Dr. Kevin and Dr. Ashley’s Story

Our story begins with one of our daughters. When she was two years old, she began having many physical, mental, and emotional symptoms and was quickly placed on the autism spectrum along with severe GI issues and constipation. This all came as a shock and deep disappointment to my wife and I;  especially as natural healthcare practitioners and an already health conscious family. How could this be when I had attended years of advanced schooling to become a doctor along with my wife's strong desire to run our home and food from natural, organic, and healthy sources?  We were what anyone would have considered a picture of health and already living in a way to prevent illness (by utilizing chiropractic care, organic foods, and pursuing a non toxic atmosphere in our lives). Despite these ideals on our part, a typical day for her began to look like severe constipation and rectal issues, pulling fistfuls of her hair out, wetting her pants multiple times a day long and at night as well as uncomfortable eczema.  She also exhibited autistic stimming; including head banging on hard surfaces.  Ashley and I were devastated.  We cried out to God for answers and healing.

We first turned towards some of the top ranked children's GI specialists in our area.  After several appointments incorporating various tests, we were told our girl would have to be on laxatives indefinitely. Also, we were told that this was just how her life would be and there was certainly no root cause for her severe symptoms.

Discouraged and dissatisfied, we began relentlessly educating ourselves on how to help our daughter.  My wife happened to find information about the GAPS diet by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. Dr. Campell-McBride is a neurologist and nutritionist who designed a program which ultimately brought healing to her autistic son.  The connection between what a person is experiencing neurologically has roots in the gut.  The premise of the protocol is to heal and seal the gut by avoiding inflammatory foods and using healing foods such as fermented foods and bone broth.  We began this way of eating as a family and I soon became a certified GAPS practitioner by learning alongside of Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. It didn't take long for Ashley and I to see that many symptoms we had been experiencing and living with for much of our lives would be helped by a GAPS style diet.  Ashley had struggled with autoimmunity, hormone dysregulation, skin issues, and anxiety/depression as well as digestive issues on a much milder level. The GAPS protocol brought much healing to our family and many of my patients.

Although the GAPS diet was incredibly helpful, there was still more healing to achieve for our family. While many of our daughter’s digestive symptoms eased, she would still often experience bedwetting and skin problems. Ashley still struggled with autoimmunity despite the diet changes.  After having our third child, Ashley's symptoms worsened.

Soon after our third child was born, Ashley and I began studying Functional Medicine to find an even deeper level of healing.  Ashley also earned her Doctor of Holistic Health degree as a traditionally trained naturopath.  We began utilizing specific lab testing, interpretation, and supplement protocols to bring healing to the body at the cellular level with our family, patients, and staff.  Although diet and detox modalities are foundational to health, it wasn't until experiencing in-depth cellular restoration through Functional Medicine that my family has found vibrant wellness.

Ashley and I are profoundly grateful to God for the health trial our family has walked through in order to find true healing and optimal wellness.  We are thankful to be entrusted with education and experiences in order to help others with their chronic health concerns.  There is always hope for those struggling with symptoms, no matter how many practitioners have been seen.  It is a gift to be able to work with our patients and loved ones to help them enjoy abundant health!