Dr. Francesca Orlando-Baldwin is an integrative and functional nutritionist based in San Diego, California. Originally from Italy, she began her career after witnessing the profound impact nutrition had on her own family’s health. Her work focuses on terrain-based, personalized medical nutrition therapy for complex and chronic conditions. With experience in clinical practice, research, and start-up development, she brings a practical, science-driven approach to educating future nutrition professionals.
Francesca was inspired to join the American College of Healthcare Sciences by its commitment to academic rigor, integrity, and the advancement of evidence-based holistic health. After years of clinical practice and program development, she felt called to support the next generation of nutrition professionals by sharing real-world experience, strengthening critical thinking skills, and contributing to a learning environment that blends science, compassion, and practical application.
Francesca’s career has been shaped by her work in integrative clinical practice, her leadership roles within the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, and her experience building terrain-based oncology and wellness start-ups. These roles strengthened her expertise in functional assessments, therapeutic nutrition, program development, and evidence-based practice. Her work in governance, curriculum design, and exam development further deepened her commitment to elevating professional standards in the field of nutrition.
Francesca brings a blend of clinical expertise, academic rigor, and program-building experience to the team. Her strengths include terrain-based nutrition therapy, functional assessment interpretation, curriculum development, and evidence appraisal. She is skilled in translating complex science into practical strategies for students and clients alike. Her leadership in governance, exam development, and professional standards supports ACHS’s commitment to high-quality, industry-aligned education.
Francesca is proud of her research on integrative approaches to neurological health, including her doctoral work developing a multidimensional sleep protocol for Parkinson’s disease. She has contributed to clinical standards through her leadership on the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board and her work building terrain-based oncology programs. She values mentoring future practitioners and creating evidence-informed curriculum. Personally, she is grateful for completing her doctorate and raising two kind, spirited boys.
Francesca has contributed to several notable projects, including the development of terrain-based oncology nutrition programs. She plays a key role in governance and exam development with the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board, helping strengthen national standards for holistic nutrition professionals. Her doctoral research on integrative sleep interventions for Parkinson’s disease further reflects her commitment to evidence-based practice.
Francesca is most inspired by the opportunity to bridge science and compassion to meaningfully support human health. She loves translating complex research into practical strategies that help clients regain stability and resilience. Teaching excites her because it allows her to shape future practitioners, strengthen critical thinking skills, and elevate the standards of the integrative health field. She finds deep purpose in work that empowers others and contributes to a more informed, holistic model of care.
Places of Study: American College of Healthcare Sciences, Huntington University of Health Sciences
Educational Background: Doctor of Science in Integrative Health, Master of Science in Integrative Nutrition
