About Me: Shawna Kunselman, MS, CNS, LDN- Pediatric Clinical Nutritionist

Greetings! I am Shawna Kunselman, a passionate and dedicated Pediatric Nutritionist specializing in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). My journey in this field is deeply personal, as my own son is on the autism spectrum, motivating me to pursue a career focused on improving the lives of children and families facing similar challenges.

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.

Professional Credentials: I am proud to be a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), the highest attainable certification in the field of nutrition. This certification reflects my commitment to staying at the forefront of evidence-based practices and continuously expanding my expertise. Additionally, I am a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (Nutrition), allowing me to approach pediatric nutrition with a holistic perspective, considering the interconnectedness of mental and physical well-being. I also hold a License of Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) (Fl.)

Personal Connection: My personal experiences as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum fuel my empathy and understanding. My son suffered from many comorbid conditions such as chronic digestive health issues, autoimmune tendencies, food allergies, anxiety, and mood swings. Through an integrative and functional medicine approach, healing began and his digestive issues, anxiety, and mood swings resolved and he was able to focus more in his therapies. He began talking, communicating and socializing more. I recognize the importance of tailoring nutritional interventions to meet the unique needs of each child, promoting not only physical health but also supporting cognitive and behavioral development. With the same functional nutrition approach, I also have healed my own hypothyroid condition.

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, feeding strategies are taught for selective eaters to try new foods while giving parents practical strategies to improve diet variety and nutrition. Through reviewing specific blood work, symptoms, and detailed history, individualized recommendations are also implemented that reduce inflammation, replete nutrients, and improve symptoms, including cognition, learning, and behaviors. Nourishment is key!

I believe in the power of personalized and holistic nutrition to make a lasting impact on the lives of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. My goal is not only to provide practical nutritional guidance but also to empower families with the knowledge and resources they need to support their child's well-being.

Credentials:

Schedule a time to speak with me or email me with any questions at shawna@wellness-speaks.com

Shawna Kunselman Functional Wellness