About Me: Shawna Kunselman, MS, CNS, LDN- Pediatric Clinical Nutritionist
Greetings! I am Shawna Kunselman, a passionate and dedicated Pediatric Nutritionist specializing in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other chronic health conditions such as celiac, diabetes, juvenile arthritis and digestive issues.
Education: I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, laying the foundation for understanding the intricate connections between mental health and nutrition. My academic journey continued with a Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition, providing me with the knowledge and skills to address the unique nutritional needs of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Professional Credentials: I am proud to be a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), the highest attainable certification in the field of nutrition. This certification reflects my commitment to staying at the forefront of evidence-based practices and continuously expanding my expertise. Additionally, I am a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (Nutrition), allowing me to approach pediatric nutrition with a holistic perspective, considering the interconnectedness of mental and physical well-being. I also hold a License of Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) (Fl.)
Personal Connection: My journey into nutrition was inspired by my family’s experiences and my son’s health challenges, which led me to research the powerful connection between food, inflammation, and chronic disease. I discovered how food additives and ultra-processed foods contribute to health issues and became dedicated to using food as medicine.
Interests Beyond Nutrition: Outside of my professional life, I find joy in various activities. I am an avid hiker, finding solace and inspiration in the great outdoors. Traveling with my family allows us to explore new cultures and create cherished memories together. Yoga and paddleboarding are integral parts of my life, providing both physical and mental rejuvenation.
Philosophy: When working with me, I provide practical feeding strategies for parents to help selective eaters explore new foods and improve diet variety and overall nutrition. Using a comprehensive approach that includes reviewing specific blood work, symptoms, and detailed history, I create individualized recommendations to reduce inflammation, restore nutrient balance, and improve symptoms such as cognition, learning, and behaviors. Nourishment is key to unlocking your child’s full potential!
Many children today are overmedicated and undernourished, leading to an increased risk of chronic health issues and missed opportunities to address root causes through diet and lifestyle changes. My goal is to empower families to shift this narrative, focusing on real, nutrient-dense foods to support children’s health and development naturally.
Credentials:
Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) (FL.)
Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP)
Clinical Nutrition Internship, Johnson Center for Child Health & Development
Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition
Bachelor of Science in Psychology