Varsha Rathod, MD
Integrative Medicine Physician
Specialties: Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Functional Medicine
Interests: Nutrition, Digestive Disorders, Chronic Fatigue, Auto-Immune Disorders, Allergies, Disorders Linked to Insulin Resistance, Cancer Support, Preventive Medicine Wellness Plans
Varsha works with her patients to bridge the chasm between traditional and holistic medicine, customizing their health plans and goals to match their unique environmental, social, and genetic backgrounds. Varsha is an expert in the functional medicine approach, which involves analyzing individual risk factors for illness and the root cause of disease, as well as developing results-oriented prevention and treatment programs. With a passion for cooking, culinary gardening, and meditation, she inspires patients to aim for vibrancy in their lives by embracing a healthy lifestyle. Varsha received her medical degree from Kilpauk Medical College in India, followed by a residency in Internal Medicine at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a fellowship in Rheumatology at Washington University. Varsha is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, and the Institute of Functional Medicine.
Lauren Munsch Dal Farra, MD
Founder and CEO
Specialties: Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Lifestyle Medicine
Interests: Cardiac Health, Weight Loss, Metabolic Health, Stress Management
Using leading-edge medicine and a mind-body approach, Lauren collaborates with her patients to find solutions to lifestyle- and stress-related illnesses. She designs personalized cardiac prevention and rehabilitation programs for individuals at risk for or diagnosed with cardiac disease. As CEO of PALM Health and co-founder of the Anthropedia Foundation, a leader in well-being coaching education, Lauren dedicates herself to helping individuals develop enhanced health, vitality, and satisfaction. Lauren earned her medical degree from St. Louis University and completed her residency at Washington University School of Medicine. She went on to complete her Cardiology Fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine.
Sita Kedia, MD, MPH, FAHS
Chief Medical Officer
Specialties: Adult and Pediatric Neurology, Headache Medicine, Primary Pediatrics
Interests: Integrative Approaches to Headache Medicine, Movement and Degenerative Disorders, Pain Management, Attention Deficit Disorders
With a life-long passion for healing, Sita excels at pulling together interdisciplinary teams who work together to create the best possible treatment programs for complicated disorders. Her extensive knowledge of traditional and complementary techniques, combined with devotion to each patient as an individual, helps her achieve the best possible outcomes. Sita earned her medical degree from University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is triple board certified in Pediatrics, Adult/Pediatric Neurology, and Headache Medicine, and also received her Master’s of Public Health from the University of Colorado School of Public Health. Sita was recently the Director of the Headache Program at Children’s Hospital in Colorado and is a co-founder and Vice-President of the Anthropedia Foundation.
Basima Williams, DO
Family Medicine Physician
Specialties: Functional Medicine, Osteopathy
Interests: Disease Prevention, Detoxification, Family Medicine, Whole-Person Care
Basima is a passionate family medicine physician who embraces the benefits of functional medicine by providing optimal, individualized care with an emphasis on disease prevention. She is dedicated to an integrative approach to treating illnesses and identifying their underlying causes. Basima earned her Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Basima is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and the Institute of Functional Medicine.
C. Robert Cloninger, MD, PhD
Specialties: Mental Health, Psychiatry, Psychology, Genetics, Depression
Interests: Well-Being; Personality, Character, and Temperament; Spirituality
Claude Robert Cloninger, M.D. is a Wallace Renard Professor of Psychiatry, as well as Professor of Psychology and of Genetics, and Director of the Center for Well-Being at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Cloninger is renowned for his pioneering research on the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual foundation of mental health. He is recognized as an expert clinician in the treatment of general psychopathology, substance dependence, and personality disorders.
Heather Walther, PT
Fitness Manager
Interests: Anatomy, Alignment, Posture, Mind-Body Awareness
Heather is a physical therapist with training and certification in Pilates mat, Pilates reformer, barre, yoga, fitball, and spinning. Her love of exercise, deep interest and respect for anatomy, and passion for teaching are all incorporated when she teaches a class. She holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University. Heather loves the empowerment, balance, and peace an hour of exercise can bring and always strives to provide that to anyone taking her class.
Katheryn Eldridge, RD, LD, CPT
Registered Dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer
Interests: Behavioral Change, Digestive Disorders, Mind-Body Connection
Through a systemic framework, Katheryn uses a variety of tools to provide high-quality and individualized nutritional plans and exercises for her clients. She works to educate and treat nutritional problems through unique, positive lifestyle changes. In addition, she designs innovative and effective individualized fitness programs, which empower clients to improve overall health and wellness. Katheryn completed her Dietetic Internship through Murray State University, with an emphasis on Medical Nutrition Therapy. Katheryn is also a personal trainer, certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Nigel Lester, MD
Director of Mental Health
Specialties: Psychiatry, Well-Being Coaching
Interests: Treatment of Depression, Family Therapy, Mental Illness Prevention
Through his kindhearted and extensive counseling experience, Nigel focuses on helping others to become and stay healthy, positive, inspired, productive, and resilient in the face of stress and life’s challenges. As a active member of the Anthropedia Foundation, he has contributed to the development of their world-renowned Well-Being Coaching model and does pro-bono coaching with the homeless population in St. Louis. Nigel trained in psychiatry at University College London and St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City, and is an instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine. Nigel is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry.
David Stewart, CPT, HLC, CWC, MCT
Certified Personal Trainer, Holistic Lifestyle Coach
Interests: Functional Anatomy, Health and Wellness
As a Certified Personal Trainer and Holistic Lifestyle Coach, David aims to provide his clients with the most efficient and effective individualized workout programs designed to meet their specific needs. By focusing on functional movement patterns and corrective exercises, David helps his clients work on reducing stress, increasing strength and endurance, and improving overall quality of life. He encourages an environment that promotes vitality and helps his clients meet their goals. David received his personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and his holistic lifestyle coaching certification through CHEK Institute. In addition to functional and corrective movement, strength, and endurance training, David specializes in high intensity interval training (HIIT), well-being and nutrition coaching, balance and stabilization practices, and assisted stretching.
David Trybus, BS, DC
Chiropractor and Acupuncturist
Specialties: Applied Kinesiology, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Energetic Medicine
Interests: Preventing Surgery, Lifestyle Counseling, Integrative Approaches to Pain Relief
David combines the best of eastern and western medicine to bring his clients fast relief from pain and a health plan to keep it from returning. Since 1990, he has focused on treating those who have been told “they must live with their pain.” His unique approach and combination of techniques addresses the whole person, bringing about a more complete resolution to each individual’s unique health issues. He is known for “re-igniting hope and creating results.” David is a graduate of Los Angeles Chiropractic College. He completed his internship in Whittier and Burbank, California, along with an externship at the Cal State Northridge Rehabilitation Center.
Andrew Moeller, NASM, CPT
Certified Personal Trainer
Interests: Overall Fitness Improvement, Sports Performance, Goal Achievement
Andrew has a passion for working with people of all ages, focusing on increasing endurance and flexibility, enhancing range of motion, as well as total body strengthening, toning, and corrective exercises. He specializes in individual workout programs structured for members’ specific needs and applies different variations of circuit style training to maximize full potential and well-being. Andrew received his personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Joe Olivastro
Certified Personal Trainer
Interests: Corrective Exercise, Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Mind-Body Connection, Pilates, Yoga, Special Populations, Medical Exercise
Joe is a Personal Trainer, Instructor, and Corrective Exercise Specialist. He has national certifications in Clinical Exercise and Post-Rehabilitative Exercise in addition to a large repertoire of personal training, group exercise, and specialty fitness certifications. Men’s Fitness Magazine recognized Joe as one of the nation’s 100 Best Trainers for two consecutive years.
Mary Druyve, PhD
Director of Lifestyle Programs
Martha Allen
Fitness Instructor
Interests: Dance, Pilates
Martha began taking Pilates mat classes as a result of a patella subluxation when she was a high school student taking daily ballet, modern, and jazz classes. Her interest and classwork in Pilates continued during her college life, as Pilates was an integral part of the modern dance curriculum at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. Mat classes paved the way for private lessons with the tower, reformer, and the Cadillac. Martha began her formal Pilates training with Mary Brown in August 2013. Pilates has enabled Martha to further her dance career and enhance her everyday life. Her classes at PALM Health are challenging and high intensity, with the focus on individual client needs. Martha is excited to share her passion for wellness and her love of Pilates!
Robin Bach, ACE-CPT
Fitness Instructor
Interests: Functional Anatomy, Healing Pain
For 35 years, Robin has committed herself to learning about the body and how it works. As a Somatic Educator, she teaches people how to listen to the sensations of their bodies and enter into a healing dialogue with these sensations. Awareness, or paying attention to physical sensation, not only allows her clients to understand and respect the architecture of the body, but also helps them heal pain from the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual realms. In addition to being a Certified Personal Trainer, she is a Nia black belt, holds TRE-LV1 (Tension, Stress, and Trauma Release) and MELT HF-LV1 certification. Robin is honored to bring the MELT Method to PALM Health, as well as to help teach awareness through various group classes and workshops.
Julie Funke, RYT
Fitness Instructor
Interests: Overall Fitness, Spinning, Yoga, Thai Yoga, Clinical Thai Bodywork
Julie has been an avid fitness guru for 30 years, focusing on personal training, fitness classes, spinning, and yoga. In 1996, she and two partners brought Spinning® to St. Louis, an indoor cycling class invented by Johnny G of Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc. that simulates a combination of road and mountain biking in an indoor setting done with music and lighting. She has enjoyed the last ten years devoting her focus to 500 hours in teacher training for yoga, and another 200 hours in workshops in and out of town. Julie is currently studying Clinical Thai Bodywork, a therapeutic modality that combines traditional Thai massage with more specialized techniques to target myofascial trigger points and help restore fluid motion across joints. Her classes at PALM Health center on the transformative power of strength coupled with flexibility and deep tissue restoration.
Stacy West
Fitness Instructor
Interests: Dance, Movement as Tool for Enhanced Understanding, Education, Spirituality
Stacy holds a B.S. in Marketing, a Minor in Dance, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from Southern Illinois University. She was a professional dancer from 1987 to 2004. She currently holds the position as Executive and Artistic Director of MADCO (Modern American Dance Company) and is an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis for the School of Fine and Performing Arts. Stacy designs movement classes and programs for all ages and levels from toddlers to seniors. In 2016, she completed a certification in Autism Movement Therapy.
Julie Walther-Scheibel, MEd
Fitness Instructor
Interests: Physical and Emotional Fitness, Family Dynamics, Well-Being
Julie has been a studio cycling instructor for 15 years. She enjoys coaching others through a ride that reaches their untapped potential. She earned a Master of Education (MEd) in Community Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. She has a private practice specializing in the care of tween and teen girls and their families, and is passionate about the mind-body-spirit connection. In addition to cycling, Julie enjoys running, yoga, strength training, and a variety of movement classes. Julie looks forward to welcoming PALM Health members in her cycle classes.
Maria Ojascastro
Visual Art for Wellness Instructor
Interests: Visual Art to Improve Brain and Mental Health, Expressive Art for Families
Maria is a teaching artist for children and adults. She received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis, studied in Santa Reparata International School of Art in Florence, Italy, and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Maria has lead workshops for other educators, medical and mental health professionals, cancer survivors, and victims of trauma for the Center for Creative Arts, the Kemper Art Museum, the Cancer Support Community and other cultural, mental health, medical, and educational institutions both regionally and nationally. She has taught individuals with developmental delays, hearing impairments, significant medical conditions, dementia and learning disabilities, as well as typically developing and gifted students. As a mother of three creative sons who are on the Autism Spectrum, she is excited about sharing the benefits of art for wellness at PALM Health.
Bronson Thorn, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist, Spa Lead
Interests: Overall Well-Being, Custom Tailored Bodywork, Athletic Performance Enhancing Sports Massage
Bronson moved to St. Louis from Alabama and fell in love with its rich history and diverse and eclectic community. He is a treatment-focused licensed massage therapist and has been practicing for more than 10 years. Bronson has studied and trained in over 50 modalities, mainly utilizing 15-20 of those to do custom tailored bodywork and athletic performance enhancing sports massage. A few of the integrative techniques he employs are: sports massage, myofascial release, positional release, neuromuscular, and reflexology. Doing deep tissue work allows him to help clients with pain management, chronic pain, injury, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, headaches, neck pain, and sciatica. Bronson enjoys helping people manage their stress and reaching and maintaining their wellness goals.
Tommy Tenholder, LMT, BCMT
Licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician
Interests: Functional Anatomy, Healing Power of Touch, Skin Care
Board-certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, Tommy utilizes his education of the body and advanced massage techniques to help his clients relax and improve their overall flexibility and range of motion. His style is a blend of several different modalities, including myofascial release, sports and orthopedic massage, Swedish massage, and deep tissue manipulations. Tommy also studied at the Skin Institute of St. Louis in advanced esthetics, and as an Esthetician he treats his clients’ skin and helps educate them on how to optimize their skin’s health. In addition to being a dual therapist, he also enjoys playing competitive soccer and volleyball, as well as spending time with his two fur-babies. Tommy is very excited to be part of the PALM Health team, and looks forward to building many therapeutic relationships. “Nothing is more satisfying than seeing the change in a client’s health and happiness, knowing you helped them in the process.”
Tom Burr, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
Interests: Stress and Pain Relief, Tension Release, Relaxation
Tom has been practicing massage therapy for 19 years, and his work is informed by intuition. Tom believes in listening to and trusting in the intelligence of the body to release tension and stress. His work stimulates the body’s own mechanisms to promote more natural rest, breathing, movement, sleep, digestion, thought, and energy flow. Tom is committed to the ideals of well-being and brings his knowledge and experience to maximize a positive and calming experience for members at PALM Health.
Michelle Grimm, NCMT
Nationally Certified Massage Therapist
Interests: Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point Release, Postural Awareness, Sports Massage
Michelle is committed to providing for individuals’ physical and emotional wellness through her unique massage touch. She has been a nationally certified massage therapist since graduating from Allied College in St. Louis in 2004. She spent three years working in Colorado at Durango Sports Club, where she honed her skills in neuromuscular therapy, trigger point, and sports injury massage. Michelle focuses on increasing muscle mobility, flexibility, and biomechanical functioning by decreasing tension in the body.
Anney Perrine, MEd, CWC
Director of Membership
Interests: Social Health, Art, Processes of Self-Transformation, Natural World
As a PALM Navigator, Anney takes every opportunity to explore novel concepts in well-being with members, and to expose prospective members to PALM’s ternary approach to whole-person care. She is passionate about helping people broaden their understanding and experience of what it is to live well. For personal development, Anney reads and writes poetry, spends time in nature, draws, and volunteers. Anney holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Colorado at Boulder and is a certified well-being coach through the Anthropedia Foundation. She taught middle school French and was a costume designer in New York prior to joining the PALM Team.
Lauren Lubus, MHA, INHC
PALM Navigator and Coach
Interests: Health/Nutrition Coaching and Education, Marketing and Communications
Lauren is a PALM Navigator and Coach at PALM Health. She is a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and earned a Master of Health Administration degree from Penn State University. She is currently working towards completing Anthropedia’s Well-Being Coach Certification program and offers Biofeedback – Cardiac Coherence at PALM. Lauren is committed to empowering people through mind and body to maximize health and happiness. She is a former NCAA All-American swimmer at Indiana University and two-time U.S. Olympic Swimming Trial competitor. Lauren values teamwork, determination, self-love, and compassion to reach her fullest potential.
Kevin Cloninger, PhD, PCC
Director of Well-Being Coaching
Specialties: Coaching, Education
Interests: Music, Neuroscience, European Culture, Community Health
Kevin’s skill and commitment as an educator and a well-being coach has helped his clients make major lifestyle changes. He is an award-winning teacher, ICF certified coach, and public speaker, and works on behalf of improving well-being for people in all walks of life. As President of the Anthropedia Foundation, Kevin excels in developing educational content and coaching certification programs for professionals. Kevin earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and completed his doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Denver.
Jessica Dycus, CWC, CPT
PALM Navigator, Body Awakening Instructor
Interests: Mind-Body Connection in Health, Stress Management, Healing Abilities of Awareness and Arts
Jessica is a PALM Navigator, well-being coach, and body awakening instructor. She is interested in the role that thoughts and emotions play in movement and aims to design her classes around integrating, challenging, and deepening the mind-body connection. She also enjoys the art of connecting people with the avenues that will benefit them most and sees this passion play out in her role as a navigator. She continues to study new fields to find ways to improve her current knowledge and capabilities. Jessica is a certified well-being coach through the Anthropedia Foundation. She studied body awakening at Studios Actuels de la Danse in Vallauris, France, while teaching swing and tango dancing at the Center of Creative Arts.
Amanda Chesnutt, CWC
PALM Navigator, Dance and Movement Instructor
Interests: Dance and Movement, Plant and Herbal Therapies, Mind-Body Relationship
Amanda is passionate about supporting others on their personal paths to health, as well as the development of community and culture that fosters well-being for humanity. In both roles of PALM Navigator and dance instructor, she enjoys developing relationships and helping people discover their deepest values and find solutions to challenges using creativity and intuition. Amanda has a B.A. in Geography, is an internationally certified ballroom and social dance instructor, is a Certified Well-Being Coach through the Anthropedia Foundation, and previously owned a business in Colorado that provides services and products for families wanting to create socially and environmentally conscious lifestyles.
Kim Cella, MSW, LCSW
Mental Health Counselor, Personal Health Advocate
Interests: Mindfulness, Psychotherapy, Family
Kim studied Nursing and Human Behavior at Vanderbilt University and earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from Washington University. After completing a two-year post-graduate program at the Psychoanalytic Institute, she had a private practice in St. Louis where she treated teenagers and adults. Kim is interested in psychodynamic, insight-oriented, mindfulness-based psychotherapy. She currently focuses on helping her patients navigate the emotions of a new medical diagnosis and to actively confront their diagnosis. In her spare time, Kim and her best friend created, wrote, and executively produced a television series that aired on DirecTV and AT&T U-verse. The ten episodes told the story of a psychology professor whose life is altered by a chance meeting in a New York City restaurant, and the series has been picked up for a second season.
Alinda Muszynski, CWC, CPT
Well-Being Coach, Body Awakening Coach and Instructor
Interests: Psychological Health and Well-Being, Mind-Body Relationship, Sensitivity and Awareness of the Body, Building Resilience to Stress, Facilitating Lifestyle Transformation
Alinda brings an integrative approach to personal well-being in her work as a well-being coach and body awakening instructor. As both an educator and well-being coach, Alinda has experience with people of all ages and diverse socio-economic backgrounds. With a background in both psychology and mathematics, she provides her clients with a unique qualitative and quantitative methodology, providing them with concrete tools and techniques to actualize their potential and substantively chart their progress. In addition to her academic background, Alinda has studied dance and movement at the Ballet Russe School under Inesse Alexandrov and at the Studio Actuels de la Danse in Valauris, France.
Sarah Bird, DNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
Specialties: Functional Medicine, Integrative Health and Healing
Interests: Behavioral Change, Mindfulness, Spirituality
With a strong foundation in person-centered, relationship-based care, Sarah works to support her patients’ innate capacity for healing. She enjoys using a variety of tools including mindfulness, coaching, energy therapies, self-compassion, and functional medicine to empower patients to achieve optimal health. Sarah earned her Doctorate in Integrative Health and Healing at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality for Healing, where her doctoral project entailed building programs to help patients embrace sustainable behavioral change. Sarah is currently working towards certification in Functional Medicine.
Julie Geeting, LPC, NCC
Mental Health Counselor and Coach, Personal Health Advocate
Specialties: Well-Being Coaching, Personality Assessments, Treatment of Anxiety and Depression
Interests: Therapeutic Lifestyle Interventions, Building Resilience to Stress, Executive Coaching
Julie brings a fresh approach to helping individuals find more well-being, purpose, and satisfaction in their lives. As a coach, Julie uses the Anthropedia model, which focuses on personality assessment, increasing self-awareness, career coaching, and lifestyle- and health-focused goal setting. Her training as a counselor and coach is enhanced by her experience in both the healthcare industry and non-profit work, giving Julie a unique understanding of the challenges individuals and families face today.
Sarah Lewis, CWC, LMSW
PALM Navigator, Program Coordinator
Interests: Nature, Cooking, Discovery, Travel
With a background in psychology, social work, and training as a well-being coach, Sarah helps support and nourish the goals, hopes, and aspirations that each client holds for him or herself. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Brown University and holds a Licensed Master of Social Work degree from Washington University. In addition to her studies and work at PALM Health, she currently volunteers as a well-being coach for the homeless population of St. Louis.
Mary Ann Kuehl
Fitness Instructor
Interests: Cycling, Restorative Yoga, Resist-A-Ball
Mary Ann has been involved in fitness since 1985. Together with her sister Julie Funke and partners, Mary Ann opened St. Louis Spinning in 1996. She has certifications in aerobics through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), Mad Dogg Athletics Spinning®, Resist-A-Ball levels 1-3, and also did training with Paul Grilley for Yin Yoga. She receives continuing education annually through the World Spinning and Sports Conditioning (WSSC) Conference.
Mary Ann has been married for 29 years and has three children. She completed a marathon in 2006 and is a breast cancer survivor since 2009. She enjoys running, cycling, swimming, volleyball, water sports, lifting, yoga, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Ashley Kumar, DPT, CKTP
Physical Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Kinesio Tape Practitioner
Interests: Postural Alignment, Neuromuscular Re-Education, Injury Prevention Exercise, Running Analysis, Foot/Ankle Biomechanics, Graston Technique
With each of her clients, Ashley integrates hands-on skills with muscle re-education and balance through various forms of exercise. Her goals are to help people stay fit, active, and mobile by offering a highly personalized approach. Ashley uses Kinesio Tape and the Graston technique based on individual needs. She has special training to work with Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and other neurological diseases, as well as cancer survivors through the STAR program. She is an ardent runner and loves the biomechanics of how the foot strikes the ground. This has led her into performing 2-D running analysis for her clients who have a passion for running. Ashley is a wellness advocate for her clients and lives that out in her daily life as well. She graduated from Missouri State University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She enjoys running, hiking, and strength training, as well as keeping mentally and physically balanced with yoga.
Kelly Jouris, MS, RD, LD
Fitness Instructor, Exercise Physiologist, Registered Dietitian
Interests: Physical and Mental Strength, Heart Rate Training, Total Body Fitness and Health, High Intensity Training, Nutrition
Kelly brings her experience as a Division 1 college athlete to her classes and creates physically challenging sessions that encourages each participant to reach deep and achieve his or her full potential. Her love of sports and her long soccer career developed into a passion for fitness as well as sports nutrition. Kelly received her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Iowa State University and a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Sports Performance from Saint Louis University. During her Master’s program, Kelly also became an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist and Certified Spinning Instructor and has been teaching ever since. Kelly hopes not only to inspire the inner athlete inside of everyone, but also to emphasize the importance of healthy eating and overall wellness.
Ashley Wiegand, MS, LMFT, BCN
Neurotherapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Specialties: Neurofeedback, Biofeedback, Brain-Based Therapy, Family Systems
Interests: Stress Management, Anxiety Disorders/PTSD, Depression, Attention Deficit Disorders, Performance Optimization
Ashley works from an integrative perspective based on her understanding of neurobiology, physiology, psychotherapy, and family systems. Her brain-based approach is uniquely systemic, combining biological and interpersonal dynamics in her application of neurofeedback. She utilizes qEEG technology to provide brain map evaluations, which detects underlying brainwave (EEG) bio-markers related to client concerns. Neurofeedback is then used to balance dysregulated areas. This holistic approach to wellness empowers an individual by facilitating improved self-regulation to move towards lasting change and growth. Ashley is licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) and is board-certified in Neurofeedback through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). She is currently completing her doctoral degree at Saint Louis University.
Tracy Macek
Licensed Esthetician
Interests: Natural, Holistic Skincare and Treatments
Tracy has been a licensed esthetician for over 17 years, skilled in treating all skin types and conditions. She is highly knowledgeable in cosmetic ingredients and how to avoid toxic ingredients in skin care. She is passionate about helping clients achieve healthy, beautiful skin through relaxing treatments, as well as customizing their use of skincare products at home for maximum results.
Tracy has a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Maryville University in St. Louis. She loves animals and enjoys watercolor and acrylic painting.
Emily Steinberg, E-RYT
Yoga Instructor
Interests: Yoga, Meditation, Thai Yoga Bodywork, Healing, Spirituality, Nature, Nutrition, Travel, Family
Emily Steinberg has been an independent yoga teacher since 2005, instructing group yoga classes, workshops, corporate classes, and private in-home sessions. The depth and diversity of her training comes from the collective wisdom of Rod Stryker, Shiva Rea, Saul David Raye, and Thomas Fortel. Emily offers a nourishing yoga experience in which each client is attended to with compassion and kindness. Clients feel welcomed, safe, and supported under mindful instruction. Modifications will always be offered. Emily is also currently studying Thai Yoga Bodywork with the Chicago School of Thai Massage.
Krista Stoll, RN, BSN
Certified Aesthetic Registered Nurse and Advanced Nurse Injector
Interests: Cosmetic Injectables, Female Anti-Aging, Overall Well-Being
Krista is a certified aesthetic registered nurse with an extensive background in medical aesthetics and a focus in cosmetic dermatology and facial plastic surgery. She has been mentored by some of the leading experts in the field of medical aesthetics. Krista has had the opportunity to travel from coast to coast training physicians and other medical professionals on advanced cosmetic lasers and skincare injectables, and keeps up on the most cutting-edge technology and techniques used in cosmetic medicine. Krista obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Maryville University, Saint Louis, where she is also working towards an advanced nursing degree. Additionally, Krista is a licensed Cosmetologist.
Krista feels that confidence and improving the way people feel about themselves is very important and helps one achieve a greater sense of well-being and overall health. She is always striving to be the best she can, and outside of PALM, Krista spends time with her eight-year-old son.
Kathy Akman, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist & Esthetician
Interests: Massage, Skin Care, Customer Service
Kathy is a dual-licensed esthetician and massage therapist whose mission is to make her clients look and feel their best. Her journey into wellness started in 1995 when she left a managerial career in hospitality to open her own business. Additional opportunities brought her to spas in exclusive locales, such as Pebble Beach and Palm Springs. Kathy served as Assistant Spa Director at the Four Seasons where she was lauded for her “five diamond” level of service in treatments as lead esthetician and massage therapist. Educated mostly on the West Coast, Kathy has undergone extensive instruction in both of her fields and is a graduate of the International Dermal Institute. Kathy’s practice is strongly centered on the needs of those she serves. As such, she feels that part of her role is to educate clients on long-term regimes they can use at home to promote not just a better outward appearance, but also a happier, healthier life.
Cynthia Kardesch, MD
Integrative Physician
Specialties: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Interests: Integrative Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Dr. Cynthia Kardesch received her medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Medical School. She pursued a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and worked for SSM Health and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital before completing a two-year fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona in February 2016. Dr. Kardesch and her husband David, who is an interventional cardiologist, have four children. Dr. Kardesch has been involved in many volunteer service projects in the community and in her church and enjoys whole food cooking, traveling, and road biking.
Liam Springer, CPT, CES, NASM
Certified Personal Trainer, SomaTrainer
Interests: ELDOA, SomaTraining, Corrective Exercise, Body Mechanics, Psychosocial Well-Being
Liam is a Healthy Living and Fitness Consultant with a broad and detailed training background including body mechanics, exercise, nutrition, and psychosocial well-being. Liam is a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) through PTA Global, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He is accredited as an exercise therapist through the Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology (CHEK) Institute in San Diego, CA, and is a C.H.E.K. Practitioner Level 2, which includes training to design highly specific corrective exercise programs. He has continued his education in the direction of Osteopathic Manual and Exercise therapy designed by internationally renowned Guy Voyer D.O., the founder of the ELDOA Methodology.
Liam is highly trained and has consulted with hundreds of clients in the U.S. and internationally. He is a SomaTrainer and SomaTherapist in the U.S. and a D.O. Candidate 2020 in Canada and Europe. He has mentored under some of the most recognized coaches in Holistic Health. He has also completed the extensive Anthropedia Well-being Coach Training Course under the world’s leading researcher of mental well-being, Dr. Robert Cloninger, M.D. and his associates.
Eric Lentz, CPT
Certified Personal Trainer
Interests: ELDOA, SomaTraining, Myofascial Stretching, Corrective Exercise
Eric Lentz is a personal trainer certified in ELDOA, SomaTraining, Myofascial Stretching, Global Postural Stretching, and Corrective Exercise for golf and rotational movements. He has studied under the renowned French osteopath, Guy Voyer, D.O., the founder of the ELDOA methodology and SomaTraining Program. In addition, he has studied training and holistic health under Paul Chek.
Jacque Blossfield, MA, NCC
PALM Navigator
Interests: Nutrition, Mind-Body-Soul Connection, Healing Benefits of Community
A native of St. Louis, Jacque has a strong background in counseling. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Missouri and holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from Covenant Seminary. Before joining PALM Health, she worked at a local eating disorder clinic for trauma-induced disorders. She found it a great privilege to be with clients during some of their more vulnerable times and let them know they were not alone. Jacque’s most rewarding experiences in life are to walk with people as they understand their own stories and find a greater sense of self-compassion and care as a result.
Jacque enjoys hiking, the outdoors, summer activities, being at the ocean, cross stitching, and trying out new cooking dishes.
Andrew Tucker, NASM, CPT
Certified Personal Trainer
Interests: Golf Fitness Training, Youth Fitness Training, Strength Training, CrossFit, Kettlebell Training
Andrew’s purpose and passion as a Certified Fitness Specialist is to improve the wellness and functional performance for clients of all levels who are dedicated to advancing their fitness levels. He has certifications through NASM, TRX, and CrossFit Kettlebell and he uses these to apply to each individual client’s goals. Andrew’s fitness interests include golf fitness training, youth fitness training, MMA conditioning, strength training, CrossFit, kettlebell training, and TRX suspension training. He is a lifelong athlete with more than twenty years’ experience who truly understands the scientific rationale for integrated strength training and all elements of wellness. Andrew believes fitness should be safe and challenging, but not overwhelming; intense, yet fun. When he is not training, Andrew enjoys hiking, cycling, reading, photography, and traveling.
Monet Stunson
Fitness Instructor
Interests: Pilates, Barre, Health, Fitness, Wellness
Monet was born and raised in Glen Carbon, Illinois. She is a graduate of Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville and received her degrees in biology, chemistry, and forensic science. Monet spent her early career in the healthcare industry; however, her true passion pivoted into fitness, health, and wellness. Monet began working as a sports performance and strength training coach in 2012. Monet first fell in love with Barre and Pilates in 2013 and received her certification from The Pilates Center in Boulder, Colorado.