Welcome to FOUNDATIONS
The Foundations for Functional Health Learning Center is designed to empower you with essential knowledge and tools for optimal health. Dive into a range of topics covering nutrition, wellness, and functional living. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your well-being or make lasting lifestyle changes, FOUNDATIONS will provide expert insights and practical strategies.
Build the FOUNDATION for Your Health Journey
The FOUNDATIONS for Functional Health is more than just a series of online courses. It’s an opportunity to learn, master, and own the foundational skills that are essential for your body to function at its best. Whether it's understanding the role of food, reducing inflammation, or improving movement, these courses provide you with the knowledge and support needed to make lasting changes.
"I consider these foundational skills... principles that your body needs in order to work as best as it can, as optimal as it can, as efficient as it can." - Jen
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
OWNER - The Shepherd Center for Integrative Health
Jennifer Chudy Shepherd,
MSPT, CFMT, FFMT, FAAOMPT, IFMCP
Jen Shepherd, a Physical Therapist, unknowingly began her health journey at a young age, facing challenges such as GI issues, back pain, painful periods, knee pain, weight fluctuations, and mood swings. Driven by her own struggles and unsatisfactory experiences with medical practitioners, she pursued a career in Physical Therapy, determined to offer better care to others.
However, as her own health and patient outcomes stagnated despite exercises, stretches, and joint mobilizations, Jen’s curiosity led her to seek deeper answers. She found mentors who taught her to view the body as an interconnected system of organs and systems working in harmony. Through this holistic approach, she learned how to address the root causes of health issues by improving organ function, which in turn affected the entire body.
Jen's passion for health deepened when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, followed by Alzheimer’s. This personal experience fueled her desire to understand how to prevent diseases commonly attributed to aging. As a Fellow with the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists and a Certified Practitioner of Functional Medicine with the Institute for Functional Medicine, Jen has mastered the art of eating for her genetics, healing her gut and old injuries, and supporting her nervous system to optimize her health as she approaches 50.
Today, Jen helps people across the country who have struggled to find answers from specialists. Through her Integrative Manual Physical Therapy approach, she empowers them with the skills and tools needed to restore their health and thrive for a lifetime.
Discover the journey to optimal health through expert guidance
Jen's Approach and Philosphy
A Holistic Approach to Healing and Wellness For over 25 years, Jen Shepherd has been at the forefront of integrative manual physical therapy. Starting with traditional physical therapy, her practice has evolved to incorporate a comprehensive approach—addresing not just the physical body, but also the functional and emotional aspects that impact health.
As the needs of patients increased, our work evolved... we dive into the history of each patient, understanding how their body has adapted over a lifetime on a structural, functional and emotional level.
FOUNDATIONS for Functional Health
What is FOUNDATIONS?
The FOUNDATIONS for Functional Health is more than just a learning center. It’s an opportunity to understand how the body works and what it needs to thrive. From reducing inflammation to improving posture and nutrition, our programs help you master skills that will support you for life.
These are foundational principles... skills that your body needs to work at its best.
What You'll Learn in FOUNDATIONS
Expert-Led Courses for Lifelong Health
FOUNDATIONS covers a variety of topics that reflect the core issues many people face today. You’ll learn how to take care of your body with nutrition strategies, movement techniques, and insights into managing inflammation naturally.
"The more we master these skills... the less often you'll need to see me in the clinic" - Jen
FREE Jen Talks to Deepen Your Knowledge
Join Jennifer for free JenTalks, where she shares her extensive experience with topics like inflammation, core mobility, detoxing, natural healing modalities and more. These live sessions are a great way to stay informed and get practical advice directly from an expert.
Unlock Free FOUNDATIONS Health Resources
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Disclaimer: The content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional for any health-related concerns or before starting any new treatment.
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