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 trained in integrative and functional 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 7+ 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 adventuring in the woods and being on the water in my 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

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Amy Jones, Infusion Nurse

I am a Registered Nurse who has worked the last 7 years as an oncology infusion nurse. I love helping patients become educated about their health and provide care and comfort to those in need. I have always been interested in functional medicine and am excited to be with this team helping patients improve their health. When I am not at work, I love enjoying the outdoors with my husband and dog. We love traveling to explore new places and visit our families. I love the adventure of life, and those we have to share and spend it with along the way..

Education and Professional Certifications

Concordia University Wisconsin – B.S. Major in Nursing

Oncology Nurse Certification

Kate Newbill, Infusion Nurse

As a nurse, it has always been my professional goal to help people feel their best and to give skilled care that is comforting and healing. I have been and IV nurse in the Spokane area since 2002.

My infusion experience includes hospital setting, home infusion therapy, and clinic and administrative nursing positions. I am a Spokane native and along with my husband and two girls, love to camp, hike, bike, and explore our beautiful region.

I’m thrilled to be serving the patients of The Metabolic Institute.

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.

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!

Deaona Chamberlain, Patient Care Coordinator

After having been diagnosed with cancer in 2017 I began to change the way I looked at conventional medicine and more into a holistic approach to my overall health and wellbeing. Though I had already made eating healthy and working out a lifestyle for many years; my journey into the functional medicine field really began after moving from Iowa to Spokane, Washington in 2020. My personal goal was clear when I began looking for a life long career here in Spokane; I wanted to continue my journey in functional medicine and to continue my healthy lifestyle. Since joining the team at The Metabolic Institute, I have been blessed to do just that! Being able to take control of my overall health through functional medicine has been life changing for me but the real reward has been helping others do the same through The Metabolic Institute.

I have an associate’s degree in business administration. My professional life has included health, fitness, nutrition along with many other professional fields including but not limited to finances and administration. I enjoy interior design, gardening and many other outdoor activities such as biking, hiking and spending time with my miniature Australian Shepherd, Bentley. Since I am a native to Idaho, I have also been able to reconnect with family and friends I’ve grown up with and am enjoying the many beautiful things Washington and the surrounding states have to offer to help keep me on track for a happy and healthy lifestyle!