About Donell

Who is Donell Barlow?

Donell Barlow is an enrolled member of the Ottawa Tribe/Otter Clan and Yurok on her Mother’s side. She is the author of “Medicine Tracks,” “Bigfoot and Lightning Bug,” and “Words Have No Meaning.” Donell was recently awarded the SAGA grant for her next children’s book, “Creature Teacher Yoga.” She graduated from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, where she received her certification as a Holistic Health Coach. Also, she is certified to teach Yoga to adults and children. Donell implements the mind, body, and spirit connection when working with individuals, communities, and organizations providing nutritional consulting work.

She uses her personal experiences and her ancestral knowledge of plants to guide her clients through a unique approach to finding a diet that will become a permanent lifestyle change. Offering customized meal plans, private cooking lessons, and yoga classes give her clients the tools they need to find balance and gain control of their own health.  Donell is the creator/host of Dance Jam Kitchen that implements food as medicine and local ingredients. These videos were intended to make cooking fun and provide some nutritional education.

Her Story

Growing up on processed food and being raised by her single father. Donell's diet was far from balanced; it was only when she spent time with her grandparents; she had access to her Traditional foods.

In her teens, she experienced several ailments with digestion and elimination. She went to several experts and running countless tests only to be told she had IBS. There was never a discussion about her diet or allergies during these consultations. She decided to take her power back, gain control of her own health, and begin her nutrition journey.

Trying several types of diets and excessive journaling, she finally found some real answers to her issues. After that, there was no going back, and the passion for health increased. She graduated from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition as a Certified Holistic Health Coach.  She realized the need to share her knowledge and life experiences to heal others dealing with the same frustrations. Her journey taught her food is medicine: heal the gut - heal the body.

She incorporates some of her ancestral food into her recipes, sharing her culture and incorporating our relationship to nature. This is not a quick fix, but a lifestyle change designed to enhance life quality, empower her clients and act as preventive medicine.  

Donell’s work has been featured in “Where Women Work” magazine, “Spokane Coeur d’ Alene Living Magazine, “News From Native California,” The Spokesman-Review,” and the” Inlander.”