Bios

Denise Groothuis MS, RD, CFMP, Pn1, CPT

Registered Dietitian, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Health Coach, Personal Trainer

Denise has a BS from Cornell University and an MS in Applied Physiology and Nutrition from Teachers College, Columbia University. She completed her dietetic internship at Columbia, and she is a licensed RD (Registered Dietitian). She has been practicing in the nutrition field since the year 2000.

Denise became certified in functional medicine by Functional Medicine University and has taken courses at the BioIndividual Nutrition Institute. She is also in the process of being certified by IFNA (Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy ad IIFM (The Institute of Functional Medicine).

Denise is a progressive health practitioner that believes in an individual approach to health and weight loss. She uses nutritional science and diet strategies to customize programs for each unique individual. Denise specializes in gut health and the gut-brain axis, especially IBS and SIBO. She also treats weight loss, autism, anxiety, chronic disease, inflammation, diabetes, heart disease, and hormonal issues.

Additionally, Denise is a certified personal trainer. Health is a combination of both food and fitness, and optimal weight and well-being cannot be achieved without combining both together. She also is a part of Fit4All Abilities a fitness program that works with children of all abilities.

Charles DeFrancesco, BS, NFPT, USAW, NASM, CES

Health and Wellness Coach

Charles DeFrancesco is the owner and founder of the education company, Fit and Functional. He is also a consulting partner for THE ARENA and Fit4AllAblilties.

Charles graduated from Purdue University, summa cum laude with a BS in Health and Wellness. He is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and by the National Federation of Professional Trainers National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) . He is also USAW Olympic lifting certified and Equinox Fitness Group Prenatal certified. Charles has completed the Functional Exercise Specialist course, Cardiac Conditions course (AFPA), attended EFTI, and has over 7 years of clinical experience.

Charles works with a variety of doctors and has consulted with them on developing programs and training staff for their rehabilitation facilities. In addition, he consults with commercial gyms, corporate parks and fitness studios. Charles has extensive experience and a proven track record which allows him to testify as an expert witness on a variety of topics.