HUDSON VALLEY FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Key Persons
Carole has studied nutrition and herbs since her teens and has cultivated a "back-to-the-land" lifestyle. After obtaining a Bachelor's in Music (voice with teaching certificate K-12) she then became an Registered Nurse. She had formal training in Nutrition and Western herbs in the early 80's and her extensive RN experience spans over 35 years. She has worked as an RN in holistic, integrative, and functional medicine clinics as well as in more traditional medical settings doing oncology, neurology, pulmonary, private care, and in home infusion. She is also licensed in Nutrition and Acupuncture (certified in EAM, Electro-Acupuncture Medicine) certified as a Colonic Hydrotherapist, and is a Reiki Master, with studies in Quantum Healing methods. She has been trained in the PK (neurolipid) protocol and taken many continuing education courses in IV therapies. She enjoys being part of a team helping people remove blocks to living a more vital life.
In 2005, after spending 13 years practicing Hematology Oncology, I switched my focus to Functional Medicine, a newer systems approach to medicine. I was in the third graduating class of fellows that studied and certified through The Institute for Functional Medicine , which is now going on its 30th year. As someone always hungry to learn and improve care, in the last 5 years I have been following the increasing proliferation in medical studies, articles, books, podcasts, and websites in the emerging field of longevity. With the celebration of my 60th birthday coupled with my determination to remain vibrant and fit, I have embarked upon a deep study of the new genomics and physiology of aging and am now hungry to share what I'm learning with patients by offering an integrated, comprehensive Longevity Medical Consultation service that can help each client hedge against future disease and realize their full potential to live healthfully throughout the remainder of their lives.
My passion for health sciences and obsession with remaining on the leading edge of medicine started with my first introduction to biology working at the National Institutes of Health during high school and summers. At Cornell University I fell in love with biochemistry, and was able to take courses in nutrition, research science, and work in the lab. At NYU medical school I was drawn in even further, as the curriculum of cell biology, a new discipline at the time, was very strong. I graduated NYU Medical School with honors in Pharmacology, which required a research project and presentation. After having the opportunity to work at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel in an Immunology lab, I decided to focus on Oncology and Hematology. I was taken by the close connection of Oncology with biochemistry and physiology, and the challenge of moving treatments forward in a field where outcomes were not always favorable. After my fellowships in Hematology and Oncology, I took an opportunity at Columbia University, to teach as adjunct clinical professor, and participate in nation-wide clinical trials, while running a community practice with four partners This 13-year experience was rewarding and certainly there were some small advancements in my field, but I remained intensely curious about the root causes of cancer, and why prevention was not prioritized. I felt often that I was working at the wrong end of the continuum. At the time I did not know that there was a burgeoning group of like-minded professionals beginning to organize around concepts of root-cause exploration, the role of the environment in disease, and the healing power of food.
In 2005 I stumbled upon Functional Medicine and my world was turned upside down. Functional Medicine seemed to combine everything I love, nutritional biochemistry, natural health emphasis, and treating patients for foundational imbalances. I felt compelled to leave my Hematology Oncology practice and retrain in Functional Medicine at the Institute of Functional Medicine. Now, with the availability of genomic analysis and the new research in longevity, I feel the science of longevity, combined with the fundamentals of functional medicine, provide a very sound prescription for aging healthfully, with minimal medical intervention. It is very exciting to be able to combine my background in laboratory work, clinical work, and my bent towards natural health, to help others remain in optimal health for as long as possible.
Jackie de Vries, MS, is a neurotherapist and wellness coach. She has been AIBT certified since 2007, and is a member of the Peak Performance Collective, which focuses on brain optimization for ADD/ADHD. She has completed training in Neuromeditation (5 forms of meditation guided by EEG neurofeedback) through the NeuroMeditation Institute.
Before shifting into neurotherapy, Jackie obtained a Masters in Computer Science at Columbia University and worked in computer research. Jackie went on to graduate from the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, a 4 year college equivalent program teaching spiritual and energy healing in 1999.
In her practice she utilizes Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG, or brain mapping) to provide focused and research based protocols for optimizing brain function. Her repertoire of neurofeedback modalities includes InfraSlow Fluctuation (ISF), S-Loreta, Z-Score, Alpha-Theta, SMR, and LENS-HPN-microcurrent Neurofeedback.
Jackie continues to leverage her research nature by investigating and evaluating promising healing modalities and wellness protocols. Her goal in clinical practice is to help each client find their path to wellness.
Jackie can be reached at 201-253-0345 or through the main office at Hudson Valley Functional Medicine Center.
Job Titles:
- Structural Integration Practitioner
Matthew Spencer heals bodies and souls using deep anatomical insight and finely targeted treatments. He completed a full premedical curriculum at SUNY Purchase (BA Biology), graduated from the Rolf Institute (Certified Advanced Rolfer), and is now in his 40th year of full-time practice.
Dr. Rainford was educated at NYU School of Medicine, is double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease, and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. Along with 47 years of experience, he has several publications on the multifunctional cardiogram, which is in clinical trials at the NIH and other centers, and available at the Valley Cottage location.
Susan Kravitz is a gifted Physical Therapist who has studied and integrated traditional physical therapy, myofascial release techniques, visceral mobilization, lymphatic drainage, and craniosacral therapy to create personal hands-on sessions for her patients. Her education includes a BS/Certificate in Physical Therapy, Masters in Pathokinesiology, Specialization in Lymphedema Therapy (Lymphatic Drainage), and holds a Certification in Cancer Rehabilitation. She has also authored a chapter on Portable Hyperbaric Oxygen and wound healing and has taught courses to physical therapists in combining myofascial release techniques with craniosacral therapy. With over 40 years of experience, Susan has extensive experience in treating, but not limited to, the following areas: orthopedic, lymphatic, abdominal and digestive, neurological and cancer recovery.
Susan Kravitz can be reached by calling 845-222-9391 or through the main office at Hudson Valley Functional Medicine.