Jacksonville FL Gluten & Allergen Free Wellness Event 2014

Come Enjoy Every Delicious Bite...

Jacksonville Gluten & Allergen Free Wellness Event

November 15, 2014

10 am - 3 pm
Hyatt Regency Riverfront
225 E. Coastline Dr.
Jacksonville, FL

Admission is $10 for Adults

Children under 13 enter for FREE

Military ID & Senior Citizens ID over 55 admission $8

Julia McRae has been in private practice for over twenty years, as a Certified Nutritionist. She herself suffered with Ulcerative Colitis in her youth. She has been colitis free for 30 years. Her passion to see others recover bowel health is one of the primary focuses of her practice. Customized, nutrient dense protocols are designed to bring lasting digestive health. She is a frequent guest speaker at Wellness events and for private businesses. Julia remains true to her belief that bowel health is foundational to a strong, functional immune system. 

Recovering gluten addict, Jen Eccleston, is author of the blog “my BIG FAT grain free life” and owner of Jen Tilly Tea. Using humor and quite frankly, crybaby moments, she seeks to deal with food allergies, bowel health and autoimmune disease while retaining her belief that allergen free food really CAN taste delicious. 

Along the journey, Jen learned the important role probiotics play in overall health. After learning to make water kefir from a health conscious friend, Jen found herself and her family addicted to the delicious drink, and, just to make things weirder, she named her kefir grains. She now operates blue bottle bootlegger, hosting classes on the benefits of water kefir, including demos and tastings and allowing attendees to meet the offspring of "Squishy".

Shannon Ford, Mrs. United States 2011, is an advocate for Celiac Disease Awareness. After being diagnosed in 2009, it became Shannon’s goal to bring more attention to the illness and advocate for better labeling of our nation’s food supply. A graduate of Florida International University with a B.A. in Psychology, the former Miss Florida USA also serves as a Miami Dolphins Ambassador (a select group of former Cheerleaders that represent the organization & advocate community service). Shannon strives to bring Celiac Disease awareness to others. In doing so, she has traveled the country speaking at various events & conferences, including Paleof(x), and was featured on the covers of "Paleo" magazine and “Delight Gluten Free” Magazine, as well as several times in “Shape” Magazine. Shannon is currently a Regional Director with IDLife, a health and wellness company in which all products are gluten-free.

Jen Cuevas

The Gluten & Grain Free Gourmet supports delicious eating that is gluten, grain, soy, and poultry free. Jen Cuevas experienced her own journey to wellness by eating this way, and desires to share the message that life can still be delicious!

Just a few short years ago, Jen was ill with a multitude of issues (although not typical “Celiac” symptoms), including high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, sudden weight gain [over 60 pounds], Hashimoto’s, and arthritis (read more of her story here). After more than seven frustrating visits with various doctors, she finally learned about her gluten sensitivity and Celiac disease. In becoming well, she found that life without gluten was really great from a health perspective, but affected everything else that had a social factor.

In the time since her diagnosis, Jen has spent a lot of time learning. She was treated by Dr. Glen Aukerman (author: Better Health in 120 days) and attended all of his classes to understand the medical aspect of how various foods affect gluten sensitivity. After further health issues inspired her to do more research, Jen went completely grain and soy free in 2012, and became a certified coach under the direction of Gluten Free Society. She uses her own health journey to coach and inspire others to consider dietary changes as a way to achieve optimum health. In 2013 she established a support group, and found that food availability continued to be the biggest barrier to success. She began developing food products that support a grain-free, soy-free and even dairy-free lifestyle; many items are allergy-friendly and are free of refined sugars. She also offers allergen-free Communion to churches, raising awareness about the effects of gluten exposure.

Nikki Everett

Nikki Everett founded ECHO Event Solutions, LLC in 2011 to oversee educational events and trade shows for the gluten/allergen free community. Her mission to plan events started in Charlotte, NC, her home town, in 2009. Nikki uses her vast knowledge as an advocate for the gluten/allergen free community on behalf of her daughter who was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2008. She recognized her daughter's grief process through her support group background as a teenager. After the unfortunate death of her older brother, Nikki's mother became a regional leader for Compassionate Friends, a national support group for bereaved families, when Nikki was only 11 years old. Nikki went on to become a youth peer support group leader by 14 years of age. Her presentation to the NC State Board of Education helped open the door for peer support groups throughout Middle and High Schools across the state. Nikki carried on this legacy as an adult by chartering R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids) for Charlotte, NC in 2009. Her positive approach to the journey of dietary change makes each event a celebration of community wherever they are held.

If you are interested in participating in GFAF Wellness Events,

please contact us or visit our Vendor/Sponsor section. 

gfafwellnessevent@gmail.com