D​iana Pereira has joined the staff of Northwest Florida Natural Awakenings as assistant publisher. An Emerald Coast native, Pereira says she is “excited to assist in bringing natural options, newsworthy events and naturally minded practitioner information to the Panhandle.”

While known more to this area as a health coach and educator, Pereira began her career in print journalism, writing for both the University of Central Florida newspaper and the Orlando Sentinel. She moved back to this area for personal health reasons and ended up with a new career educating and assisting others regarding their health concerns.

Pereira says she realized that relief from her own health issues would come from lifestyle changes. “By educating myself in nutrition, herbalism, essential oils and such, I’ve been able to help not only myself and my family, but numerous others within the local community over the past five years,” she says. In 2013, she used that knowledge to cofound a local health food store in Navarre—a new way to reach out to the community as an advocate for a healthier lifestyle.

Pereira continues to educate the public through events at Ever’man Co-operative, 8th Element Wellness and other local venues. She also owns and operates a local produce cooperative, Pereira Produce & Health, offering affordable, organic produce to the Fort Walton Beach and Navarre areas.