Anastasia Kovalaske, MSN, RN, NP, FNP-BC, CUNP, FMACP, FANA, FSUNA, FAUA

Meet

Meet our dedicated Functional Medicine Practitioner! With an MD from Ivanovo State Medical Academy, Anastasia Kovalaske began her medical journey as an  pediatric surgeon and otolaryngologist  in Kostroma, Russia. Upon relocating to the United States, she expanded her expertise, serving as a medical/surgical/neurosurgical  nurse (RN) and later as a urology certified family nurse practitioner (FNP), specializing in urogynecology.

Driven by both personal and professional experiences, Anastasia Kovalaske shifted her focus to Functional Medicine in response to the limitations of conventional healthcare. She observed countless patients presenting vague symptoms, only to be met with normal test results and a prescription-based approach that failed to address underlying health issues. Drawing from her own journey with autoimmune disease and the transformative power of natural management, Anastasia Kovalaske embraced Functional Medicine, finding in it a holistic approach that honors the significance of every symptom.

Passionate about women's health, Anastasia Kovalaske aims to address the disparities in healthcare faced by women. She specializes in supporting women through all stages of pre/during and post menopause, striving to uncover the root causes of their health challenges and empower them to reclaim vitality and wellness. Her areas of expertise include hormone balancing, gut health, anti-aging strategies, and regenerative medicine, with a focus on enhancing sexual health, longevity, and overall performance.

EDUCATION

Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL

10/2014 - 01/2016

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)-Summa Cum Laude with Highest Honors, GPA 3.97

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL

08/2011—05/2014

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)-Cum Laude with Honors

Heartland Community College, Normal IL

2005—2007

Associate Degree in Nursing—with Honors

Registered Professional Nurse (RN)

Ivanovo State Medical Academy, Ivanovo, Russia

1990—1996

Doctor of Pediatric Medicinewith Honors

Ivanovo State Medical Academy, Ivanovo, Russia

1996-1998

Certificate, Doctor of Otolaryngology-with Honors

LICENSES | CERTIFICATION | AWARDS

Certification Board for Urologic Nurses and Associates

4/30/2019—12/31/2022

Certified Urologic Nurse Practitioner (CUNP)

State of Illinois APN License since 11/22/2016; License no: 209015179

State of Illinois RN License since 2007;

License No: 041361357

Anita Kovalaske, US Army Medic, Health Coach, FMACC

Meet

Meet Anita Kovalaske! This Functional Medicine Health Coach has cultured unique experiences and knowledge, forged through her extensive background in Army medicine and education. A current student at Illinois State University, she is majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Her professional journey features practical experience as an EMT at ISU, along with a 10-month deployment to Iraq, where she served as a combat medic in a Role-2 hospital environment. This gave her valuable insights into emergency medicine and how high-stress situations can adversely impact health.

In her free time, Anita enjoys exploring the outdoors and curling up with a good book and a warm drink, ultimately indulging her love for coffee and tea. She also plays the piano and participates in choral performances at ISU. We are proud to have Anita on our team!

Poleena Kovalaske, BS, Health Coach, FMACC

Meet

Meet Poleena Kovalaske, our Functional Medicine Health Coach! Poleena brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role, shaped by her extensive background in athletics and education. A former collegiate swimmer for the University of Illinois at Chicago (Go Flames!), she earned a BS in Molecular Biology. Her professional journey includes hands-on experience in phlebotomy and medical scribing, which provided her with a critical perspective on traditional Western medicine and its limitations. Poleena is dedicated to empowering individuals to reclaim their health and break free from chronic pain and dissatisfaction.

Outside of her professional pursuits, she is an avid reader (if you're looking for a new read, Poleena highly recommends the book Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstien), and likes to indulge in the arts with oil painting and playing the piano.

Additionally she dedicates her time to coaching for the

YMCA Falcon's Swim Team. We are honored to have Poleena as a valuable member of our team!

FAQ


1. How is functional medicine different from conventional medicine?

Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on treating symptoms, functional medicine aims to identify and address the root causes of heath issues. It involves a more holistic and individualized approach, integrating both traditional and alternative therapies

2. What kind of conditions can functional medicine address?

Functional medicine can be applied to a wide range of chronic conditions including autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, metabolic disorders, and more, it is particularly effective far condition where conventional medicine may fall short in providing long-term solutions.

3. How does functional medicine diagnose health issues?

Functional medicine uses a combination of comprehensive medical history advanced laboratory testing, and in-depth patient interviews to understand the underlying factors contributing to health problems, this approach helps in creating personalized treatment plans.

4. What role does nutrition play in functional medicine?

Nutrition is a fundamental aspect of functional medicine: Practitioners often emphasize the importance of a whole foods-based diet tailored to an individuals specific needs. Nutritional support in seen as a crucial component in restoring balance and promoting overall well-being.

5. Is functional medicine evidence-based?

Functional medicine draws on both traditional medical knowledge and emerging research, While may incorporate alternative therapies, the approach is rooted in scientific evidence. Practitioners stay updated on the latest research to provide the best possible care.

6. How long does it take to see results with functional medicine?

The timeline for results varies depending on the individual and the nature their health concerns. Some patients may experience improvement relatively quickly, while others may require more time for significant changes. Functional medicine is often considered a long-term, preventative approach.

7. Do you take insurance?

We do not. We do offer several options, including payment plans, to pay for our services. There may be times when some of the lab work could be billed through Insurance, however, we discourage this as our lab prices are generally cheaper than your portion using insurance would be.


8. Can functional medicine be integrated with conventional treatments?

Yes, functional medicine can be integrated with conventional treatments when necessary. The goal is to provide comprehensive care that addresses the root causes while managing symptoms Collaboration between functional medicine practitioners and conventional healthcare providers is encouraged for optimal patient outcomes

9. Can Carly function as my PCP?

No, you are expected to maintain your relationship with your primary care provider She will work along side them to give you the best possible care. While this may change in the future, at the present time, we will not function as your primary provider