About Dr. Norris

As a Pharmacist Clinician and board-certified lifestyle medicine professional, I bring a blend of science, lived experience, and community to the patients and families I serve at Dropseed Lifestyle Medicine Center.

One patient changed my path.

In 2018, I encountered what I now call my “ground zero” patient – the person who sparked my passion for lifestyle medicine. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to improve his diabetes through medication adjustments, I turned to the scientific literature on nutrition and insulin resistance. Witnessing the dramatic improvements he achieved with simple dietary changes — reintroducing beans, fruit, and sweet potatoes once considered “too high in carbs” — changed the trajectory of my career and ignited a deep commitment to whole-food, plant-predominant nutrition. It also led me to my professional home with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, where I became board-certified in 2020.

In 2025, determined to bring the power of community, movement, and food as medicine directly to those who need it most, I stepped away from my hospital role to found Dropseed Lifestyle Medicine Center.

My career is built on service to others and shared knowledge.

I’ve spent more than a decade caring for patients in southern New Mexico — from the hospital rooms of Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces to the family medicine clinic, and even into people’s homes as part of interprofessional teams. I helped establish the first acute-care pharmacy residency program in southern New Mexico and served as its program coordinator. I’ve also precepted learners from two colleges of pharmacy and co-led a health policy elective for physician residents — later presenting this innovative curriculum nationally and internationally. Through this work, my goal has remained consistent: helping people use food, movement, and medicine wisely so they can enjoy fuller, healthier lives. 

My roots make me who I am today.

My upbringing has had a lasting influence on my values and work ethic. Raised in the small ranching community of Cliff, New Mexico, I spent my childhood outdoors — riding horses, working cattle, hauling hay, and tackling whatever problem needed solving. When I wasn’t outside, I was competing in basketball or studying — ultimately graduating valedictorian of my 24-student class. Inspired by strong teachers and mentors, I carried my love of learning to New Mexico State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. Although I initially planned to become a veterinarian, a community pharmacist mentor guided me into pharmacy — a decision I remain deeply grateful for.