About Me


I’m Tari Ann Ayala and I’m thrilled you are visiting my site. Tierra Sana Holistics is designed for individuals who are deeply attached to the Earth and its natural rhythms and want to get back to real food on their plates and fewer chemicals in their bodies and homes.

I’ve lived in New York City most of my life. Prior to becoming a holistic health coach I spent 12 years in the magazine industry. The hours were grueling and the stress was constant. I ate three takeout meals a day, mostly sitting at my desk and inhaled within 10 minutes. I snacked constantly and it was not unusual for me to clock in 60 plus hours a week. This cycle was relentless; my only timeout was when I worked myself into a migraine spiral that could put me out of commission for days. During that time I learned that my hormones were out of whack with no clear medical fix. I was physically, emotionally, and mentally in the dumps.

I remembered a time when I felt energetic and emotionally light. It was when I moved to the rural west coast of Puerto Rico at the age of 13. Some of my most precious food memories are of my grandmother and me descending the steep path behind her house arm in arm under the glaring sun to see what we could harvest that day. We used a homemade tool to knock swollen avocados from the largest tree on the slope, careful that they would not roll out of our reach. It was not unusual to wake up to the sound of goats, cows, and roosters and find my grandmother with a machete in hand and a bead of sweat on her brow. And so when I hit rock bottom I somehow found my way back to this magical place. I began learning all I could about holistic ways I could reduce my migraines and get my hormones in check. I better manage my response to stress and feel more vitality and engagement in my daily life. Now I want to help guide you to do the same.

In 2014 I graduated from The Institute of Integrative Nutrition’s Certified Holistic Health Counseling Program. During the course of one year I studied over 100 dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques, and innovative coaching methods with some of the world’s top health and wellness experts. My teachers included Dr. Andrew Weil, Director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine; Dr. Deepak Chopra, leader in the field of mind-body medicine; Dr. David Katz, Director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center; Dr. Walter Willett, Chair of Nutrition at Harvard University; and many other leading researchers and nutrition authorities. I keep up with the latest in healthy cooking by taking courses at the Natural Gourmet Institute (4-Day Sports Nutrition Intensive, etc.).

In 2013 I acquired a certificate in urban farming from The Youth Farm located in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, NY. Over the course of 7-months I spent over 20-hours a week receiving hands-on experience and structured instruction in sustainable organic farming and education. The following year, I returned as a crew leader leading harvest for direct market accounts and fieldwork/training of the 2014 adult urban farming training program apprentices. My formal agricultural education continues as a 2016 student at Farm School NYC. I also hold a BA from New York University.

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A publishing industry veteran who also coaches people on eating and living healthier



Eating for Energy Workshop at CROM Physical Culture



Green Boricuas: Everyday Conservation Choices in Food and Lifestyle


Working with Tari was truly ground breaking. She is full of knowledge and resources, all the while empowering you to create the life you want to be living. What seemed overwhelming, Tari made attainable through her honest reflection, encouragement and simple assignments. She puts you immediately at ease, taking the time to listen and understand you, the challenges you face and the life you desire. Only then does she begin to offer sound guidance and strategies to help you meet your goals in a way that fits your lifestyle. Her broad approach to health coaching is refreshing and realistic, taking into account all the various factors that impact the way we live and the choices we make – from food, exercise, relationships, budgeting, work life, community, spirituality and beyond! I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with Tari and know I will continue to call upon the toolbox she provided me with for many years to come.

– Sara Culver

Working with Tari on my health goals has changed my life! When we started I was 50 pounds overweight and making uneducated nutritional decisions. Knowing what to eat had become daunting and frustrating. After a few sessions, I began to easily modify my eating habits and make very clear and mindful choices at the store. The combination of our one-on-one sessions, the detox regimen, eating healthier and exercising has delivered great results! I have lost 35 pounds,shopping is so much easier, I’m eating very well and I can still enjoy a cocktail! I highly recommend Tierra Sana Holistics!

– Armando Ayala

Working with Tari helped me to make a huge change in my lifestyle. I was experiencing headaches, stomachache discomfort and dizziness. We went through an elimination trial diet and I was able to do a complete 180. I now have more energy, my symptoms have subsided and over time I was able to lose a total of 15 pounds. Tari understands that we are all individuals with different needs. She made this process not only doable but rewarding! I would strongly suggest working with Tari if you are in need of a lifestyle rehaul as she is warm, encouraging and very knowledgeable!

– Sarah Romulo

Tari is exuberantly passionate about healing the earth and helping others heal their bodies with delicious and safe foods. Each time we meet she shares something simple and accessible about healthy eating and farming practices .. whether it be a delicious recipe, how to integrate more whole grains into my diet or the benefits of adding compost to boost my gardens soil and crop health. She is all around wonderful and knowledgable.

– Melissa Lafontaine

Being in tune with what is natural and whole in our daily rounds makes for a better environment and better personal health.