Meet The Staff
Debbie J. Judd, ARNP, FAARFM, ABAAHP
I graduated from Gonzaga University with my Nurse Practitioner degree in 2013, having been a Registered Nurse for 35 years prior.
Having worked in varied nursing fields including hospital, surgical, clinical and consulting, I decided to pursue what I felt was my calling to practice medicine in a holistic and integrative manner.
Education & Professional Certifications
- Masters in Science, Nurse Practitioner– Gonzaga University
- Fellow certification in Functional, Nutritional, and Regenerative Medicine through The Metabolic Medicine Institute, 2009 & 2020
- Advanced certification in Endocrinology through The Metabolic Medicine Institute
- AFMPC Institute of Functional Medicine
- FAARFM= Fellow in Anti-Aging Regenerative Functional Medicine
- ABAAHP= American Board of Anti-Aging Healthcare Practitioners
- Peptide Therapist certified through George Washington University
- Mentorship Program with Dr. Neil Nathan Mold and Lyme Disease expert
- American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
- Institute of Functional Medicine
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- International Peptide Society
- Certified Integrative Oncology Metabolic Terrain Practitioner
- Mistletoe Provider through Physicians Association for Anthroposophical Medicine (PAAM).
One of my life’s passions is to motivate others to realize their potential so they may experience a life of health, vitality, and freedom from disease.
Working alongside experts in the field of Functional and integrative medicine gave me the confidence to open The Metabolic Institute clinic 20 years ago, the first certified Functional Medicine clinic in Spokane, WA.
It’s amazing the impact that healthy nutrition, exercise, and positive lifestyle habits can have on one’s health…it can be that simple, but challenging in a world surrounded by toxic exposures and mental stressors.
My interest in integrative oncology began with treating cancer patients who had been through conventional treatments but hadn’t achieved the level of health that they had hoped for. With my functional medicine background, I knew there had to be more that needed addressing.
I enjoy the outdoors and all of the activities that it provides which nurtures my sense of adventure and connecting with nature. Juggling a career, family and the business presents its challenges; spending time with my husband, three sons and grandchildren reminds me of the importance of balance in life. This motivates me to stay focused on my life’s mission, which I hope will also become your life mission…being all that you can be and having everything you ever dreamed of!
Treating endocrine imbalances, adrenal dysregulation, gastro-intestinal health, mold toxicity, chronic disease and the mental/emotional aspects of health are some of my favorites, now along with integrative oncology and the prevention of cancer.
Jan Atigbi-Hansen, PhD, ARNP, CFMP
In 1986 I moved from Jamaica to NY city. My mother felt there were more opportunities for future growth in America. After working for a phone company, I decided I wanted something more, better and different so I enrolled into Nursing School. This opened up my real world.
Education & Professional Certifications
- Masters in Science, Family Nurse Practitioner – Herzing University
- Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner – Functional Medicine University – South Carolina
- Doctorate in Integrative Medicine and Human Services – Quantum University, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Thesis using Bio feedback to alleviate anxiety
- Muscle testing –Ulan Nutritional System – Florida
- Certification – Bio identical hormone therapy (BHRT) – World link Medical – Dr Neal Rouzier
- Certifications by Empire Medical Training:
- Weight Management; Anti-Aging hormone balancing; Peptide Therapy; Hair loss
- Certifications by AARM – Association for the Advancement of Restorative medicine:
- Immunology, Autoimmune, Allergies: Botanical Approaches to autoimmune conditions
- Cardiology: An Effective Botanical Model Hypertension
- Certifications by The Elite Nurse Practitioner:
- Fertility; Nutrient IV’s; The Anti-Aging & Advanced Peptide Course
- Certifications by Intellectual Medicine University (IMED)
- Cancer Care – High dose vitamin C; Mistletoe treatment; Methylene Blue treatment for the aging brain.
- ABAAHP – American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine – A4M certification in progress
- Advanced Clinical Nutrition (ACN) – Whole Food Practice –Certification in progress
I have a great passion to help people, no matter the issues. Through my own personal health challenges, I am now stronger than ever by using Functional and Alternative therapy approaches. I am eager to meet you and become a member of your health care team.
Stevi Couch, BSN Nutrition
As a Functional and Integrative Nutritionist, my focus is seeing how the power of a whole foods, nutrient-dense diet positively impacts the body’s functions and overall health and well-being.
I am passionate about working with a team of Functional Practitioners where the focus is in uncovering root causes of chronic illness. In creating customized nutritional plans I can guide, transform, and fortify an individual’s nutritional lifestyle. This supports disease prevention and optimization of health and wellness.
In today’s era and focus on health and wellness my hope for you is to become healthier than the person you were yesterday. With your innate ability to heal and by understanding the power of food, you are your own greatest healer; I am simply here to create and support the process.
Education & Professional Certifications
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Masters of Science in Human Clinical Nutrition and Integrative Health-Maryland University of Integrative Health—in progress.
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Bachelor of Science in Integrative Therapeutic Practices - Metropolitan State University of Denver- 2017
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Designs for Health: Research and Development of supplement education
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Mind Body Eating Coach- Institute for the Psychology of Eating- in progress
Offering to our patients:
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Comprehensive nutritional consultations and assessments
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Customized nutritional plans based on specific needs and goals
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Monitor patient progress and adjust nutritional plans as needed
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Keep up-to-date with new research and studies in nutrition and holistic health
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Educate patients about the impact of food, lifestyle and exercise on their health
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Recommend supplements, vitamins, mineral and products that enhance a patient’s health
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Collaborate with our providers to ensure a comprehensive approach to health
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Provide support, encouragement, and guidance to keep patients motivated in making healthy changes
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Conduct group education meetings on numerous health and nutrition topics
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Conduct grocery store shopping tours
Beyond my passion for nutrition, I enjoy mountain biking on new terrain in the Inland Northwest, hitting the ski slopes at Mt. Spokane, crocheting on my porch, and attending local spiritual workshops.
Kelly Richard, RN, BSN—Infusion Nurse
I am a Mississippi native with 38 years of nursing experience; having graduated from University of Mississippi, School of Nursing in 1985.
Much of my career has been dedicated to Trauma Care; as a military spouse (USNR), I have had many opportunities across our great nation to serve in many Emergency Centers.
In addition to trauma care, I have been fortunate to work in a variety of nursing environments including: Surgical, School Nursing, Medical-Legal; even several years taking care of (200+) summer campers at Camp Reed!
I believe all of which have shaped me into a well-rounded nurse.
My journey with The Metabolic Institute started with me as a patient several many years ago. Having experienced, personally, the intentional care I’ve received over the years, it just felt right to become a member of the team. I feel blessed to be learning so much about Functional Medicine; but mostly to be able to participate in the health journey of our patients; knowing that all are heard and cared for along the way to optimal health.
When not working, you’ll find me hiking, biking or paddle-boarding with my husband and our sweet rescue pup ‘Magnolia’; and traveling (every chance I get!) to Chicago and Austin to spend time with our precious daughters.
Summer Kinsey-Ortega, LPN-Infusion Nurse
I am a Licensed Practical Nurse and received my education from North Idaho College in 2012.
My Nursing background has consisted of working in the fields of Women’s Health & Fertility, Surgical Pre-Operative care, Post Operative care and most recently Urgent Care. My skill set includes experience with IV infusions, phlebotomy, injections, Ozone therapy & creating and coordinating treatment plans with our patients and my professional care team.
I enjoy people and love getting to know patients in the role of being their medical-clinical advocate. My passion is to support and create a positive experience for them. I have found working in the Functional Medicine medical model to be a good fit for me. The complex nature of many of our patients stimulates me to create a supportive and positive environment for their healing process.
DK Sylvester, Patient Care Coordinator/Office Manager
My relationship with The Metabolic Institute began many years ago as a patient. This allows me to relate to our patients with each interaction, as they search for answers to their health questions. I’ve always thought of Functional Medicine as a bridge, connecting the most valuable aspects of conventional and homeopathic approaches. It’s science with a heart, where every symptom is addressed and each patient is treated individually. When patients reach out to us for help, it’s an honor to connect with them, knowing that for many, they have been through a lot before they ever find us.
Health and nutrition have always been a passion of mine. My professional life has included nutrition consulting and working with patients in a surgical clinic. I’m so grateful to be a member of the staff at The Metabolic Institute, where I have the opportunity to continue to learn, stay on course with my own health and support others in their journey.
Spending quality time with my family is a priority and even more so since my husband and I have become grandparents. Having grandchildren inspires a whole new incentive to stay active and healthy!
Elke Ward, Patient Care Coodinator
I have a BS in business administration/finance and another in agroecology. I have been a Navy wife, am a mother to two wonderful children, and have an energetic rescue dog. We love to spend time together as a family and particularly enjoy spending time at our property in the country. My dream is to move to this property and raise as much of our own food as possible.
Sarah Yockey, Patient Care Coodinator
I found my way to The Metabolic Institute about 5 years ago as a chronically ill patient, after getting swept aside by Western Medicine. After one appointment with Debbie, I instantly felt heard. Over the years Debbie has helped me to become the healthiest version of myself. I’ve always had a passion for the medical field, even as a child watching brain surgeries on television with my mother. When the opportunity to work for my “hero” came up, every instinct in my body knew, this was my dream job, and yes, the staff is so great to work with, now that I am an employee.
In my time away from work, I adore being a wife and mother to three adult kids and having the absolute pleasure and privilege of being a grandmother. My passion in life is to be always be learning. You’ll often find me reading or outside digging in the garden, having a morning chat with my chicken “Poppy”, over coffee, cuddling with my 3 dogs, strength training, kayaking and cake decorating.