been feeling chronically unwell and can’t seem to find answers, hidden environmental factors like toxic mold and indoor air pollution could be playing a major role. Mold illness is real, and it effects countless individuals and families—often without clear diagnosis. At Healthy Home Wellness, we're here to guide you through the foundational knowledge of mold exposure, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), and the crucial role moisture control plays in creating a healthy living space.

What Is Mold Illness?

Mold illness, also known as mold-related illness or biotoxin illness, is a condition triggered by exposure to indoor toxic mold and other microbial contaminants. For some individuals, especially those genetically predisposed, mold exposure can lead to a complex, chronic inflammatory condition known as CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome). Unfortunately, during the thick of Ashley’s journey her and her son dealt with the effects of CIRS from hidden mold and toxic gas exposure due to construction errors in their newly renovated home.

CIRS is a multi-system, multi-symptom illness caused by an immune system that can’t effectively remove biotoxins from the body. These biotoxins may come from water-damaged buildings (WDBs), which harbor not just mold spores but also bacteria, endotoxins, mycotoxins, VOCs, actinomycetes, and other harmful substances.

Potential Symptoms of Mold Illness

Mold exposure can trigger a vast array of symptoms that often go unexplained or misdiagnosed. Some of the most common include:

• Neurological symptoms

• Nerve pain or damage

• Muscle spasms and weakness

• Eczema, cystic acne, or persistent rashes

• Shingles reactivation

• Heightened chemical sensitivities

• Histamine intolerance/MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)

• Hair loss and thinning

• Hormonal imbalances

• Weight gain or weight loss resistance

• Oral health decline and unexplained cavities

• Blurred vision or vision loss

• Systemic Inflammation and neuroinflammation

• Bed wetting or frequent urination in children

“In our own family, mold exposure—and a simultaneous toxic gas leak due to construction mistakes—turned our lives upside down. Every member of our household, including our beloved dog, was affected in some way. The overlapping environmental toxins made our symptoms more severe and complex, but mold played a major role in our decline.”

The Hidden Danger in Your Home

Many homes have undetected water damage and poor indoor air quality. Whether it's a roof leak, water dripping under a sink or a poorly ventilated bathroom, moisture can become trapped and lead to microbial overgrowth.

Even if you can’t see mold, it doesn’t mean it’s not there. Mold can hide behind walls, under flooring, around windows, in attics and basements, and within HVAC systems. Mold spores and the byproducts from it breaking down toxic construction materials can travel throughout the home, spreading contaminants through the air and surfaces. This can trigger immune dysfunction and chronic illness.

According to the EPA and other sources, approximately 50% of homes in the United States have some form of water damage that could contribute to mold growth.

Why Moisture Control Is Key

Preventing mold starts with controlling moisture. Mold cannot grow without water. Whether it's excess humidity, condensation, or active leaks, all sources of moisture must be addressed and properly remediated. Moisture management is foundational to healthy building science and the long-term prevention of mold illness.

Here are some core moisture control practices:

• Maintain indoor humidity between 35-50%

• Use dehumidifiers in damp, humid areas

• Repair leaks immediately

• Ensure proper drainage away from the home's foundation

• Use high-quality exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens

• Conduct yearly maintenance (and cleaning if necessary) on your HVAC system

An Empowering Approach, Not a Fear-Based One

At Healthy Home Wellness, we believe in empowerment over fear. Statistics show that a significant number of modern homes and buildings have mold due to today’s construction practices. This is because we build tighter, more energy-efficient focused homes using materials like drywall and particle board—ideal food sources for mold. Unfortunately, sealing homes too tightly can trap moisture and lead to mold growth among other issues. Also, it is Ashley’s personal belief that mold illness is more of a prevalent issue today because our bodies are inundated and overburdened with other stressors and toxins in food, water, personal care products, construction materials, modern lighting and screens, etc. making our threshold to handle mold exposure much lower than previous generations. Simply put, our toxin buckets are overflowing.

But rather than living in fear, HHW helps guide you toward finding practical, empowering solutions that support healing and prevention. With knowledge, simple shifts, and support, you can start to take back control of your home environment and your health. Facing mold issues in your home can feel overwhelming and even frightening, but it’s important to remember that you have the power to take back ownership of your home.

Mold is a part of the natural world, but it shouldn’t be living and thriving in your home, effecting your health, or compromising the integrity of your property. With the right knowledge and approach, you can begin to identify and address mold-related problems effectively, protect your family, and prevent future issues.

Why I Chose to Get Trained and Educated

When our local professionals couldn’t identify or solve our home health issues, I took matters into my own hands. I enrolled in accredited advanced mold inspection and home inspection courses to better understand the hidden dangers in our home. It was the only way to begin piecing together the puzzle that no one else seemed to have the tools to solve. I was desperate for answers and a path forward. I was willing to do whatever it takes to create a healthier home for myself and family to heal in and eventually thrive in. We were able to identify and remediate every hidden issue and get our family’s health back on track.

My God-given mission is to teach others how to create a healthier home including exploring and better understanding your home too. Knowing how to maintain your home goes beyond health—because even if mold isn't making you sick, it’s still degrading the structural integrity and value of your property over time. Mold doesn’t just harm bodies—it eats away at buildings.

The "Mold Doula" Approach

A client once called me a "mold doula"—and the name resonated as I work independently from mold inspectors and remediation companies, so I can advocate solely for you. My goal is to serve as an independent advocate for my clients—working with you as you potentially hire an inspector or remediator to ensure transparency, accountability, and solutions that prioritize health and safety.

I provide education, clarity, and a second set of eyes, but ultimately, the decisions are always yours. I encourage you to ask questions of any professional you hire—and trust your gut. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. You have the right to understand the work being done in your home and to feel confident in your path forward.

I also help clients determine whether DIY mold testing is appropriate for their situation. While these tests can be a helpful tool and starting point in certain cases, I always emphasize the importance of a qualified in-person inspection for a more comprehensive understanding of your indoor environment and health risks. There are many different tools that can be used to gain an understanding of the past and current water damage history and health of your home.

Mold Affects Everyone Differently

One of the most confusing aspects of mold illness is that it doesn’t effect everyone in a household the same way. Genetic differences, pre-existing conditions, immune system health, physical and emotional stressors and overall toxin burden all play a role in how someone responds to mold. Just because someone in your home isn’t feeling symptoms (yet) doesn’t mean your environment is safe or free from issues. Ignoring early signs can lead to bigger health and structural integrity problems over time.

Common Mold Myths

There’s a lot of unhelpful and incorrect information surrounding mold circulating online and among the mold industry. Here are six common mold myths I often hear—and why they’re misleading:

1. Bleach kills mold effectively.
   Do not use bleach to deal with mold. Bleach may lighten stains on the surface, but it doesn't penetrate porous materials like drywall or wood where mold often hides. It can also leave behind moisture that fuels future growth, and emit harmful and irritating fumes.

2. Dormant or inactive mold isn’t harmful.
   Even non-viable mold fragments and spores can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. The proteins and toxins in mold remain even after it’s "dead." Dormant mold and its toxins often become part of household dust, meaning vacuuming, sweeping, or even airflow can stir it up and send it right back into your breathing zone.

3. The goal of remediation is to kill mold.
   Effective remediation isn’t about killing mold—it’s about removing it safely and correcting the underlying moisture issue, so it can’t come back. Mold spores are like seeds; they don’t need to be “alive” to be harmful or to regrow when conditions are right.

4. If the leak is fixed, the problem is gone.
   Just because the source of water is gone doesn’t mean the mold is too. Mold can grow and spread within 24-48 hours and often remains after a leak is repaired if proper cleaning and drying out of materials isn’t completed.

5. If you can’t see mold, it’s not there.
   Mold can thrive behind walls, under flooring, or inside HVAC systems without any obvious visible signs. Testing and inspection are helpful and often necessary to uncover hidden contamination.

6. On the flip side—if mold is behind a wall—it doesn’t mean you're breathing it in 24/7 or that all of your materials are contaminated.
   Just because mold is hidden behind walls doesn’t mean it’s constantly being inhaled. Airflow, pressure, and the dynamics of how air moves through your home prevent mold from constantly circulating into every part of your living space. Mold can remain contained in certain areas without becoming airborne at all times. Still, if there are significant moisture issues, or the environment is disturbed, mold spores can become active and spread.

You Deserve to Feel Well in Your Home

Something that continues to fuel my work is the deep frustration—and honestly, the outrage—I felt when I realized how many mold and restoration professionals take advantage of families who are already greatly suffering. Outrageous inspection and remediation fees and gatekeeping tactics can make healing feel out of reach, especially for those who have been sick for years. Too often, people are told that only one person has the answers or that there's only one way forward.

That’s simply not true. Nor is it practical or necessary for all individuals or families. I help you navigate what’s realistic for your situation and support you in figuring out the most accessible, informed, and strategic path forward.

Whether you're just beginning your mold healing journey or looking to prevent issues in your home, you're not alone. Mold illness is devastating, but recovery and prevention are possible with the right knowledge, plan, mindset, and support.

Ready to dig deeper and get real support? At Healthy Home Wellness, you'll work with someone who truly understands the complexities of mold-related illness and creating a healthier home—through both personal experience and professional training. Reach out today to get the support and understanding you deserve. contact Healthy Home Wellness today!

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page and website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or environmental advice. We disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the content herein. For specific concerns, please consult a qualified professional in the relevant field.