Mary Travostino’s Journey from Patient to NHC Community Relations Director

When Mary Travostino, a solopreneur in functional nutrition, hosted a community workshop on bloodwork, a flyer for the event made its way into Dr. Proodian’s hands. Seeking to collaborate with a like-minded spirit who shared her passion for integrative healthcare and nutrition, Mary initially contacted Dr. Proodian to discuss a possible partnership.

As she researched Natural Healthcare Center, she decided it would make sense to see Dr. Proodian as a patient first.

“I struggled with TMJ for years,” Mary said. “I tried chiropractic. I tried acupuncture. Imagine spending 30 years driving the eastern seaboard in sales with constant clicking in your jaw, clenching your teeth, grinding your teeth – I was exasperated. And I saw that Natural Healthcare Center treats TMJ disorder. I said to myself, ‘If you want to collaborate with this guy, maybe you better go in and see what he’s all about.’”

Mary the Patient

Mary arrived at her appointment with her bloodwork, food intolerance test results, hormone panel, a list of symptoms, and other health information. Dr. Proodian was impressed by how prepared she was. After a consultation and thorough review of Mary’s test results and health history, Dr. Proodian recommended a treatment plan that included massage therapy and chiropractic twice a week for the first month.

Massage therapist Mike Walsh, who specializes in TMJ treatment, provided heat treatment and massage of the muscles and connective tissue around the jaw and neck. Mary would then see Dr. Proodian for stretching or an adjustment as needed.

By her fourth appointment in the second week of treatment, Mary noticed significant improvement. After one month, her treatment was reduced to once a week for maintenance.

“The pain and discomfort from this condition have been a long-term source of stress,” Mary said. “My jaw used to click all day long. Now, if it clicks twice a day, that’s a lot. I don’t grind my teeth anymore. It just proves that something that feels so dysfunctional can be cured when you have the right team and treatment in place.”

Mary the Community Relations Director

Working in sales, Mary had always been part of a team. Five years ago, she decided to go back to school and studied with Addictions and Human Services, the Functional Nutrition Alliance, the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and the Academy for Addiction and Mental Health Nutrition. She trained alongside some of the most respected practitioners and pioneers in nutrition and wellness before launching her own practice in integrative healthcare as a Functional Nutrition Counselor and Holistic Health Coach.

Although she enjoyed life as a solopreneur, Mary often felt isolated. She saw how isolation and depression became even more prevalent during the pandemic and made it a priority in her life to bring a message of hope, inspiration, and science-based health information to as many people as possible. 

“I think our community needs guidance to help them make smart lifestyle choices,” Mary said. “It’s hard to do on your own. As I’ve reinvented myself during the past few years, I realized that I really wanted to be part of a team. I instantly fell in love with the mission and passion of Natural Healthcare Center. As soon as you walk through the door, you feel part of a family. I was so grateful when Dr. Proodian offered me the opportunity to join the team as Community Relations Director.”

Since the founding of Natural Healthcare Center in 2003, Dr. Proodian has been delivering free health education seminars, workshops, and lunch-and-learn programs to businesses, community organizations, educational institutions, churches, and nonprofits. More than 20,000 people have attended these dynamic, interactive presentations.

In her role, Mary will be building relationships with organizations in the Tri-State area and around the country to plan health education programs with Dr. Proodian. He is offering 12 free 60-minute programs in 2025. Mary is ready to bring his powerful message to as many people as possible.

“Now more than ever, we need to roll up our sleeves and get into the community,” Mary said. “It’s so exciting to work with James. He’s a man of faith and so am I. We share the same passion and values that come through in every conversation. At this stage of my life and career, I know Natural Healthcare Center is the right place for me, and I have a renewed energy that drives me to help the communities we serve.”