Nutritional Counselor
Registered Dietitian
Family Nutrition Counselor
Julie Starkel, MS, MBA, RD
Julie has followed her passion for nutrition throughout her life, both with her education and her professional work. Her areas of focus include the following:
- IBS - Julie has special training in treating and managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome - she is referred by IBS clinics and sites in Seattle.
- Gastrointestinal health (GERD, IBS, IBD, etc)
- Autoimmune disease management (celiac, Hashimoto's, Raynaud's, lupus, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
- Food sensitivities and allergies
- Chronic disease (metabolic issues, high cholesterol and other lipids, high blood pressure, anemia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, diabetes, etc)
Julie's approach to nutrition is clinical, holistic, and functional in that she uses clues from a patient's entire life as part of her understanding of their health issues. Some of the tools she uses in her medical nutrition therapy treatment are blood, urine, saliva and stool lab analyses, bioimpedance analysis and environmental exposure history. This holistic approach is called Functional Nutrition, and it means that she strives for optimal health for her clients, not just survival. Her clients are motivated and get results.
She earned a Master of Science degree in Whole Foods Clinical Nutrition at Bastyr University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She is a Registered and Certified Dietitian (RD/CD), a member of the American Dietetic Association, the Nutrition in Complementary Care practice group, and the Institute for Functional Medicine. She is an avid learner and takes advantage of continuing education opportunities frequently.
Previously, she earned her MBA and BA in International Business, and has lived and worked in South America and Europe for several years. Her professional background includes the fitness, food, and nutritional supplement industries, and her counseling experience includes working with patients with IBS, at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, out-of-town via phone, with patients at local fitness organizations and a local day spa. Personally, Julie enjoys hiking, skiing, yoga, meditation, swimming, cooking and reading. She has completed a marathon and two triathlons and is very goal oriented. She welcomes her clients’ goals and works together with them to achieve them through medical nutrition therapy, nutrition education, counseling support and good food ideas.
"I can't say enough good things about Julie Starkel, RD. I truly believe that she saved my life. I had been struggling for 20 years with extreme fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain and frequent colds and ear infections. Eleven years ago, I decided to make my health needs a top priority, and I was determined to find out what was wrong with me. I went from doctor to doctor, tried all sorts of medications and supplements, and although I saw some improvement, I still felt like the living dead. I would often ask myself "when would this miserable life of mine be over"? I became so disillusioned with our healthcare system and practitioners, I quit seeing all doctors for 2 years. I just couldn't take one more person who doubted the severity of my symptoms, who were at a loss to help me, or just flat out misdiagnosed me. I finally was diagnosed with IBS last year. But the IBS diagnoses wasn't enough because I still felt crummy and I didn't know how to manage or cure the IBS. I was somewhat happy to have a diagnosis, but somehow something was still wrong. Having a diagnosis is one thing but being able to do something about it is entirely different. I was lost again.
"But as many of you who are chronically ill know, you can never just give up on yourself, and you can never quit trying for a better life for yourself. I read a lot and did a lot of research on the web and finally after a long journey, I found Julie. I knew the minute I saw her face and read her website that she would be able to help me . And I was right. Julie is first and foremost very compassionate and at the same time she is extremely knowledgeable about her specialty...gut issues. She knows more than any MD or naturopath was able to explain to me. She can really help those of us with gut issues because she specializes in people like us! I was so lost and depressed when I finally found my way to her doorstep, but I was soon energized and hopeful halfway through our first meeting. I knew in my heart of hearts that she knew what was wrong with me, and she had to latest information on the subject to truly help me. She explained that I probably had a yeast overgrowth due to years of antibiotic use (given to me for chronic sinus problems and a skin rash) which was causing my IBS symptoms.
"Julie came up with a plan of action for me after reviewing all of my medical records very carefully and interviewing me at length. I started with a cleanse and at times it was difficult for me. I wasn't sure I could do it after having been so beaten down for so long by my poor health. But Julie was there every step of the way and continues to do so. In the first few weeks I needed hour by hour help via phone and email, and Julie was always there making me feel like I was her only client. I had complete faith in her knowledge and abilities, and this says a lot given how disillusioned I had become with all health care practioners. She gave me the personalized attention that someone like me, who was so sick and had so many complicating factors, needed to start the healing process. I could not have received this kind of help and attention from a lesser person. I literally felt like I had an angel leading me out of my nightmare.
"Julie referred me to other specialists along the way in areas where she did not consider herself an expert, who helped tremendously as well.
"I'm better now, and I'm still getting use to the "new" me. (It's been 3 months on my "new diet" but I started to feel better immediately). I've never known what it is like not to feel sick and tired all the time. The fatigue is gone and not missed one bit!!!! Hallelujah! The diarrhea is gone. (Did you know that chronic diarrhea is not normal?!). And the gut pain is a distant memory. For the first time in my life I feel joy. I am looking forward to starting my own senior care business. I've started my own garden, and I am teaching myself to sew. All these things were impossible dreams before because I was so sick.
"I will continue to work with Julie because I still have a lot to learn about taking care of myself in terms of feeding my body and soul. After a lifetime of illness and not being educated about how to eat for health, it will continue to take some hard work and time before I am 100% the person I was meant to be. I hope Julie knows that no matter what she accomplishes in this lifetime, she made a huge difference in one person's life. Because of her choice to become a nutritionist, she mattered very much to someone and that someone is me! I know that if you sign on to work with Julie, you can heal yourself and enjoy life as it is meant to be lived... with good health and passion!
"Thanks Julie!" ~ Ellen M.
Ying Yu, MS, CN, CHHC
Ying is a Certified Nutritionist, Certified Health Coach, and Registered Mental Health Counselor with expertise in the integration of medical nutrition therapy with the psychology of self-nourishment. She specializes in the following areas:
- Behavioral Change (motivation, consistency, & follow-through)
- Metabolic Conditions (Heart Disease, Diabetes, Hypertension...)
- Allergies & Sensitivities
- Emotional overeating / Disordered Eating
- Addictions Recovery / Relapse Prevention
Ying is passionate about harnessing the wisdom of both modern Western science and traditional Eastern medicine to facilitate the natural healing process that lives within each and every one of us. Respecting food as the most natural, most powerful, and least invasive form of medicine for mind and body, Ying delights in helping clients to gain wisdom into their own unique nourishment needs and healing process, and to align their behaviors with their wellness vision. Her goal is to not only help clients get well, but also empower them to create happy, fulfilling lives that support lifelong balance. In her personal life, Ying is an avid ultimate frisbee player, and a lover of jogging, nature, cooking, writing, and mindfulness meditation.
Ying earned her Master of Science in Nutrition and Clinical Health Psychology from Bastyr University, Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Amherst College, and Certification in Holistic Health Counseling from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Proud to be on the cutting edge of Integrative Medicine, Ying was among the first four graduates in the country to ever earn a Masters Degree that combines Nutrition with Clinical Health Psychology. Ying is also an approved Nourishment Consultant and Cleanse Facilitator trained under Halé Sofia Schatz, international nutrition educator and author of If the Buddha Came to Dinner: How to Feed the Body to Nourish the Spirit.
Ying has extensive experience working with diverse populations in her private practice, as well as at Asian Counseling & Referral Service, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, Lifelong AIDS Alliance, and YWCA. In additional to counseling clients individually and in groups, she provides trainings to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals in King and Pierce County.
Testimonials from Ying's clients:
"I began working with Ying 3 months ago because I knew how to eat well but just wasn't doing it for myself and the consequences were no longer okay with me...Ying has been exactly what I needed to make great choices for myself... She is amazing at striking the balance between being a compassionate, non-judgmental listener and being a space of accountability...In my first month with Ying I was able to just let go, and with a sense of ease (which was SO NOT my experience before working with her) I have simply chosen a new and satisfying way of eating, and when I stray from these choices I just come back to them without all the struggle...I love how Ying listens, feeds back what she is hearing me say and then either asks me to consider some new way of viewing the situation, creates a space for me to get present and see what is really under it, and/or supports me to create new actions. I ultimately feel heard and am able to hear myself through her coaching and listening." – Christie R.
"It has been a wonderfully empowering experience of learning, motivation, and tools to make changes in attitudes, food choices, and eating. Actually experiencing myself changing patterns and attitudes feels very good. This is just what I needed, and I can draw on this structure for years to come." -- Evelyn S.
When I asked my doctor for a nutritionist referral she gave me Ying's name. I signed up for a six month program with Ying and... her guidance, conversations (online and off) and suggestions have lead me to be a person who now craves fresh vegetables and is willing to try a variety of vegetables when entering the grocery store. Everything that I have learned in this program has changed my life forever." L.L.
"Excellent! It definitely exceeded my expectations. I certainly would call it a gift of life I gave to myself." -- Jill S.
"I loved this program! I gained self-confidence and self-discipline." -- Lori L.
“This was an awesome experience. The Cleanse opened my eyes to a new way to view food and health. I don’t think I’ll ever look at it the same and I hope to carry the Cleanse with me on in life.” – Samantha F.
“I really learned a lot from the Cleanse that I will always remember. I was surprised at how good I felt emotionally and physically. I would like to do this every year!” – Molly P.
"I did a 7-day facilitated group cleanse with Ying and it was awesome. I was kinda nervous about the whole idea of a cleanse - I had heard all the horror stories of fasting and extreme bowel movements. This cleanse was totally different - you actually get to *eat*, primarily organic local foods, and mostly fruits and vegetables with proteins and grains as "condiments." After the cleanse my body felt clean and whole. Ying really made a difference with her thoughtful, genuine approach. I can't recommend her highly enough." – Natala M.
Janey Yoo, MS, RD/CD
Janey Yoo, MS, RD/CD joined Green Lake Nutrition to provide guidance to parents, infants, children, adolescents and families. Janey is a Registered Dietitian & Certified Dietitian in the state of Washington. Her motivation is to educate & to develop confidence in individuals and families to overcome the current nutrition environment. Janey will be your guide in improving health, preventing and managing disease through food, nutrition education and counseling. She encourages individuals and families to find their own methods to healthy living as success comes from collaboration.
She believes that good nutrition starts at home and feels that meals made from whole foods in a loving and creative way are the most nourishing.
Janey received her Master’s of Science in Nutrition from Bastyr University, the country’s premier natural medicine university. She completed her dietetic internship with Tulane University in post-Katrina New Orleans, Louisiana. Children’s health is her passion and she has sought additional training which has lead her to a certification in Pediatric and Adolescent Weight Management through the American Dietetics Association. She is also a member of Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Nutrition, Pediatric Nutrition, and Hunger and Environmental dietetic practice groups.
As a clinical dietitian at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, she provided clinical nutrition assessment, monitoring, and evaluation for the ICU, Oncology, Bone Marrow transplant, gastro-intestinal, and Endocrine departments. She has worked with families of children with special feeding challenges and is familiar with infant and pediatric formula.
Janey has the unique combination of pediatric clinical experience and whole foods nutrition. She understands the challenges of a special needs child and a well child, and the concerns in raising a family in the current food environment. Janey will be your guide in navigating this challenging atmosphere. It is Janey’s primary goal to instill a better understanding of the role nutrition plays in our daily life without the rules and restrictions commonly associated with nutrition.
Janey’s Area of Focus:
Women’s Health: pre- and post-partum, lactation, diabetes prevention and management, nutrition and wellness education for the family
Pediatric and Adolescent Health: pediatric to adolescent nutrition, food allergies/ sensitivities, special diets, weight management, diabetes prevention and management
