When Cindy Staats first discovered she has celiac disease, she was counseled by a nutritionist to stay away from wheat bread, but that white bread was okay. The truth is, white bread is just as deadly to a celiac as wheat because they are both made with flour. And the nutritionist never properly explained how to read a food label and identify the hidden "gluten" in the ingredients.

It wasn’t until Cindy began to research food and nutrition herself that she finally realized the advice the nutritionist had given was completely wrong. What she discovered amazed her…not only information about nutrition, but her passion for wellness, nutrition and health as well. After a difficult 3-year struggle, Cindy finally mastered the art of the gluten-free diet. Thankfully, due to her own research, she was also able to recognize the symptoms of celiac disease in her 5-year-old daughter.

Cindy’s struggle with learning a gluten-free diet, and learning proper nutrition for her growing daughter, led her to the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York where she studied to become a Holistic Health Counselor. And she later earned certification as a Holistic Health Counselor with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

As the Founder and Director of Nourished Life, it’s Cindy’s goal to provide health and nutritional counseling while assisting clients on their own journeys to discover optimal balance of health, exercise, lifestyle, and ultimately, self-fulfillment. Her clients benefit from experience and training in all of the different dietary theories, eastern and western nutrition, modern health issues, personal growth and development, health and nutrition counseling, and life coaching.

Cindy was instrumental in establishing the first focus group for children with celiac disease and food allergies in the Arlington County (VA) School System. She was also appointed by the Arlington County School Superintendent to serve a two-year term on the county’s Food Service Committee, which has been charged with the task of developing a revised nutritional program for the students of Arlington County Public Schools.

When not counseling clients, Cindy enjoys reading, yoga, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.