Joan Radeke-Dannacher, MA., SLP/L, RD/LDN, CCN, IFM-C

About Joan

After receiving a Master’s degree from Northwestern University, Joan began her professional career as a Speech-Language Pathologist, working across a variety of avenues before ultimately specializing in pediatrics. She had the good fortune of meeting many colleagues who would become mentors as well as friends. While working extensively with children with deficits of sensory-motor integration, she grew increasingly aware of the critical importance of optimal nutrition. Subsequently, she returned to school to pursue and attain licensure in nutrition/dietetics.

She is committed to functional nutrition and is continually amazed, energized, and motivated by the marked improvements in behavior, health, development, cognition, and wellness that can be achieved when nutrition/metabolic needs are recognized and dietary modifications are embraced.

She has extensive experience working with children with a wide range of needs including deficits of sensory-motor integration, picky eaters, food allergy/sensitivity, weight management, autism spectrum disorder, and ADD/ADHD. Her work with adults involves promoting wellness through diet and recipe modification, as well as providing nutrition-focused attention to disease-specific conditions including obesity, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, autoimmunity, and depression. She is well versed in the rationale for and use of specialized protocols including gluten free, GAPs, Mediterranean, Feingold, FODMAP, Ketogenic, and elimination diets.

In addition to her professional license and extensive experience, she has completed a rigorous course of study for the Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) credential. Finally, she has been accepted to the Institute for Functional Medicine and has begun their certification program. All of this further elevates her skills and expertise in providing the best care possible to clients, patients, and families.

In a (delicious) nutshell, Joan believes in functional nutrition and the power of food to promote healing.

Q&A with Joan

What are you most passionate about professionally? Personally?

Professionally – problem-solving and working with clients on their goals and celebrating large and small victories. Personally – my family.

What three traits define you?

Honest, hard-working, compassionate

What would you do even if you didn’t get paid to do it?

Exactly what I’m doing right now

What are you surprisingly good at?

Getting picky eaters to be more accepting. Also, crossword puzzles.

What’s the biggest proof that you’re good at what you do?

Word of mouth referrals

How does your education connect to your professional career? What about personal experiences?

I am a seeker – I love learning and expanding on what I know. My professional career has grown and evolved because of education. I started as a speech therapist, became fascinated by the connection between nutrition and overall health and development, and returned to school for my nutrition license.

What problems do you consistently solve for your clients?

What they can eat and enjoy, not what needs to be avoided. Explaining the connection between specific foods and health benefits

What are you complimented on most in your work?

My ability to hear and also listen

Who is your ideal client and why should they connect with you?

I enjoy all clients, from the very difficult to the highly motivated. They should connect with me if they want to learn, evolve, and commit to health

In your work or creative process, what concepts are sacred? Which rules have you made, which ones do you follow?

Honesty and integrity are the foundation of successful relationships

Do you have any family members or pets to include in your bio?

Husband of 24 years (!), 4 kids, one dog

What do you do for fun in your spare time? What are your hobbies?

Currently loving pilates reformer. In my spare time I enjoy games and sports with my family, playing tennis, travel, reading, working in my yard