Bio

Sandrine is a French health coach, private chef, author, and space holder

based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Bonjour ! I'm Sandrine.

I'm a daughter, sister, wife, mama of 4 girls, nature lover, connector, seeker, life-long learner, and challenger of societal norms.

Born and raised in France, I have been living in the US for more than a decade. I currently live in the Midwest, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with my husband and four daughters (8, 13, 14, and 16), our dog Mako and our cat Sansa. We also lived on the East Coast in Baltimore, Maryland, and Durham, North Carolina.

I was born in Normandy but grew up in a small village south France, called Saint Mitre les Remparts.

Close to the Mediterranean sea, my summer were always spent at the beach :-)

Winters are very mild - So it was quite a contrast to end up. living in the American Midwest

After finishing high school, I spent two years studying Math and Economics in Marseille. I then moved to Lyon to pursue studies in Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, which is where I met my husband, Lj. We share a passion for understanding how the brain works. I became a neuropsychologist, and he continued his research in Neuroscience, spending 10 years in the US as a post-doctoral researcher studying early brain development.

In 2010, newly married with two young daughters (5 months and 22 months old), we sold all our belongings and moved to Baltimore, MD, so Lj could begin a post-doc at Johns Hopkins. It was our very first experience with the American way of life. A sharp contrast to the slower pace of life in France! Our third daughter were born in Baltimore.

About a year and a half after our move, the lab where Lj was working shut down. He had to start over and search for another post-doc position. After a few stressful months of uncertainty, he secured a position at Duke University in Durham, NC. We spent about eight wonderful years there, where our fourth daughter was born and our girls grew up. I have such fond memories of that time—staying home to care for the family, going on countless adventures, camping trips, and forming friendships with people from around the world. It was a truly special chapter in our lives.

In August 2019, we moved from the East Coast to the Midwest, settling in Sioux Falls, SD. It was another cultural shock—almost as significant as our initial move from France to the U.S. The weather, lifestyle, and politics were all so different. It took our family two to three years to truly feel at home. Now that my four daughters are older, I’m excited to focus on what I want to contribute to the world. I’m thrilled to step into this new season of life dedicated to service.

After all those moves, I see myself as a citizen of the world, rather than tied to any one location.

Home is wherever my community is. I like to call myself an earthling.

My life is all about finding beauty in its simple pleasures. I believe that Simplicity is the essence of Happiness.

I enjoy tent camping, hiking, traveling, dancing, cooking, and spending time with people and nature, away from technology. Moving to the U.S. came with its own set of challenges, like adjusting to the fast pace of life and the focus on consumerism and material wealth. It made it harder for me to thrive, and for a long time, I coped by shutting down, which led to periods of depression and feeling disconnected from life.

I see myself as a woman of faith with a diverse spiritual background. Although I was raised Catholic, I've long been fascinated by the universal truths present in every belief system. What unites us all? What do we collectively hold dear? I distinctly recall encountering the teachings of the Dalai Lama during my teenage years. They resonated with me profoundly and since then I made them my guiding principles to navigate my life: where there are division and hatred, I see opportunities to practice compassion, and kindness and treat others with respect and dignity.

The path I walk today as a holistic health coach, writer, instructor, and space holder has been profoundly influenced by my own healing journey. I began my career in France as a neuropsychologist, driven by a deep passion for understanding the human brain and fostering meaningful connections. However, I also had to confront my inner battles, facing recurring major depressive episodes and panic attacks that clouded my perspective on life. These overwhelming emotions often led me to see the world through a pessimistic lens, plunging me into periods of deep despair and hopelessness. After years of navigating these cycles and eventually finding the right support, I now feel more empowered to face these challenges and help others who are experiencing similar struggles. Mental health still carries a stigma, but it’s a topic that must be brought into the open.

I’m a very down-to-earth and practical person. My focus is on creating routines and daily habits that truly reflect who I am at my core, shaping my life with integrity. Living authentically is important to me, and I bring that passion into my coaching practice. I'm not afraid to dive into the complexities of life, holding hands with my clients as we navigate and make sense of it all. As a doula, companion, and coach, my role is to be your steady support, a calm presence, and your greatest encourager during tough times. I believe that knowledge alone isn’t enough—action is what makes the difference. To create lasting change, you need clear, actionable steps to bring your goals to life. Having someone beside you to offer support and hold you accountable makes the journey much more manageable.

In the Media

Keloland Living

Local TV

Crêpes

Elderberry syrup

French Baguettes

Voyage Minnesota

On-line magazine

READ HERE

Simply French in America

By Sandrine Pilaz

Book

ADD TO CART

Things I Never Imagined ...

... I would get a tattoo.

I designed this tattoo in June 2023 to reflect my life’s journey, navigating the highs and lows with nature by my side. It is also a reminder of life’s fleeting nature, encouraging me to cherish every moment.

... I would live in a different country and learn a new language.

Growing up in France, I never imagined I'd one day be living in the American Midwest, raising four daughters whose first language isn't French!

....We would be dog owners.

Lj and I were both raised with cats and never pictured ourselves as dog owners. But Mako fits perfectly into our family, and he gets us outdoors daily, whatever the weather.

... I would enjoy colder climate.

I grew up in the warm Mediterranean climate of southern France and wasn't a fan of the cold, especially with my Raynaud's syndrome (a condition that affects blood flow to certain parts of the body—typically the fingers and toes—in response to cold temperatures or stress). Moving to South Dakota felt daunting, and I knew I’d need a mindset shift to truly enjoy Midwestern life. So, I committed to the mantra: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing

... Simplifying life would be at the center of my work.

My husband and I are planning for early retirement to build our tiny home. Lj will focus on his woodworking, showcased at Neurowoodworks.com, while I embrace slowing down and building community through meaningful connections.

MY PERSONALITY MAPS...

Astrology : sun sign is capricorn, moon sign is sagittarius , rising sign is cancer
Human design: I am a generator, 5/2 profile (heretical/hermit), incarnation cross: LAX prevention 2
Love language (physical touch, gift, words of affirmation, act of service, quality time)

Now that I’ve shared a bit about myself, I’d love to learn more about your story.

How about a relaxed phone chat over a warm cozy drink?