About Me

Mission Statement

A Holistic Philosophy

I use a uniquely holistic-based approach to my work that fully encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. I use these techniques in concert so that they may create an integrated state of optimal wellness for each individual patient. I specialize in holistic nutrition, gentle chiropractic, applied kinesiology, homeopathy, flower essence therapy, reiki/energy medicine, detoxification, customized meditations, sound healing, cord-cutting ceremonies, emotional release techniques, and many other modalities. I am a clinical nutritionist and I use applied kinesiology to customize my treatment plans with high-grade nutritional supplements, vitamins, food therapy, and homeopathic remedies. Reiki is an integral part of my practice, because energy medicine has a great impact on the emotional and physical state of the body. I teach and implement relaxation techniques, meditation practices, and stress management tools to/with patients, to help streamline their lives and create a more balanced lifestyle.

Mission Statement

A Holistic Philosophy

I use a uniquely holistic-based approach to my work that fully encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. I use these techniques in concert so that they may create an integrated state of optimal wellness for each individual patient. I specialize in holistic nutrition, gentle chiropractic, applied kinesiology, homeopathy, flower essence therapy, reiki/energy medicine, detoxification, customized meditations, sound healing, cord-cutting ceremonies, emotional release techniques, and many other modalities. I am a clinical nutritionist and I use applied kinesiology to customize my treatment plans with high-grade nutritional supplements, vitamins, food therapy, and homeopathic remedies. Reiki is an integral part of my practice, because energy medicine has a great impact on the emotional and physical state of the body. I teach and implement relaxation techniques, meditation practices, and stress management tools to/with patients, to help streamline their lives and create a more balanced lifestyle.

My Story

How It All Started

Many people ask me why and how I became a holistic doctor. The truth is, that many people end up in alternative medicine because they had health challenges growing up, that could not be corrected by traditional western medicine. And like so many, my story is similar.

 Most of my life growing up I was a sick child. I had severe allergies to many things; including animals, foods, seasonal outdoor pollens, dust, molds, perfumes, cigarettes, etc. The list went on and on. My parents took me to many doctors. I was on antibiotics yearly, several allergy medications, nasal sprays, inhalers, and I went through multiple years of allergy injections. None of these treatments ever “fixed the problem” for me, and I continued to suffer throughout middle school, high school, college, and into my graduate studies.  

 When it came time to determine a direction for my life, I shadowed and interviewed various practitioners in many health fields and I found myself most intrigued by Chiropractic and Nutrition. During my years at the Chiropractic University, my student clinic intern shook me awake one day and told me that the allergies would stop if I discontinued eating the foods that I was allergic to and allowed my body to repair itself. Something so simple, yet foreign to me, especially considering no doctor of mine had ever recommended that as an option. That day was the beginning of a new life-long journey for myself to fully heal my body through a holistic approach by addressing the full spectrum of my mind, body, and spirit. I set a goal to find balance in my life, to focus on my mindfulness and to listen to the messages my body is trying to tell me on a daily basis.  

 At some point, I realized that the many health challenges I have faced are so similar to those of my patients as well. I have a genuine concern and understanding of what people go through with their illnesses and it allows me an immense amount of compassion for those who are still on that journey. 

 My work has become a constant flowing and ever-growing pool of knowledge, technique, practice and change. I strive continually to learn and improve the work that I do, knowing that the best doctors are the ones who admit that they know very little and are always open to learning more, trying more, and growing more.  

 If you are considering the idea of beginning the journey to healing with me, I urge you to take some time to read through all the stories that my patients have so thoughtfully and bravely shared, so that you might find a connection, and an inspiring story that relates to what you may have or may be going through.

My Background

Education and Experience

I graduated from the University of South Florida in 2000 with my degree in International Economics. I later went on to study at the University of Bridgeport where I obtained my Doctorate in Chiropractic (cum laude) and my Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition (magna cum laude). I was the President of my class as well as the Student Clinic representative. I was also a Student-Clinician in the junior clinic. I completed the Applied Kinesiology 100-hour certification course in Manhattan. During my schooling, I participated as a volunteer on the medical team for the New York City Marathon for several years. I opened the Dardano Wellness Center in 2007 in Tampa and directed that facility for 2 years. The center provided treatments and therapies including chiropractic, nutrition, acupuncture, massage therapy and aesthetics. During that time I was also an adjunct professor at Hillsborough Community College in the Biological Sciences department. In 2009 I relocated to Fort Lauderdale, FL and joined the team at the Point Pleasant Wellness Center & Day Spa where I partnered with renowned naturopathic physician Dr. Jessie Keener. During this time, I honed in his skills of energy medicine, homeopathy, chakra balancing, and emotional release techniques. I moved to Manhattan and started my practice in 2011 at the prominent Flatiron District.  I became a part-time faculty member at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, as a professor of Anatomy and Physiology. After several years of study and practice, I became a Reiki Master-Level certified practitioner under the direction of Marilyn Vega.  I studied and was ordained as a minister in New York as well.  As I continued my studies under the expertise of Dr. Joseph Aldo, a homeopathic expert, I began to learn more about the technique of Bach Flower Essence Therapy and integrated this into my holistic practice. I will always continue to expand my knowledge and expertise throughout my career, as the world evolves and new health challenges emerge.