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MEET THE TEAM

Personalizing A Unique Answer for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Retake your health and change your life

Dane Johnson, CHN

CEO/Founder - Crohn’s/Colitis

Dane is the founder of CrohnsColitisLifestyle inspired by his life-threatening battle with Crohn’s/Colitis, which he reversed using natural practice. As a Board Certified Nutritionist and one of the most successful Crohn’s/Colitis coaches in the world, he has helped thousands around the world find their unique answer to IBD while building a community of supporters, doctors and healers!

Dr. Asia Muhammad, ND

Coach Manager

Dr. Asia Muhammad is a Naturopathic Doctor with more than 10 years of experience in integrative gastroenterology and hepatology. She earned her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Sonoran University of Health Sciences and completed a three-year residency at Arizona Digestive Health alongside two gastroenterologists. Her clinical background includes working with thousands of patients with IBS, IBD, and other complex digestive and liver conditions. At Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle, she brings that experience to personalized holistic wellness coaching, helping clients navigate nutrition and lifestyle choices alongside their doctor’s care.

Jacqueline Vanderbleek

Director of Operations

Jacqueline Vanderbleek holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion from Liberty University. As the Director of Operations at Crohn’s & Colitis Lifestyle (CCL), Jacqueline oversees organizational operations, program execution, and team performance to support the mission of improving the lives of those affected by Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. With a background spanning corporate and nonprofit leadership, she brings extensive experience in scaling operations, streamlining systems, and fostering people-led growth to drive organizational impact.

Dr. Chao, NMD, DC, LAc

USA Coach - Undiagnosed

Dr. Chao is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor, Chiropractor, and Acupuncturist who integrates Traditional and modern approaches to support gastrointestinal health, chronic pain, and performance optimization. He believes many chronic conditions originate in the gastrointestinal tract and specializes in root-cause guidance for Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and IBD.

Coach Arman, CHN

International Coach - U.C

Arman leads our European & International team operating from London, UK. Arman is a national of both Spain and the UK, and fluent in both Spanish and English. He is also originally Indian.

He was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis when he was 18, and in 2017 his condition quickly deteriorated to the worst it had ever been. At the time experiencing 20 + liquid/bloody bowel movements a day and was severely underweight. He joined the SHIELD Program that same year and embarked on his healing journey in search of alternative treatments to manage his health!

Coach Taryn, R.N., CFN

USA Coach - Crohn’s Disease

Taryn graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from UMaine in 2012. Through her experience working as a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist for many years, she has always been dedicated to helping others find their path to wellness. Her journey with health issues since 12 years old, and a severe diagnosis of Crohn’s at the age of 17, has given her a deeply personal understanding of the physical, mental, and emotional challenges associated with the disease that can impact one’s life.

Coach Taylor, MSCN, RH

USA Coach - Crohn’s Disease

Taylor McCullagh is a highly skilled functional nutrition professional with a diverse educational background. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from Syracuse University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics from Sonoran University. Additionally, she is a registered herbalist, focused in Western herbalism and Ayurveda, with the American Herbalist Guild, and is certified in Permaculture Design. These experiences allow her to confidently weave her passion for nature into her holistic approach to healing.

Coach Linsy, CFN

USA Coach - U.C, Lyme, Asthma

Linsy is a Board Certified Functional Nutritionist speicalist in IBD. She was diagnosed with debilitating Ulcerative Colitis at 15 years old, along with Lyme disease and Asthma. After 15 years of suffering with minimal results, she was able to find true relief with advanced holistic therapies. She has been able to achieve clinical remission with all 3 diseases while becoming a powerhouse IBD coach. She has worked closely with Jini Patel Thompson & Dane Johnson for the past 4 years. Linsy is a rare coach in remission of 3 chronic diseases with over 20+ years of experience and a very unique experience with advanced healing strategies.

Coach Michael - Crohn's Colitis Lifestyle

Coach Michael, CFNC

USA Coach - Crohn’s/Colitis

Michael is a Functional Nutritionist, specializing in IBD, with over 20 years of extreme IBD experiences, overcoming severe Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis himself. Diagnosed with Crohn’s in 2003 and severe Crohn’s/Colitis in 2010, he has endured life-threatening flares, hospitalizations, and complications that have fueled his deep passion for natural medicine. Michael supports individuals navigating complex health challenges, including mold-related concerns, CIRS, and issues such as fistulas or abscesses, through lifestyle and wellness coaching. His life’s mission is to empower people with the knowledge and strategies to optimize their well-being and live their best life.

Coach Jon - Crohn's Colitis Lifestyle

Coach Jon, HHC

Senior Coach Advisor

Jon is one of the most distinguished and accomplished coaches on our team. He has lived with Crohn’s Disease for 33 years using many conventional medications and having an ileostomy surgery. He is now living a full life without symptoms or signs of Crohn’s Disease in his lab work. He has since also diagnosed and treated Candida, and Aspergillus as mold species, and Glyphosate as root cause issues through his research and lab testing. He is a testament to what can be done no matter how long you have been dealing with Crohn’s/Colitis.

Abby Aivazian, CNC, CES

Team Lead

Abigail is the Team Lead of Client Experience, guiding people through their introduction to CCL and the S.H.I.E.L.D. Program. For more than eight years she has supported people through fitness, women’s health, and weight-loss goals, with a focus on customer service, sales management, team leadership, and the initial client experience. She sets the tone for how new clients are welcomed, how questions are answered, and how the team handles the step from interest to enrollment. She listens before she guides, keeps the process clear, and treats that first experience as the start of support rather than a transaction. Abigail leads her team so every person who reaches out is met with consistency, care, and a clear next step.

Julia Botros, RHN

IBD SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Julia is a seasoned Clinical Holistic Nutritionist with over a decade of experience in functional medicine. Her journey into holistic health began with her own struggle with chronic illness, which manifested in a wide range of systemic symptoms. These health challenges ultimately led to a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, with a suspected Crohn’s disease component. This life-changing experience fueled her passion for studying the human body, pathophysiology, and functional medicine.

Rachel Turner

IBD Professor of Mental Health

Rachel was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2004 and has been a symptom, surgery, and drug-free for the past 4 years. Rachel recovered her health and transformed her life by leaving the corporate world to study Holistic Nutrition, Functional health therapies HeartMath, and EFT. Through her own recovery, Rachel understands the impact that emotional and mental health has on both Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Rachel supports the global IBD community specializing in addressing the emotional impact that IBD causes as a vital element towards full recovery.

Andre Bughao

Administrative Assistant

Andre Bughao is an Operations and Administrative Support professional known for his dynamic, results driven approach. With strong expertise in managing customer interactions, resolving complex inquiries, and streamlining operational processes, Andre plays a vital role in maintaining seamless and efficient workflows.

Jhaysen Dave

Administrative Assistant

Dave holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics, studied Materials Science and Pure Physics from Central Mindanao University. At Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle Dave combines a strong analytical background with a passion for customer support and business operations, ensuring that our SHIELD members and IBD Shop clients receive seamless, personalized service.