I HATED MY BODY... After decades of living a never ending soap opera with the regular drama of strict dieting, poor self image, depression, and unhealthy eating behaviors, I mustered up the courage to fire my mind and inner critic. I found a desperate woman craving a different relationship with her body and food.
TEACHINGS IN DISGUISE... I ironically was blessed with systemic ailments and digestive issues that ultimately led me towards the path of functional medicine. It was in these teachings that invigorated my love (and respect) for the human body. I discovered the interwoven dynamic of all systems and the amazing impact of these biochemical pathways. Food and attitude really can heal. A PATH TO HEALING AND PEACE... Integrating all my life components that contributed (and detracted) from my optimal health was the missing link. Recognizing and honoring a completely different set of cues led to a softer relationship within myself, where the body and emotional dynamic morphed into a well-informed, but pliable way of eating and being. My changed eating habits, supplementation and self-tenderness has catapulted and affected every aspect of my life. It is my hope to extend the same gift to you.
I received a Bachelor of Science from University of California Davis in Exercise Physiology with a Nutrition Emphasis. It was followed with a Masters in Nutrition and Health Promotion from Simmons College in Boston. My certification as a registered dietitian was attained at the Harvard-affiliated, Brigham and Woman's Hospital, in which I feel very lucky for my vigorous rotations at the esteemed Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, and the National Institute of Health (NIH). Completed a 1-year counseling program at Interchange Counseling Institute. Certified as a functional nutritionist via Next Level Functional Nutrition.
Experience
My work experience includes both an acute and sub-acute hospital setting, in- and outpatient clinical setting, lecturing, and private mentoring. I am currently developing an on-line course that will help the masses apply functional medicine concepts into daily living. I hope one day to offer it in both Spanish and English in order to reach those that often need it the most.
Publications:
1) Martinez-Pedersen, Shannon; Meerschaert, Carol M.; “Vegan Children”; Vegetarian Nutrition. May 2007.
2) Samuels, Emily G; Martinez-Pedersen, Shannon L; Pan, Joanna; “Is There Room for Improvement for MyPyramid.gov as a Nutrition Education Tool?”; Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 22(3): 286-298 July/September 2007.
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