Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Tyrrell.
Hi Kayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My path into nutrition has always been shaped by a deep interest in the connection between food, the body, and long-term well-being. I began my journey studying Nutrition and Dietetics at Samford University, where I was drawn not only to the science of nutrition but also to its practical, human application, through cooking, education, and community engagement. Experiences like studying culinary nutrition abroad in Costa Rica and running a small juice business during college solidified my belief that food can be both deeply healing and deeply personal.
After completing my dietetic internship and earning my Master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, I became a Registered Dietitian and began working across a range of clinical and integrative settings. I trained in acute care, outpatient care, bariatrics, and community health, while also gaining early exposure to functional and integrative nutrition, particularly gut health, chronic stress, and complex GI conditions. These experiences helped me see the gaps many individuals face when symptoms persist despite “doing all the right things.”
That realization led me to pursue advanced training in integrative and functional nutrition and eventually to create LivingWell Nutrition LLC. Through my private practice, I now support individuals who feel stuck in cycles of gut dysregulation, chronic stress, and low energy by using a root cause, data informed approach. I integrate comprehensive lab analysis, targeted nutrition strategies, and realistic lifestyle support to help clients feel empowered and confident in their healing process.
Overall, my work today reflects the culmination of my clinical training, research background, entrepreneurial experiences, and genuine desire to walk alongside people as they rebuild trust in their bodies. I’m passionate about creating care that is thoughtful, compassionate, and sustainable and that’s what continues to guide my next steps.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, and in many ways, the challenges are what shaped the work I do today. Early on, one of the biggest struggles was realizing that traditional approaches didn’t always provide the depth of support many clients needed, especially those dealing with chronic or complex symptoms. Learning how to navigate those gaps, seek out additional training, and confidently practice in a more integrative way took time and persistence.
Building a private practice also came with its own learning curve. Wearing multiple hats, learning how to communicate the value of root-cause care, and trusting my clinical intuition while staying grounded in evidence were all skills that developed through experience rather than overnight success.
On a more personal level, I’ve also had to learn how to balance caring deeply for clients while protecting my own energy and boundaries, something that’s essential for sustainable, high-quality care. Each of these challenges has reinforced the importance of flexibility, continued learning, and compassion, both for my clients and myself.
Looking back, those obstacles were less roadblocks and more teachers, helping me build a practice that is intentional, resilient, and deeply aligned with how I want to support others.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
LivingWell Nutrition is a functional and integrative nutrition practice rooted in the belief that healing happens when we slow down, listen closely, and address the root causes, not just symptoms. I work primarily with individuals who feel stuck after trying “all the right things,” especially those navigating chronic gut issues, immune dysregulation, hormonal imbalance, and the effects of long-term stress.
What I do goes far beyond meal plans. My work blends comprehensive lab analysis, personalized nutrition therapy, and realistic lifestyle support to help clients understand why their body is responding the way it is and how to move forward with clarity and confidence. I’m especially known for working with complex GI cases, low resilience states, and clients whose symptoms flare during times of stress or immune activation.
What truly sets LivingWell Nutrition apart is the way care is delivered. My approach is highly individualized, trauma-informed, and collaborative. I prioritize education and empowerment, clients are not just told what to do, but are supported in understanding their body, rebuilding trust, and making changes that are sustainable in real life. I’m also deeply mindful of pacing, nervous system regulation, and avoiding overly aggressive protocols, which is especially important for sensitive or reactive clients.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the balance between clinical depth and compassion. LivingWell Nutrition is known for being thoughtful but evidence-informed. The practice reflects my values: curiosity, integrity, and the belief that progress doesn’t have to come at the expense of gentleness. Clients often share that they feel truly seen and supported here, sometimes for the first time in their health journey.
What I want readers to know is that LivingWell Nutrition offers a different kind of nutrition care, one that meets people where they are, honors the complexity of the body, and focuses on building long-term resilience rather than quick fixes. Whether through one-on-one care, functional testing, or education, my goal is always the same: to help people feel more grounded, capable, and hopeful in their healing process.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding mentors and building meaningful connections has been less about formal networking and more about showing up with curiosity and intention. Some of the most impactful mentors in my life came from asking thoughtful questions, being genuinely interested in their work, and staying consistent over time rather than trying to force a relationship.
What has worked well for me is seeking out people whose values and approach to care align with mine, not just those with impressive titles. I’ve learned a lot by engaging in smaller, more authentic spaces, whether that’s professional trainings, collaborative case discussions, or even informal conversations after events. Reaching out with sincerity and respect for someone’s time has gone a long way.
I’ve also found that being open about where I am in my journey, what I’m still learning and what I care deeply about, creates more meaningful connections than trying to present myself as having it all figured out. Mentorship often grows organically when there’s mutual trust and shared purpose.
For networking in general, consistency matters more than volume. Staying in touch, following up, and offering value when possible, whether through collaboration, support, or simply encouragement, has helped relationships grow naturally over time. My biggest advice is to focus on building real relationships, not just contacts, and to trust that the right mentors often appear when you’re willing to learn, listen, and stay engaged.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.livingwellnutritionllc.com
- Instagram: livingwell.nutrition
