Kelly Calabrese
Kelly Calabrese is a Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist and Functional Nutritionist at Optimal Wellness Solutions, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. With over 40 years in the health and fitness field, she has dedicated her career to bridging nutrition and fitness to help clients achieve optimal wellness. Kelly specializes in autoimmune and endocrine disorders, including complex cases like Hashimoto’s disease, and employs a comprehensive, root-cause approach that integrates advanced blood chemistry analysis, herbal and homeopathic protocols, lymphatic drainage, and detoxification support. Her philosophy emphasizes terrain correction—rebuilding the body’s internal environment so it can naturally heal and function at its best. Kelly’s journey into clinical nutrition was shaped by personal experience. A traumatic brain injury during a ski accident transformed her path from performance-based fitness to functional medicine, providing her with firsthand insight into the healing process. Prior to this, she worked extensively as a personal fitness trainer, where she guided clients through neuromuscular retraining, strength training, Pilates, yoga, and bootcamps. One of her proudest achievements from this period was helping a quadriplegic client regain meaningful mobility, affirming her belief in the body’s extraordinary potential when supported with knowledge, patience, and care. Education and lifelong learning are central to Kelly’s work. She holds a master’s degree in sports medicine and clinical nutrition from Indiana University Bloomington and completed postgraduate studies in nutrition at the University of Colorado. She is affiliated with the International and American Academy of Clinical Nutritionists and has pursued additional training in functional medicine, functional endocrinology, and functional neurology. Beyond her clinical practice, Kelly has served as an adjunct professor, contributed to community initiatives, coached Special Olympics tennis, and authored multiple publications as well as Nutrition Diagnostics-Healing Through Empowerment. She combines evidence-informed care with patient education, empowering clients to understand their health, make confident choices, and achieve lasting wellness.
• Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist
• Certified Personal Trainer
• Indiana University Bloomington - MS
• University of Colorado RD Program
• CASA
• Colorado Springs Sister Cities
• Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Millibo Arts Theatre, Cameo Club
• The Christmas Tree Project
What do you attribute your success to?
I contribute my success to perseverance, resilience, strength, and in confidence of who I am and the twists and turns of my life's journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice was to follow my heart, create a happening, and live my dreams.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would offer to women entering the wellness profession is simple: pursue mastery. Attend conferences, continue learning beyond licensure, and actively seek mentors. This field requires a balance of both scientific knowledge and intuitive understanding. The more equipped we are, the greater the impact we can have on the lives we serve.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is educating those who are looking for functional wellness and healing. Many consumers do not understand that functional medicine is nutrition based, not allopathic based.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are patience, reliability, and compassion. I strive to approach everything with ambition and integrity, building trust with those I serve. Above all, I am committed to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives through holistic wellness.