To hear her tell it, Ariel Lofaro, CHC, is not a big fan of the Western medicine model, preferring instead the highly personalized and in-depth approach to good health offered by functional medicine practitioners such as those here at BioDesign Wellness Center.
Ariel, who joined us in 2022 as our medical support specialist, said she understands the importance of getting to the root cause of a patient’s health issue by discovering, treating, and eradicating what got them sick in the first place.
And for Ariel, this outcome is personal. Having suffered with her own health conditions and her mother’s recent diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer, she is convinced of the importance of her work at BioDesign.
She said her task is to make the patients’ experience as easy and seamless as possible. Among her duties are making sure patients get their lab work scheduled and supplements delivered in a timely fashion, as well as taking their vitals before meeting with the doctor.
Where the personal touch comes into play is when Ariel answers patients’ questions throughout their health journey. She believes sickness, Illness, and discomfort can be an extremely isolating experience — especially in the western medicine world.
We asked our new support specialist a few more questions about her position at BioDesign Wellness Center, as well as some fun queries about her life and interests. Here’s what she had to say:
BioDesign Wellness Center: If you could tell new patients one thing about BioDesign Wellness Center — either to prepare them for their first visit or that they’d benefit from knowing now — what would you want them to know?
Ariel Lofaro: It’s absolutely no fun being sick, uncomfortable, or exhausted. Here at BioDesign, we genuinely care about your wellbeing and really want to help you feel and look your best. If you are coming to see us, it’s likely because you have tried everything and no one has listened to you. But deep down, your intuition is telling you that something more is going on.
The human body is a complex mechanism, comprised of mind, body and soul. We are here to hear you out, identify the root cause of what’s ailing you, help you hold yourself accountable, and give you an extra push when you feel like giving up or have lost hope. Real healing takes time, and significant change doesn’t happen overnight. However, with an open mind and a little discipline, true healing can be around the corner.
BioDesign: What did you do for work before joining BioDesign?
Ariel: I was a music video director in Los Angeles. I worked with high-profile clients, ranging from Ariana Grande to Demi Lovato. Shortly after transitioning out of the music industry, I became a certified health coach and worked at a detox center in California.
BioDesign: Where did you go to college and what did you study? Did you receive any board certifications or professional designations?
Ariel: I attended Drexel University where I studied film and video with a minor in music. I attended the Institute of Integrative Nutrition for my health coach certification (CHC) and I am currently studying with Gaia School of Healing to become a certified herbalist.
BioDesign: Where did you grow up and what did you want to be — career-wise — when you were in grade school?
Ariel: I wanted to be a marine biologist. It’s safe to say Florida is the perfect fit for me.
BioDesign: Please tell us about your hobbies or interests outside of work?
Ariel: I love hanging out with my dog Luna. She gives me an excuse to be outside in nature on a regular basis, going to the dog beach and the dog park. I love going to Oxford Exchange on a Sunday morning and cuddling up with a good book.
For those who never been, Oxford Exchange restaurant, bookstore, gift store, coworking space, design studio, and event venue in the Hyde Park / Spanishtown Creek section of Tampa. I am very artistic, so I also enjoy drawing, painting, and photography. Oh, and I am nearly always cooking something.
BioDesign: If you moved to Sesame Street, who would you want as your neighbor and why?
Ariel: Big Bird, because he looks like he gives incredible hugs, and he’d be able to help me get things off the top shelf.
BioDesign: What’s something most people would be surprised to know about you?
Ariel: I used to do standup comedy in an underground comedy group when I was in college. I mostly just told self-deprecating stories about all the horrible men I’ve dated.
BioDesign: If you could pick three famous people to be a part of your entourage, who would you pick and why?
Ariel: Rihanna, because she’s a fellow Pisces and I honestly believe she would be super nurturing and supportive as a friend. Second would be author Glennon Doyle, because she’s a selfless fearless legend who just oozes purity and authenticity.
And finally, Chef Alison Roman, because together, we would host the best dinner parties.