What a Functional Nutrition Counselor does
Functional Nutrition Counselors are unique in their focus on uncovering the root causes of health challenges rather than merely managing symptoms. By taking a holistic and personalized approach, they look beyond lab results and diagnoses to understand the deeper imbalances impacting a person’s well-being. Each client’s health journey is seen as unique, and their care is tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and responses.
What sets Functional Nutrition Counselors apart is their commitment to working as true partners with their clients. They don’t just offer recommendations; they collaborate with clients to create actionable, sustainable strategies that align with their lifestyles. This approach bridges the frustrating gap many feel in traditional healthcare—where being told "everything looks normal" often ignores how they truly feel. Instead, Functional Nutrition Counselors seek out the subtle clues that point to the root of the problem, guiding clients toward lasting, meaningful changes.
With a deep understanding that healing is a journey, not a quick fix, Functional Nutrition Counselors empower individuals to reclaim their health and thrive in ways they never thought possible.
About Silvanna
Hello, I’m Silvanna!
I’m a Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor dedicated to bridging the gap in healthcare where the human aspect of care is often overlooked, and patients are reduced to numbers on a lab report. Too often, women hear the frustrating words, “All your labs are normal,” despite feeling far from well. This disconnect arises because conventional care focuses on diagnosing illness rather than investigating the subtle clues that point to root causes.
Through a functional lens, I work to uncover these clues, creating a terrain where the body can heal and thrive. I believe in the body’s remarkable ability to restore balance when given the right conditions and personalized care. My approach is centered on listening to your unique story, understanding your symptoms, and partnering with you to address the underlying issues that have gone unresolved for far too long.
Let’s work together to rewrite your health story and pave the way to lasting wellness.
In wellness,
Silvanna, MS, CFNC, FBCA
“As someone who has faced the heartbreak of infertility—told I couldn’t have children, yet found hope through nutrition and healing—I am deeply passionate about helping other women achieve their dream of motherhood. Becoming a mom is my greatest accomplishment, and I want to help others experience that same joy.”
My Road to Functional Nutrition counselor.
In 2013, I was diagnosed with PCOS while trying to conceive—a diagnosis that marked the beginning of years filled with weight loss resistance, insulin resistance, mood swings, and hormonal imbalances. Despite countless doctor visits, my labs always came back "normal," leaving me frustrated and without answers.
Everything changed when I found Amy Medling, founder of PCOS Diva. Her mentorship and guidance not only helped me conceive my son within three months but also opened my eyes to the transformative power of nutrition. After my son was born, I joined her team, helping other women navigate their PCOS journeys and gaining invaluable experience. When PCOS Diva changed ownership in 2024, I felt an undeniable pull to continue helping women in a deeper, more impactful way.
Between 2022 and 2024, I endured three miscarriages—losses that revealed a blood clotting disorder that had gone undiagnosed for years. The missed diagnosis was the final straw, a painful reminder of how often the healthcare system overlooks critical clues. It was also the catalyst that pushed me to channel my grief and frustration into something meaningful.
Through post-graduate training in functional nutrition, I found the tools to uncover what others had missed and address the root causes of my health struggles. Now, I’m using that knowledge to empower women to heal deeply, find answers, and take control of their health. My mission is to ensure no woman feels dismissed or unseen—to turn my struggles into a source of hope and support for others.
In wellness,
Silvanna, MS, CFNC, FBCA
About Herb
I didn’t know Thrive needed a mascot until my 10-year-old son created Herb, a tortoise with an apple tree growing out of his shell. Herb embodies everything Thrive stands for—resilience, growth, and balance. The tortoise reminds us that slow and steady wins the race, just as sustainable healing takes time and care. The apple tree symbolizes life, nourishment, and the strength that comes from deep roots. Herb isn’t just a mascot; he’s a representation of our mission to guide each client with patience, personalized care, and a commitment to their long-term health. I couldn’t be more proud to share this symbol of hope and healing with you.
Why Choose Thrive Functional Health?
At Thrive Functional Health, we are dedicated to guiding women—especially PCOS Warriors—on their journey to reclaiming their health and achieving their dreams, including motherhood. We believe in the power of bio-individuality, root cause analysis, and slow, sustainable healing. Like the tortoise with a tree growing from its shell, true healing is a steady, intentional process—one that nurtures strength, resilience, and lasting wellness. Through personalized nutrition and holistic care, we empower women at all stages of life to thrive in their bodies and experience the power of true healing.
To create a world where women with PCOS and hormonal imbalances feel empowered, understood, and supported at every stage of life. Through education, individualized care, and a root-cause approach, we help women embrace slow, sustainable healing—nurturing their bodies like a tree growing strong over time. We envision a future where every woman has the tools to reclaim her health, embrace her journey, and thrive with confidence.