Meet The Staff

Meet The Staff

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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 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.

Smiling woman in blue floral top outside.

Danielle Schilbe, RN, Patient Care Coordinator

My search to repair significant health ailments brought me to The Metabolic Institute as a patient 10 years ago. What stands out the most to me in the practice of Functional Medicine is that each person's journey and concerns are unique. I find great joy in watching patients make connections and feel success with all their effort. Getting and staying healthy can be a very long and arduous process for most of us. Having done the hard work makes it very easy to relate to patients just starting the process. 

My nursing career started over 30 years ago at Georgetown University working in neurosurgery and has spanned all the way to helping patients with dry eye relief. I have seen how simple changes can make a difference, and I believe in the saying "you didn't get this way overnight, and you won't fix this overnight".

I am a Navy wife of over 25 years and the mother to two children. We've lived in Spokane for 20 years, raising our children skiing, hiking and camping as a family. As I get older, the impact of balancing life, family and responsibilities can be daunting. However, the importance of entering the second half of my life as healthy as possible and watch my children start adulthood is more meaningful than ever.