Hi there!  My name is Christine Scalfo and I am a Certified Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor.  Thanks for visiting my website. 

Here's a little information to let you know about how I wound up doing what I do. 

As a horticulturist I contracted Lyme Disease in 1988 that went undiagnosed and untreated until 1994.  After being treated for a period of over two years with both oral and intravenous antibiotics, I found myself as sick as before my treatment began - now suffering from fibromyalgia as a result of the Lyme disease, and candidiasis and food sensitivities as a result of the antibiotics.  Although I was considered "cured" of Lyme disease, I was now sick from the side effects as a result of the treatment.  Since I was not getting better using conventional therapies, I turned to Chinese Medicine.  Much of my treatment dealt with dietary therapy. After making changes in my diet, I began to improve almost immediately.
 
Ultimately, I learned about the healing power of food.

During this time I read the powerful book “Diet for a New America” by John Robbins. As difficult as it was to read, once I knew the truth of what goes on in factory farms I could no longer continue supporting this industry.  Becoming aware of the health benefits of eliminating these foods from my diet, as well as learning about the environmental damage caused by the production of animal products, made the decision to completely remove these foods from my diet a “no-brainer”. 

Of course, these changes didn't happen over night.  It was a gradual process and  it wasn't always easy. My diet continues to evolve but is much more varied, interesting and flavorful than when I ate animal-based foods.

Eventually, my interest in diet and health brought me to The Institute for Integrative Nutrition where I learned from such experts as Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Depak Chopra, Dr. Annemarie Colbin, Dr. Walter Willet, Dr. Neal Barnard and others. Through IIN I became board certified as a Holistic Health Counselor.  I also studied to become a Personal Chef through the Culinary Business Academy and am certified in Plant-Based Nutrition through the T. Colin Campbell Foundation.

Now, I enjoy helping others incorporate more delicious, healthy, plant-based foods into their diets.   If I can guide others on this journey so they don't have to survive on corn chips and hummus as I did for awhile, I will be extremely happy.

I am a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and the United States Personal Chef Association. I am ServSafe certified as a Food Safety Manager.

I also have a B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture with emphasis in Landscape Design from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture,  a teaching certificate in Agriculture from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) and am a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, EKG Technician and Phlebotomy Technician through Atlantic Cape Community College's Health Professions Institute.. I am also certified in Basic Life Support/CPR. 

I live with my cats, Stinker and Frosty, who remind me every day of the complex nature of animals and their emotions. They also remind me that they rule the household. But that's OK with me because they bring such joy into my life.

Stinker                                                                        Frosty

I dedicate my work to the joy of my life - my dog, Rock, a Boxer - who I was honored to spend over 12 years of my life with. It was my relationship with him that was pivotal in opening my heart and reminding me of my true values of compassion - values that had been muted and suppressed over many years.  RIP, Rock.  January 18, 1997 - November 27, 2009.

Rock