Melissa Ward is a proponent of organic foods specializing in nutritional counseling and coaching, longevity therapies, and culinary instruction.

Melissa pioneered organic, sustainable foods when she opened a raw foods vegetarian restaurant, The Garden Light, on Hwy One in Leucadia, California. The restaurant not only served dishes prepared with produce procured from local organic farms, but offered ongoing nutritional education to the community in how to eat, live, and heal in harmony with whole, fresh foods, and herbal modalities. Relocating to Maui, Melissa collaborated in opening the first natural foods store in Paia, Pyramid Natural Foods. She has studied food-based healing therapies and other modalities in Europe and the US, including studies with the renowned Dr. Bernard Jensen.

When Melissa moved to Los Angeles, she began working individually with clients through referrals by holistic family practitioner, Jim Blechman, M.D.

In addition, during 2002 to 2006, Melissa taught nutritionally oriented classes to children for the LAUSD Chef in the Classroom program through the grant funded Nutrition Network, as well as the popular Learning Annex class, “Cook Two Weeks of Healthy Food in One Evening.”

She continues to study the healing properties of foods and supplements, increasing her knowledge and abilities to assist and guide others to well being. By offering a wealth of services, including nutritional counseling and coaching, supervised seasonal cleanses, customized therapeutic menus, longevity practices, food combining, and culinary instruction, as well as shopping, storage and kitchen organization, Melissa offers a broad approach to wellness education. Frequently referred by doctors, dieticians, and other health professionals, Melissa will also work in conjunction with protocols designed by your health professional to assist you in reaching your goals.

Melissa is a published writer and contributes articles about food, nutrition and healthy living. Certified by the A.A.N.C., the American Association of Nutritional Consultants, Melissa also holds a degree in English Literature from the University of California at Los Angeles.