Root Cause for Crohns and Colitis
Meet the Team
Art Director
Alli Manzella
Research Director
I am certified in Functional Nutrition Therapy and Environmental Health, with a passion for research. I was diagnosed with IBD in 2001 but it wasn't until several years later that I learned about root cause medicine. I wish to bring innovative root cause therapies to the forefront of research and into the standard of care for those living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Art Director
Lauren Nowell
Marketing Manager
After 40 years suffering with severe Crohn's, trying every medication, getting my terminal ileum and a few feet of my intestines removed, I was tired of always being told it was my body fighting itself. I embarked on a self-healing journey to search for my root cause and with a functional approach, I discovered that my environment was behind why I developed Crohn's and since addressing this piece, my symptoms have diminished. For the first time in my life I am living without pain. The winding journey of healing has led me into a passion for helping others navigate their own challenges. For 13 years I have been teaching others about regenerative holistic health to overcome chronic illness.
Art Director
Heidi Hayes
Project Manager
I've had my own health journey through severe complex chronic illness. After putting a lot of pieces together for myself, I found a passion for health sciences, research, and treatment options. I now help this organization through strategy and project management support. I am excited about the intersection of IBD and environmental health and optimistic for future treatments.
Art Director
Fernanda Merillo
Research Development
I have always had a passion for exercise and healthy habits. Despite this, in 2020 I started experiencing major health issues that led to an IBD diagnosis. I decided to focus my efforts on trying to find the root causes. I learned about leaky gut, dysbiosis, viral load, heavy metals, and toxins. I was able to put the pieces together when I connected it to mold exposure and its effects on the immune system. I am a health coach and my goal is to educate people so they can heal or avoid what I went through.
Art Director
Isabella Beath
Public Relations
I am a clinical Social Worker with a passion for holistic health care and root cause healing. After dealing with my own issues with chronic illness from my teens, into my 20's being diagnosed with IBD, I've had a long journey of trying to find the root cause to my illness. Thankfully I came to learn the impact that environment has on our health. Particularly with mold and its different issues it can cause within the body. I believe I've come to this knowledge from m y own journey, so that I can share it to help others.
Art Director
Danny Hartmann
Fitness Director
Danny is an online fitness coach & personal trainer with a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science and multiple Fitness Certifications. I work with clients worldwide, helping them improve their health & fitness to live their happiest, healthiest lives. Health has always been a priority for me, especially physical well-being. In 2019, I was diagnosed with Colitis and turned to natural medicine to manage symptoms and heal my body. However, in the summer of 2024, I stayed in a moldy house, which brought back all my gut symptoms and more. I had already suspected that mold might be the root cause of my health challenges, and after consulting with a specialist in mold detoxification, it was confirmed. Mold had been the underlying issue causing dysfunction in my gut and body. Since then, I’ve been on a journey to reclaim my health while continuing to support people worldwide in achieving their fitness and wellness goals. Together, we can overcome challenges and build stronger, healthier lives.
Art Director
Josh Dech
Scientific Strategist & Education Director
Josh is a Holistic Nutritionist and Physician’s consultant, specializing in Crohn’s, Colitis, and severe IBS. After reversing over 300 cases of Crohn’s and colitis (previously thought to be impossible to fix), he’s been connected to some of the world’s most renowned doctors. He’s since launched a top 2.5% globally ranked podcast, and has been recruited to the Priority Health Academy as a medical lecturer, helping educate doctors on the holistic approach to gut health, and inflammatory bowel disease.