Meet Taiylor Kriss

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Taiylor Kriss. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Taiylor below.

Hi Taiylor, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I’ve always felt like I was meant to be part of something bigger than myself. Even as a child, I trusted my intuition and followed my heart, but it wasn’t until I fully surrendered to my genetic condition that I realized my purpose had been inside me all along. My journey with Alport Syndrome, kidney failure, and transplant wasn’t just about survival; it was an initiation into something deeper. For years, I held onto trauma in the body, without fully facing what the deep seated emotions were trying to teach me. When I allowed myself to sit with it, to truly look deeper at who I am and why I am here; to let go of all the boxes I put myself in, letting go of all the safety nets and identities Ive built around myself, everything shifted. I began to see that my experiences weren’t just obstacles; they were lessons. The familiar foundation I had built was stripped, and my ego learned to surrender fully because, truthfully, my life depended on it. My experiences have shaped me into someone who could bridge the gap between science and spirituality, between medicine and whole-person care. My purpose became clear: to use my own story to advocate, educate, and create a path for others navigating trauma, chronic illness, kidney disease, and organ transplantation.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I was diagnosed with Alport Syndrome at just 18 months old, and my journey with chronic illness has shaped every part of who I am and the work I do today. I was born with less than 70% kidney function, experienced kidney failure at 22, spent nearly 2 years navigating hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, and eventually received a living donor kidney transplant 17 days before my 24th birthday. Through it all, I knew my story wasn’t just about illness but about transformation.
I am the Founder and CEO of Chronic Alchemy LLC, a space dedicated to evolving how we approach chronic illness, kidney disease, and whole-person healing. I am a trauma-informed yoga instructor, transplant doula, and patient health advocate, working to bridge the gap between science and spirituality in healthcare. My passion is in educating and supporting patients, caregivers, and medical professionals on the emotional, energetic, and physical landscapes of our bodies, especially in regard to chronic illness and organ transplantation. My work is deeply rooted in embodiment and nature-based healing. As a certified yoga instructor and certified nature-based educator, I believe healing goes beyond the physical body; its about reconnecting to ourselves, our emotions, and the natural cycles of life. I am also a student of integrative health sciences, and I am currently on the path to becoming a Chinese medicine practitioner and acupuncturist. This journey continues to expand my understanding of how ancient wisdom and modern medicine can work together for true healing. One of the things I am most passionate about is women’s health. Whether its supporting women with chronic illness, navigating the complex emotions of life, organ failure and transplant, or helping them reconnect with their bodies through holistic and integrative practices, I believe deeply in empowering women to take charge of their health and well-being. I am now expanding my work through group programs, workshops, and deeper collaborations within the transplant, nephrology, and holistic health communities. Chronic Alchemy is ever-evolving as I carve my own path. I am excited to continue weaving whole-person care into healthcare in a way that truly honors the human experience. For anyone navigating chronic illness, kidney disease, or transplant- or for those in the healthcare space who want to shift the way we support patients- I would love to connect. Healing isn’t just about surviving. It’s about thriving, and I am here to help make that possible.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. RELIANCE & ADAPTABILITY:
Chronic illness and organ failure taught me that life is unpredictable, even more so than I initially thought. I had to learn how to adapt, pivot, and keep moving forward even when things felt impossible. Resilience isn’t just about pushing through, it’s also about knowing when to rest, when to advocate for yourself, and when to surrender to the process.
Focus on building your emotional resilience. Journaling, mindfulness, and self-reflection can help you navigate difficult emotions. Resilience doesn’t mean doing it alone. Surround yourself with people who truly see and support you and never be afraid to ask for help.

2. SELF ADVOCACY & CRITICAL THINKING:
The healthcare system is not designed to treat patients as whole people. I had to learn to ask the right questions, challenge medical decisions when necessary, and stand firm in what I knew was best for my body. Becoming a patient advocate wasn’t just a career path, it was a survival skill. Educate yourself about your condition and treatment options. Don’t be afraid to question your doctors, seek second opinions, or push for care that aligns with your needs. Learn the language of medicine, but also trust your intuition. YOU are the expert of your own body.

3. HOLISTIC & EMBODIED HEALING:
True healing isnt just physical; its emotional, energetic, and spiritual. Yoga, nature-based healing, trauma work, and integrative medicine gave me the tools to process what I was holding onto within my body. I realized that chronic illness isn’t just something happening TO us, it’s something we experience throughout our entire being. Start with small practices that help you to reconnect with yourself. Breathwork, somatic movement, time in nature, or even just placing your hand on your heart and taking deep breaths can create powerful shifts. I have become a big fan of Qigong recently and it has been a beautiful journey! Healing is not linear, and it’s not just about fixing symptoms; it’s about creating a relationship with your body and spirit.

At the core of all of this is SELF-TRUST. You are not broken. Your body has not failed you. Your experiences, no matter how painful, are shaping you into someone with deep wisdom and strength. Keep leaning into your journey, and know that you are not alone.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! I always want to collaborate with individuals and organizations passionate about transforming healthcare and chronic illness support.
I am especially interested in partnering with:
– Holistic Health & Integrative Medicine practitioners: acupuncturists, herbalists, aromatherapists, somatic therapists, energy workers, and anyone bridging Eastern and Western medicine.
– Healthcare Professionals & Patient Advocates: nephrologists, transplant coordinators, dialysis nurses, social workers, and organizations working to improve patient-centered care.
– Yoga, movement & Trauma-informed Practitioners: those working with chronic illness, embodiment, and nervous system regulation.
– Nonprofits and Advocacy Groups: especially those focused on kidney disease, transplant support, and women’s health.
– Chronic illness and Disability Advocates: writers, speakers, educators, and anyone creating space for real conversations about healing, autonomy, and systemic change.

Exciting Opportunities for Collaboration:
– Wellness Retreat for Women with Chronic Illness: I have a huge desire to collaborate with others to create a healing, restorative retreat for women navigating chronic illness. I want to bring together experts in holistic health, movement, trauma healing, and integrative medicine to create a transformative experience.
– Speaking Engagements & Panel Discussions: I am a public speaker and am always looking for more opportunities to speak at events and conferences and host roundtable discussions on chronic illness, whole-person healthcare, trauma-informed care, and patient advocacy.
– CoCreating Programs, Training, and Resources: whether it’s hosting workshops, collaborating on patient education, or developing trauma-informed healthcare training, I am excited to work with like-minded individuals to create real change.

I’d love to connect if you’re reading this and feel aligned with my work! You can reach me via email: chronicalchemyllc@gmail.com, Instagram: @chronic_alchemy, and LinkedIn: Taiylor Kriss

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chronicalchemy.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chronic_alchemy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taiylor-kriss-64b31b215/

Image Credits

Professional photos taken by Amanda Lucia Photography @amandalucia_photography and Stacy Villegas Photography @stillfilmstacy