Hi, I'm Michelle Didner!

I am a certified and licensed functional nutritionist with more than 20+ years experience in wellness coaching. I focus on holistic health and wellness in nutrition and movement.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in English from Boston College and hold a Master's in Science of Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, a science-based degree steeped in anatomy, biology and functional medicine. I am a certified nutrition specialist (CNS) with the American Nutrition Association and licensed by the state of CT (CDN). I am a Certified Holistic Health Coach with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and an RYT200 Certified Yoga Teacher, and continue with more advanced yoga training to refine my knowledge of the human body and health.

I have 20+ years of experience guiding people in functional movement and relaxation techniques, and 10+ years of experience coaching people one-on-one and in group settings to meet their health potential. My clients are men and women looking to address chronic health issues, improve metrics on lab scores, lower cholesterol, balance blood glucose, manage weight, address autoimmune issues, improve bone density, sleep better, have more energy and optimize health for quality of life.

From Garden to Table: How My Family’s Traditions Shaped My Love for Healthy Food

As a child growing up in New York, you could find me in the kitchen conjuring up recipes or making tinctures with flower petals and herbs from the garden. There were many epic fails but also some creative successes, and my mom always supported my efforts. My mother was somewhat ahead of the times, a vegetarian who practiced yoga every morning; she had to explain to everyone what ghee was and why she made the choice not to eat red meat, grew her own alfalfa sprouts, and did not welcome sugary snacks into our house.

Summers were spent in Sweden at my maternal grandmother’s home, where we would forage for wild blueberries in the forest surrounding her home and harvest veggies and strawberries from her garden. I would watch as she magically transformed our bounty into jams and dishes that I can still imagine when I close my eyes, and which to this day inspire my own palate. My paternal grandmother was born in Sicily and was known for her talent to prepare a meal that would gather the whole family around her dining room table. My father did not own a cookbook and inherited her gift for culinary creativity, saying that the success of any dish lay in the quality and freshness of its ingredients.

From Breast Cancer Survivor to Functional Nutrition & Mindfulness Advocate

After a career in women's wear that took me from sales to the design team, New York City to LA, and back again, I found myself settling into life as a new mom who was challenged when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was one of the lucky ones; I found it early, and my prognosis was good. But my world was rocked and I found myself going back to my roots as I turned to yoga for healing and empowerment, and began to take stock of my lifestyle – what I was eating, where it was coming from, and how I was managing stress.

I began to explore alternative ways to support my health and healing, and was certified as a yoga teacher in 2006 before moving with my husband and children to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and later Geneva, Switzerland. I began teaching yoga and mindfulness to an international community. But more importantly, I was reminded by these cultures of the importance of clean, healthy food and the value of joining your family for a meal or taking time away from your desk to enjoy your lunch. Food is seen as nourishment not only for the body, but also the soul. Food is something to enjoy, not a big business enterprise that seeks profitability in processed foods that are managed by chemicals and pesticides that are not adequately tested for their effects on human health, common to the Standard American Diet.

For over twenty years, my classes, workshops, and clinical work have expanded on research and experience in individual and group environments that integrate evidence-based nutrition counseling, emerging and current health issues, and mind/movement science.

Testimonials

Turning 65 was looming, and my pre-diabetes diagnosis was weighing on me. Although I’m into clean eating and know a fair amount about nutrition, I knew I needed support to help me deal with my blood sugar issues, so I hired Michelle. Immediately, I was blown away by her extensive knowledge of not only nutrition, but also about many other aspects of the physical body. She was also empathetic and flexible. Her scientific approach was easy to understand and implement, and she created a customized plan to tackle my issues. The result? Within a couple of months, my A1C was back in the normal range, and I lost 10 lbs!

Steve V., Tucson, AZ

Michelle was recommended to me by a mutual friend, and during my first consultation, I immediately felt comfortable and supported. In addition to being extremely knowledgeable, she was also very compassionate. She gave me a food plan which was easy to follow, supplements to assist with healing my gut, and met with me weekly for check-ins. A few months later, my IBS eased, my weight had stabilized, my skin had cleared, and my hair was healthy again. I couldn’t recommend Michelle enough! She really helped me so much!

Susanne E., Manhattan Beach, CA

As a young adult, I struggled with acne. After meeting with Michelle, we discussed anti-inflammatory foods that I should be incorporating into my diet, as well as foods I should eliminate. Michelle was wonderful at helping me come up with substitute foods, grocery lists, and an eating plan. She made it simple and easy for me to understand. 6 weeks later, my skin was clear. Michelle is so kind and patient. I highly recommend her.

Greg N.

Michelle has been able to bring me to a place where I am able to get past my limitations and truly achieve the sense of well-being I’ve longed for. She brings an extraordinary understanding of the body and spirit, which is reflected in her attention to tailored class plans and thoughtful meditations. She is passionate about learning and deepening her own practice and sharing her knowledge and journey with her students. Working with Michelle is the best gift I have given myself!

Nancy L., Westport, CT

Michelle is a gifted teacher with a very strong focus on form and alignment. Each time I have attended her class, I have received valuable instructions or refinements to a pose that have helped me deepen my practice. Her love of teaching yoga is evident in the joyful environment she creates in her sessions.

David R., Stamford, CT

Michelle’s fun and knowledgeable teaching style will get you out of your head and push you towards expansion. She radiates a charming energy that will help ease you into even the most challenging of postures. Her passion in her own practice and life is inspirational, and you’ll feel it in her class. I look forward to practicing with her!

Loren D., Norwalk, CT

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