About - Wellness Speaks
About Me: Functional Nutrition Specialist
I help families uncover the root causes of their child’s gut, behavior, and nutrition challenges through functional testing, personalized plans, and a deep gut-brain approach.
I am Shawna Kunselman, a passionate and dedicated Pediatric Nutritionist specializing in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and other chronic health conditions such as celiac, diabetes, juvenile arthritis and chronic digestive issues.
Education: I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, laying the foundation for understanding the intricate connections between mental health and nutrition. My academic journey continued with a Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition, providing me with the knowledge and skills to address the unique nutritional needs of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Personal Connection: My journey into nutrition was inspired by my family’s experiences and my son’s health challenges, which led me to research the powerful connection between food, inflammation, and chronic disease.
Interests Beyond Nutrition: Outside of my professional life, I find joy in various activities. I am an avid hiker, finding solace and inspiration in the great outdoors. Traveling with my family allows us to explore new cultures and create cherished memories together. Yoga and paddleboarding are integral parts of my life, providing both physical and mental rejuvenation.
Philosophy: When working with me, I provide practical strategies for parents to help selective eaters explore new foods and improve diet variety and overall nutrition. Using a comprehensive approach that includes reviewing specific labs, symptoms, and detailed history, I create individualized recommendations to reduce inflammation, restore nutrient balance, and improve symptoms such as cognition, learning, and behaviors.
Many children today are overmedicated and undernourished, leading to an increased risk of chronic health issues and missed opportunities to address root causes.
Credentials:
Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) (FL.)
Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP)
Clinical Nutrition Internship, Johnson Center for Child Health & Development
Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition
Bachelor of Science in Psychology