About
Meet Jessy.
I am Jessy VanGessel, an Integrative Nurse Practitioner in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I obtained my undergraduate nursing degree from Grand Valley State University, along with my Masters in Nursing and Doctorate of Nursing Practice degrees from Duke University. I spent over 9 years of my Nurse Practitioner career working in a family medicine practice with adults and children within a national health system. I am married to my husband, Matt, and we have two boys. I enjoy cooking, traveling, a good book, and sports.
Here’s why I became an Integrative Nurse Practitioner.
My desire to go into nursing initially stemmed from my childhood experience with my brother’s sudden onset health condition, PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections) in addition to his underlying autism. At the time of onset, this condition was not recognized by the medical community and any underlying cause was not found for years (strep throat infection). This experience impacted my view of life and health care to not be seen through black and white lenses; instead, understanding that every person is a unique individual who deserves integrative attentiveness in care.
For much of my adult life, starting in high school, I suffered from symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). These symptoms continued for many years until I started seeing an integrative practitioner who performed stool testing and started me on supplements. I was hesitant that this would make a difference but was astounded by how significantly improved my gut felt within a week.
Fast forward a few years, I dove further into general functional training and education, and have continued to focus on my gut health and healing. This health and healing has included revamping my own approach to stress management, exercise, and eating habits which, looking back, definitely played a role in my IBS symptoms. When I hit a plateau with improvement despite these positive changes, I had to dive deeper, and uncovered more root causes. While this journey to health is ongoing, I understand the frustration many people experience with these symptoms and the “bandaiding” approach often taken without finding root cause(s). I’m now using that compassion to help other people find health and wellness as an Integrative Nurse Practitioner.
My Key Values
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Engagement
We believe by uncovering, examining and transforming the whole person at their roots, we can achieve a happier and healthier life.
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Compassion
We believe every patient has unique, individualized needs. We focus on individualized care to help our patients reach their personal goals.
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Courage
We incorporate holistic, conventional, and functional techniques to collectively represent an integrative approach to health.
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Vulnerability
We recognize that being vulnerable and asking for help can be challenging, and are here to support you without shame or judgment.