MEET OUR NEW NUTRITIONIST: ALLISON ROMAN

“When we stay close to the wisdom of our own knowing, seeking solutions to our problems in the sanctuary of our heart and not in the vanity of the mind, then we can pretty much trust in the unfolding, mysterious wisdom of life.”

~Marianne Williamson

We are excited to welcome Allison Roman, Certified Herbalist + Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist to the Wellspace Team. Read on to learn about her!

Can you tell us a little about what inspired you to become a  Certified Herbalist and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN)?

After college, I worked in the art industry for 4 years before moving into a corporate job I loathed. As a healthier means to tackle my unhappiness at that job, I got into yoga and cleaned up my eating habits. I then went to work at a startup that fed my drive but drained my spirit…and my adrenals.

Eventually, I got laid off and continued down a rabbit hole of studying holistic nutrition, yoga, and alternative medicines. I began this research because I often felt sick and was dealing with anxiety, digestive distress, hormonal imbalances and hyperactive skin issues like eczema and hives. Like many, I’ve done all the diets. I tried numerous alternative modalities, saw doctors, acupuncturists, nutritionists, spoke to healing psychics, and incessantly explored wellness books and summits.  

I felt depressed, unwell, and desperate to heal. So, I went on to study more and received certifications in the healing modalities that were most effective for me and allowed me to get to the root of my issues. It also led to the creation of my apothecary line, Kāliks Collective–a botanically crafted line of self-care products for skin and body.

Can you share about your approach and training, as well as any other ways you develop your professional work?

I’m passionate about the body’s ability to heal itself and empowering people on this path. Sessions will pull from a variety of healing modalities I’ve learned to address the body as a whole, rather than just tackling symptoms. FDN uncovers chronic health issues with functional lab testing, while my nutrition and herbal education focus on nourishing and bringing the body into balance so that it can heal itself.

There’s a lot of emphasis on proper nutrition, rest, stress management, herbal remedies, and self-care tools so clients feel supported on their own.  

My practice is also informed by meditation, 10+ years of teaching yoga, and Ayurvedic Aromatherapy, where I create custom topical formulas for therapeutic reasons using essential oils in a safe, educated way.

It’s also important to stay up-to date with the latest functional medicine research, as we are learning so much more about the significance of the microbiome, environmental exposures, mitochondrial function, and more.

Who do you work with? What do you specialize in?

I work with individuals who are either looking for a holistic route to address their unresolved health issues or are seeking natural remedies to complement an allopathic/conventional approach. General areas of focus are digestive disorders, skin issues, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune conditions.

Can you name any experiences you’ve had that proved formative in your personal/professional development?

My own healing journey has included some of the most medicinal and impactful lessons to date. I would also add having access to amazing teachers of botanical medicine and alternative medicine here in the Bay Area. This accessibility has greatly contributed to my professional development. Traveling is another big one. I lived in Hong Kong for a year where my husband and I traveled quite a bit. Exposure to other cultures and countries has truly expanded my perspective, heart, and mind.

What do you do for fun? What brings you joy?

I’m a bit of a homebody, so I love cooking a homemade meal and watching movies with family or friends. Adventures excite me, too, so traveling to new places is something I try to do every year. I also love reading about herbal medicine, going to a good yoga class, and eating yummy food. You can find me chasing warm sun as that keeps me pretty content most of the time!