THE METABOLIC INSTITUTE – MEET THE STAFF
Debbie J. Judd, ARNP, FAARFM, ABAAHP
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.
I spent many years working in a surgical setting, watching patients go through surgeries that could have been prevented with lifestyle measures. This inspired me to learn about Functional Medicine. Working alongside experts in the field gave me the confidence to open The Metabolic Institute. It’s amazing the impact that healthy nutrition, exercise, and positive lifestyle habits can have on one’s metabolism…it can be that simple.
I enjoy the outdoors and all of the activities that it provides which nurtures my sense of adventure and desire to be fit. 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 hormone imbalances, adrenal dysregulation, gastro-intestinal health, mold toxicity, and chronic disease are some of my favorites.
Education & Professional Certifications
- Master’s 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
- American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
- Institute of Functional Medicine
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- International Peptide Society
Karmen Gregg, M.S
I am a nutritionist training in integrative nutrition with a passion for providing the highest level of evidence-based nutrition counseling to the Inland Northwest through collaborative and patient-centered care. I have 6+ years of clinical and community nutrition experience in functional medicine and teach collegiately for Great Northern University. I hope to prepare you to confidently engage with your food, show you the “whys” behind your care, and encourage and celebrate you through every step of your health journey!
I genuinely believe that nutrition should not be a modality of shame, guilt, or control. Nutrition is a modality where we point people towards nourishment, empowerment, and healing on the deepest of levels.
In my free time, I enjoy spending as much time as possible adventuring in the woods and being on the water in her hometown of Coeur d’Alene, ID. I adore my family, friends, and curating recipes that nourish both the mind and the body.
Education & Professional Certifications
University of Idaho – B.S. in Food and Nutrition
- Areas of Concentration: Global Nutrition, Public Health
- Minor: Sociology
Saybrook University – M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition
- Practicum Concentration: Endocrinology
Saybrook University: Graduate Certification in Health and Wellness Coaching (2018-2019)
Saybrook University – Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition (Currently enrolled – estimated graduation date is 2022)
- Dissertation: “A Women’s Body Image During Pregnancy’s Influence on Dietary Decisions and Nutritional Status”
Academic Experience
- Great Northern University: Adjunct Instructor – Courses: “Community Healthcare” and “General Health” (2018- Current)
- Moody Bible Institute: Adjunct Instructor – Courses: “Principles of Lifetime Fitness” and “Wellness Seminar” (2018-2017)
- Dinner with a Dr. – Nonprofit Organization: Nutrition Lecturer (2016-Current)
- Whitworth University – Guest Lecturer for the Athletic Department (2017-Current)
- Early Head Start – Guest Lecturer (2017-Current)
- Coeur d’Alene Hockey Academy – Consulting Nutritionist (2018-2019)
Memberships:
- American Nutrition Association
- National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching
Kristin Pace, LPN
I’m Kristin, the IV Infusion Nurse at the Metabolic Institute. I recently made Spokane home after moving from southern California bringing many years of IV experience with me. My background is in Functional Medicine specializing in Integrative Oncology. The quest for true wellness for myself and others is a passion of mine and I believe deeply in getting to the root of our health issues and in finding ways to aid the body in functioning at our most optimal levels. I have seen amazing success and transformation from supplemental IV infusions and am excited to help our clients in achieving their health and wellness goals.
- Practicum Concentration: Endocrinology
Saybrook University: Graduate Certification in Health and Wellness Coaching (2018-2019)
Saybrook University – Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition (Currently enrolled – estimated graduation date is 2022)
- Dissertation: “A Women’s Body Image During Pregnancy’s Influence on Dietary Decisions and Nutritional Status”
Academic Experience
- Great Northern University: Adjunct Instructor – Courses: “Community Healthcare” and “General Health” (2018- Current)
- Moody Bible Institute: Adjunct Instructor – Courses: “Principles of Lifetime Fitness” and “Wellness Seminar” (2018-2017)
- Dinner with a Dr. – Nonprofit Organization: Nutrition Lecturer (2016-Current)
- Whitworth University – Guest Lecturer for the Athletic Department (2017-Current)
- Early Head Start – Guest Lecturer (2017-Current)
- Coeur d’Alene Hockey Academy – Consulting Nutritionist (2018-2019)
Memberships:
- American Nutrition Association
- National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching
Kristin Pace, LPN
I’m Kristin, the IV Infusion Nurse at the Metabolic Institute. I recently made Spokane home after moving from southern California bringing many years of IV experience with me. My background is in Functional Medicine specializing in Integrative Oncology. The quest for true wellness for myself and others is a passion of mine and I believe deeply in getting to the root of our health issues and in finding ways to aid the body in functioning at our most optimal levels. I have seen amazing success and transformation from supplemental IV infusions and am excited to help our clients in achieving their health and wellness goals.
- Dissertation: “A Women’s Body Image During Pregnancy’s Influence on Dietary Decisions and Nutritional Status”
Academic Experience
- Great Northern University: Adjunct Instructor – Courses: “Community Healthcare” and “General Health” (2018- Current)
- Moody Bible Institute: Adjunct Instructor – Courses: “Principles of Lifetime Fitness” and “Wellness Seminar” (2018-2017)
- Dinner with a Dr. – Nonprofit Organization: Nutrition Lecturer (2016-Current)
- Whitworth University – Guest Lecturer for the Athletic Department (2017-Current)
- Early Head Start – Guest Lecturer (2017-Current)
- Coeur d’Alene Hockey Academy – Consulting Nutritionist (2018-2019)
Memberships:
- American Nutrition Association
- National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching
Kristin Pace, LPN
I’m Kristin, the IV Infusion Nurse at the Metabolic Institute. I recently made Spokane home after moving from southern California bringing many years of IV experience with me. My background is in Functional Medicine specializing in Integrative Oncology. The quest for true wellness for myself and others is a passion of mine and I believe deeply in getting to the root of our health issues and in finding ways to aid the body in functioning at our most optimal levels. I have seen amazing success and transformation from supplemental IV infusions and am excited to help our clients in achieving their health and wellness goals.
I am a former Yoga Instructor and still love to practice in my spare time but my favorite way to relax and de-stress is by taking long bubble baths! I enjoy curling up with a good book, anything crafty or creative and spending time outdoors in the garden or out on a lake kayaking with my husband and dog. I love this clinic, our mission, and our Metabolic Institute community and look forward to meeting you!
Buffy Farley, Office Manager
I joined the medical profession sparked by my desire to help others and my fascination with medicine. That drive pushed me towards various health and surgical clinics, as well as the University of Utah surgical ICU. My introduction to The Metabolic Institute was through my sister who is a patient. I was so excited about the path to wellness she had embarked upon; it was clear I wanted an opportunity to be a part of this team.
I love being outdoors with my husband and two dogs. I always enjoy spending time with my family, especially besting my niece Gracey, and nephew Tim at all sorts of childhood games involving trampolines and squirt guns. Nothing compares to a good laugh and or prank. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, cooking, kayaking, fishing, and hanging out with
friends and family.
Elke Ward, Patient Care Coordinator
I have always enjoyed helping people. My extensive customer service experience has brought me a lot of joy as I help people solve problems. Since coming to work at The Metabolic Institute, I love that I can use that experience to help people get to the root of their health problems through functional medicine. While I am still learning a lot about functional medicine myself, I love that it provides the basic foundation for getting back to the basics of a natural, toxin-free diet and lifestyle. This is something that I am striving for in my personal and family life.
I have a BS in business administration/finance and another in agroecology. I have been a Navy wife, am a mother to two wonderful teens, 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.
Brian Olsen, Patient Care Coordinator
I became a patient of The Metabolic Institute because I was curious about the functional medicine approach to whole-body wellness. I was so impressed with Debbie and the way she optimized my energy levels; I made it my goal that all my friends and family become patients too. Working in the office now, my enthusiasm continues to grow as I learn something fascinating every day. It’s exciting to be part of a team where everyone is so passionate about wellness; I genuinely love coming to work.
In addition to working for The Metabolic Institute, I’m also a student pursuing a nursing degree. It’s my goal now to go into functional medicine. I believe it’s the future of medicine, and I couldn’t be more excited.
In my free time, I love to practice yoga, climb, and cook spicy food. I’m passionate about travel and experiencing different cultures around the world. My favorite part of travel is experiencing the food.
Karly Conner, Patient Care Coordinator
Hello! My name is Karly, a Spokane native and the newest addition to the Metabolic Institute team. During my undergraduate studies in Human Physiology, I developed an interest in our body’s natural physiological state and the factors that influence it. Since, I have developed a passion for cultivating a lifestyle that works to support and optimize our body’s systems.
As I continue to learn more about functional medicine, my goal is to help make the information more accessible for all to learn and benefit from. As part of my pursuit of a balanced life, I love to get outside and enjoy all that Spokane’s beautiful four seasons have to offer. Camping, skiing, trail running and enjoying our beautiful parks
