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

Currently enrolled in the Mistletoe Apprenticeship Program through 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 clinic18 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 Ricard, 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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Lesley Herrmann, Nutritional Consultant & Wellness Coach


My health journey started in 2011. While working at a US national laboratory as an engineer, my life-long digestive woes became unbearable. My new doctor identified one major cause, Celiac disease, but traditional medicine couldn't help me heal.
I soon turned to a multi-faceted functional approach, which included changing my diet, and as a result I became fascinated by nutrition! Food had made me sick, and now it was helping me heal!
A few years later, I enrolled in the Holistic Nutritional Consulting program at Bauman College and in 2015 earned my board certification through the National Association of Nutritional Professionals (NANP). I also earned my certification as a wellness coach through U.S. Corporate Wellness in 2016.
I have over 10 years of experience in building science and have lived through toxic mold illness. I use this experience to bridge the gap between the health of the home and the health of the body and offer support and guidance to those experiencing similar situations. As a Board Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant I specialize in environmental illness, detoxification, and gut health and use food as a foundation to help people achieve optimal health. I am honored to be working alongside the great staff at the Metabolic Institute.
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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 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.

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DK Sylvester, Patient Care Coordinator

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 new member of the staff at The Metabolic Institute, where I have an 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 recently become grandparents. Having grandchildren inspires a whole new incentive to stay active and healthy!