Shirley Olson, NP-C, IFMCP
At Ridgway Center for Whole Health, Shirley Olson NP-C, IFMCP, is a functional medicine specialist and board-certified nurse practitioner serving patients in Ridgway, Colorado. Shirley has extensive experience helping patients achieve the greatest outcomes in their health and wellness through her expertise in functional medicine and patient-centered care.
After Shirley finished her baccalaureate degree in nursing from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 1994, she worked as a registered nurse in roles that included supervising nurses in a corporate capacity, direct patient hospital and home care, and teaching. She then completed her Master of Science in Nursing in 2008 from the University of Colorado at the Colorado Springs Beth-el School of Nursing. Shirley is board certified by the Institute for Functional Medicine and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Building upon her advanced education, Shirley also has extensive experience as a primary care provider at family practice clinics where she practiced and was an integral part of management. She is additionally certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and in The Bredesen Protocol™, an advanced functional medicine approach to identifying and correcting imbalances in your body that cause cognitive decline.
Shirley has personally experienced the benefits of functional medicine. This allows her the empathetic, compassionate lens with which she views all her patients in need of an alternative form of health care. It is with this first-hand experience that she deeply understands the importance of personalized medicine grounded in functional medicine principles.
Why Functional Medicine
Like many of my patients, I too have needed an alternative model for health and found this in Functional Medicine. Several years ago, an intensely stressful period in my life created the perfect storm for a myriad of symptoms that were life changing. Fortunately, my training through the Institute for Functional Medicine helped me to identify the root causes of my illness. Finally, I was able to create a self-treatment plan and incorporate lifestyle change to target my symptoms. I continue this journey to wellness today. I learned these changes are for life and this is why we call it lifestyle change.
Most importantly, individualized care is the key to getting you better. You have you own own story to tell with a set of issues that requires careful review and analysis by an interested, motivated, and specially trained health care professional.
My Philosophy of Care
My professional philosophy is that optimal health is born from an understanding and treatment of the root cause of ailments, often arising from multiple stressors in one’s life. The process for finding the “root cause” takes time and a collaborative, trusting relationship. Solutions are focused on bringing each individual from a place of imbalance to equilibrium with multi-faceted plans which may include a combination of nutrition, supplementation, movement, relaxation, meditation, and spirituality. With my compassionate care and support along the way patients can make lasting lifestyle changes to optimize their health and wellness.
I have purposely decided to keep my practice small, which means I have time to customize your care, provide test results to you personally, answer questions about your treatment plans, and listen to and validate your concerns. My patients have an easy, direct line to me for questions or urgent matters and enjoy extended visits and communication by video, telephone, text, email, or in person. This health care practice model removes many of the stressors that typically burden patients and providers, and it facilitates true wellness and prevention.
On a Personal Note
I enjoy living and playing in the beautiful rocky mountains. My husband and I love to travel and enjoy spending time with our children, grandchildren, and close friends.
Caitlin Lawshe, NP-C
Caitlin is originally form Mississippi, where she received her undergraduate degree in nursing from Mississippi University for Women. After practicing as a Registered Nurse for ten years, she received her master’s degree in nursing from Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. She is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She majority of Caitlin’s career has been working with adults with chronic health problems. She has a passion for preventative medicine through healthy lifestyle and would like to help other achieve their healthcare goals and prevent disease and illness. She also has an interest in mental healthcare and is currently pursuing her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification. Caitlin and her husband Will have been living on the Western Slope for the last twelve years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside hiking and camping with her two young daughters and husband, cooking, and gardening.
Pam Mencimer
Wellness and Nutrition Coach
Pam is a native of Colorado who lives in Montrose with her husband Dan. They enjoy time with family and friends, (truly) good food, and stimulating conversation. She has two children and 4 grandchildren.
Pam began her work in the wellness community as a physical therapist assistant specializing in orthopedic rehab and manual therapy. She has since transitioned to specialized lifestyle, nutrition, and metabolic coaching certifications. Pam became a student of her own health in her late 20’s when she received diagnoses of a handful of autoimmune conditions. She chose to study the effects of lifestyle changes on how she felt and has continued to keep those conditions mostly at bay or in subclinical status for over two decades using natural and whole body solutions.
Pam is grateful and excited for the opportunity to learn more about root cause, functional strategies for better health while helping others to achieve optimal wellness.
Tammy Shea
Hi!
I am Tammy Shea, a highly dedicated individual with a deep passion for health and wellness. I am a certified Paleo and Functional nutritionist with a background in functional movement. I firmly believe that proper nutrition plays a pivotal role in overall health.
My specialized knowledge allows me to personalize nutrition plans tailored to individuals needs, and health goals. I am equipped to address a wide array of health conditions including: Individuals dealing with metabolic syndrome’s, digestion and gut issues, thyroid and autoimmune disorders, skin issues, neurological issues and brain injuries, stress management, hormone imbalances, athletes, pregnant or nursing moms.
My ultimate goal is to empower others and making positive sustainable lifestyle changes, and helping them develop a deeper understanding of nutrition, and how it affects their health.
Jim Riddell
We are excited to have Jim Riddell, an experienced Ortho-bionomy practitioner, join our team! With years of experience under his belt, Jim has helped clients achieve remarkable improvement.
Ortho-bionomy is a gentle, yet powerful whole-person approach to well being that draws forth your own internal healing for Improved function, Greater ease and comfort, Clearer purpose, Reduced trauma and pain.