Tracey Giambertone was profiled during her time as a Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine student. She is now an alumna of the program.
Tracey believes in living a life of service and aims to help the greatest amount of people with the greatest need. She gives her time to speak to different groups on a variety of nutrition-related topics, with a common theme of imparting knowledge so individuals can make educated decisions for themselves. She believes individuals need to take an active role in their health and, in order to do so, they need reliable and unbiased information. It is her goal to be a resource and a guide.
Expected Graduation Date: 2017
Program/Concentration: Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine (HNFM)
Hometown: East Meadow, NY
Prior schooling or work experience: Neuromuscular massage therapist, Bachelor of Science in nutrition, registered dietitian nutritionist, certified dietitian nutritionist, clinical dietitian, Long Island Dietetic Association president
1. Why did you choose UWS? Why did you choose HNFM?
I was craving something different from my undergraduate nutrition experience – something to expand my traditional education. I was looking to learn from other health professionals outside of dietitians. I feel we all have so much to learn from each other. One of the best parts of the program is the wonderful diversity of professors as well as students.
2. What has been your favorite class/instructor?
My favorite class was Principles of Functional Medicine with Dr. Etcheverry. It was the perfect introduction to this amazing program. The foundation of functional medicine was laid out perfectly and Dr. Etcheverry explained the concepts clearly and concisely. With each reading assignment, I became more and more excited about the program and what I was learning.
3. What has been your experience with learning in the HNFM program’s online environment?
My experience with the online environment was so much better than I anticipated. I feared a lack of connection with my professors and my classmates but I was very wrong. The online system is extremely user-friendly and help is always a click away.
4. What has been the most surprising part of the HNFM program at UWS?
The ease of online learning was a welcome surprise. I was honestly nervous to learn in an online setting, however, the HNFM online program has far exceeded my expectations. I have grown with my classmates and I love learning alongside people from a variety of backgrounds. In addition, the amount of knowledge amongst the professors is very impressive.
5. What do you hope to do after graduation?
My goal is to educate my peers and fellow health professionals on the application and benefits of individualized nutrition therapy. I will continue my work in the community; volunteering my time to bring nutrition education to those who otherwise may not have had exposure to such information.
6. Wild card! Favorite way to get some stress out from school? My absolute favorite way to de-stress is to get outside – breathing fresh air, hiking, biking or simply being still in the outdoors.