Andrea Nakayama

Andrea Nakayama has a strong background in functional nutrition and education. Andrea founded the Functional Nutrition Alliance in 2008 and developed the course curriculum that educates thousands of coaches and clinicians each year. As CEO of the Functional Nutrition Alliance, they grew the organization and significantly increased its reach and income. In 2018, they also became a founding member of Empowered Education, a company that provides online training programs for wellness coaches and health practitioners. Prior to their work in nutrition, Nakayama held roles in course development at Mundo Pato Inc. and production at Melcher Media and Chronicle Books. Andrea has also contributed as a writer for Searching for Mary Poppins.

Andrea Nakayama has a diverse education background. Andrea obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Design and Art from Carnegie Mellon University in the years 1984-1990. Later, in 1997-1998, they attended Reed College as a visiting student. In 2008-2010, they pursued Nutrition Education and Counseling at Bauman College: Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts, earning a CNE degree. Moreover, in 2008-2009, Andrea attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition for Health Counseling. Andrea further enhanced their knowledge by completing a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine (MSHNFM) from the University of Western States during 2012-2016. Continuing their education, they gained a Certificate in Social Impact Storytelling from Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies in 2021. Currently, Andrea is pursuing a Certificate of Professional Achievement in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University, starting in 2023. In addition to their formal education, they have obtained certifications in Activating Strategy from IDEO U in 2023 and in Social Impact Storytelling from Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies in 2021.