Sandra Scheinbaum, PhD, IFMCP, BCB, CHC, RYT
Founder and CEO

A self-professed lifelong learner, Dr. Scheinbaum began her career in 1972 as a learning disabilities teacher and college instructor in special education. Upon earning her PhD in clinical psychology at Fielding Graduate University, she specialized in positive psychology, cognitive behavior therapy and mind-body medicine. As director of a clinic for attention deficit disorders, she was a pioneer in the use of neurofeedback. Her passion for cooking and learning about the healing power of foods led to additional education in holistic nutrition, while her love of yoga led to becoming a registered yoga instructor.

In 2013, Dr. Scheinbaum earned recognition as the first psychologist to become an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. She has taught courses in the psychology of eating, the psychology of wellbeing and mind-body medicine in the Masters Program in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine at the University of Western States, and ran individual, group and corporate wellness programs as the director of Feed Your Mind Wellness, LLC. She wrote two books on using a Functional Medicine approach to stopping panic attacks: Stop Panic Attacks in 10 Easy Steps and How to Give Clients the Skills to Stop Panic Attacks.

In a phrase… Dr. Scheinbaum has come full circle. As a founder of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, she returned to her roots as an educator. Her intention is to offer a training program geared to the needs of coaches that’s grounded in the philosophy of Functional Medicine. This approach offers the most effective ways of attaining optimal health and well-being.

I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience. Because of my background in education, I’m mindful of individual learning preferences and designed the curriculum modules to accommodate your specific needs. I’m honored to serve as your teacher and mentor as you become skilled in the art of coaching and work toward reaching your personal goals.

Elyse Wagner, MS, CN, LMHCA
Co-Founder

Experiences in life become defining moments that motivate lifestyle changes and touch you deeply. As an adolescent, Elyse intuitively knew that certain foods were creating “brain fog”, bloating and mood swings. A holistic nutritionist provided tools to make changes that were the inspiration for a life-long passion to help others.

Elyse pursued an undergraduate degree in nutrition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a dual master’s degree in holistic nutrition and clinical psychology at Bastyr University. While in graduate school, she was diagnosed with celiac disease and made the empowering decision to become the CEO of her health. She healed her mind and body by applying the knowledge she was learning: that food is the most powerful medicine. It became clear to her that her purpose was to empower others to choose health and educate them on how to achieve wellness.

After beginning her practice as a certified nutritionist and a licensed mental health counselor in Seattle, Elyse moved to Chicago in 2013 where she founded My Kitchen Shrink, Inc. and joined Dr. Scheinbaum at Feed Your Mind Wellness, LLC, as a health coach. She is the author of Smoothie Secrets Revealed—A Guide to Enhance Your Health.

Dr. Scheinbaum and I share a passion for teaching, inspiring and empowering like-minded professionals to become effective coaches. I’ve witnessed the healing power of Functional Medicine and am honored to have the opportunity to guide your personal and professional growth. Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, Inc. provides an educational framework that embodies the perfect blend of mind, body and spirit.