Meet Jessica Clancy-Strawn | Media, Kidney, and Trauma Informed Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Clancy-Strawn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
As a professional registered dietitian and author, I hope to help people uncover the roots of their trauma, face their fears, and embrace meaningful change toward overall wellness. I believe in a holistic approach to healing—one that nurtures the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual self. My goal is to guide others toward wellness that not only preserves kidney function and promotes longevity but also empowers them to live fulfilling lives surrounded by family, friends, and community.

I hope to bring awareness to kidney disease—its causes, prevention, and the vital role trauma plays in its development. Most people, including many healthcare providers, do not fully understand the disease’s progression, diagnosis, prevention, and maintenance, even as it becomes increasingly common.

Kidney disease—or a decline in kidney function—can often be identified and monitored through a simple lab test called the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A normal GFR is above 90 mL/min/1.73m². Tracking this number provides critical insight into kidney health.

While diabetes and high blood pressure are widely recognized as leading causes of kidney decline, there are several other contributors:

Autoimmune and inherited diseases

Exposure to toxins such as alcohol, drugs, and heavy metals

Blood clots and kidney obstructions like stones

Degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s

Heat stroke and dehydration

My goal is to educate people on how to protect and preserve their kidney function by taking care of their bodies.

Why is this important? According to the CDC in 2023, 1 in 7 adults in the U.S.—approximately 35.5 million people—have some form of kidney disease. Alarmingly, 9 in 10 don’t even know they have it. Eighteen percent of the adult population aged 18–64 is affected, and based on my experience, those numbers are steadily rising.

So what does this really mean? If 1 in 9 adults has kidney disease, the number of lives touched by this condition is far greater than most people realize. That’s why spreading awareness about its causes, risks, and prevention is so essential.

But why talk about trauma? Because trauma influences how we view ourselves and the world around us. It impacts our ability to adapt, overcome fear, and take meaningful action. It also increases stress hormones in the body, which leads to inflammation and puts us at greater risk for chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease.

To truly help others move toward healing and growth, we must address the roots of trauma. That’s where real transformation begins. When left unacknowledged, those deep wounds resurface in ways that prevent us from living our fullest lives.

I hope to bridge the education gap around kidney disease. I hope to create space where trauma is seen and addressed—both personally and medically. I hope to highlight the transformative power of faith, which can ignite hope and motivation for a better future. And I hope to remind people of the importance of connection—because no one should have to walk through life’s struggles alone. Family, friends, chosen family, and community matter.

A Legacy in Film: The Quest for Family I also hope to be remembered for bringing the full-length feature film adaptation of The Quest for Family to life. This memoir tells a powerful story of healing and wellness, showing how—when family fails—others step in and lift us up.

This emotionally charged true story will speak to many, offering hope to those struggling in silence. In an age where depression and suicide are on the rise, this film reflects the light that faith and human kindness can shine into even the darkest moments.

J & J Ranch Productions, in collaboration with JC Films, is currently in the pre-production phase. Opportunities to support this mission include:

Crowdfunding

Angel investing

Branding partnerships

Tiered investment packages offering:

Producer credits

Set visits

Script sneak peeks

Amateur acting roles

IMDb credits

We’re also offering advertising spots within the film for small businesses, food brands, and wellness-focused companies that want to be part of something truly impactful.

Together, we can reshape the film industry by producing family-friendly, heart-centered movies that change lives.

For more information or to explore investment opportunities, contact us at Strawn@LoveisKindWellness.com or visit LoveisKindWellness.com.

3 Pillars of Legacy:

Faith, Prayer, and Meditation Healing begins with something bigger than ourselves. Faith gives us strength and vision. Prayer and meditation create sacred space to lay down burdens and heal, piece by piece.

Family, Friends, and Community When family is missing, the embrace of a kind friend or a compassionate community can change everything. I envision a world that encourages people to grow, make mistakes, and love again—with the ripple effect of that healing spreading far and wide.

Education, Tools, and Resources Knowledge is freedom. My legacy includes making tools for healing more accessible—nutrition, movement, mental health, and soul care all play a role in personal transformation.

My ultimate goal: To prevent the end from the beginning—and support people through every step in between. I want to be remembered as someone who lead people to hope, and healing across the world—and who inspired others to do the same.

About Jessica Clancy-Strawn Jessica Clancy-Strawn—featured in NBC, Mass News, USA News, Eating Well, Health.com, Delish, Yahoo News, Sass Magazine, Nephrology Times, HUM Nutrition, NPR, and Hope Radio—is available for media opportunities. To request her media kit or get in touch, feel free to reach out.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
With nearly 20 years as a registered dietitian and over a decade of specializing in kidney disease, I’ve had the privilege of helping patients implement best practices that improve longevity and enhance quality of life. My professional journey began in hospital dietary management—overseeing everything from written nutrition disease specific diets to plated meals—and has extended to advanced end-stage cases such as dialysis.

My expertise spans a wide range of areas, including:
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Every scope of kidney disease
Diabetes and women’s health (including pregnancy)
Chronic and acute illness
Psychologically complex and underserved populations
Food insecurity and trauma-informed care

I gained invaluable knowledge during my time working in a renowned trauma hospital in Houston, Texas, and even had the privilege of observing a kidney transplant procedure firsthand. This blend of clinical insight and experiential learning truly shaped my understanding of the intersection between nutrition and healing.

One thing that sets me apart is my integration of trauma-informed care. I understand how childhood, cultural, environmental, and community trauma influence our decisions and behaviors. I draw from the trauma tree model by Scott Whittle to guide individuals toward meaningful and sustainable change. People heal best when they feel safe, supported, and seen—and when they’re empowered to learn in a way that suits their unique style and story.

Whether I’m walking alongside patients through grief and acceptance, mentoring through Toastmasters, or presenting my story and insights on media platforms—I show up with purpose and passion. These diverse experiences have made me a sought-after voice in wellness, advocacy, and chronic illness care.

But the path hasn’t been easy. Before becoming a dietitian, I worked as a cosmetologist for 18 years while putting myself through school. It took daily baby steps—balancing long hours in the salon with college coursework. My clients became my teachers too—sharing their life stories, teaching me chemistry concepts, and showing me what grit and grace look like in real life. I like to say, once I hit organic chemistry, I was all “chemistry-ed out!”

During a time of burnout, I took a leap and joined a work-abroad program in England. That six-month experience took me through nearly 20 European countries. I immersed myself in culture, food, history, and the working world across the Atlantic. That period gave me new appreciation for both global diversity and shared human experience.

After completing my bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Science, I faced a make-or-break moment with graduate school. I offered countless free hours to hospitals, clinics, and community centers to complete a competitive internship—eventually earning a spot that propelled me into clinical dietetics. That same year, I also lived with a host family and studied abroad in Mexico, gaining even deeper respect for cultural roots, food traditions, and holistic healing.

A dream spoken two decades ago finally came full circle when I put pen to paper and began writing The Quest for Family—a deeply personal memoir about loss, resilience, healing, and the people who step in when family cannot. That book is now being adapted into a full-length feature film, currently in pre-production and destined for the big screen.

In addition to my work in nutrition, I stay busy writing about wellness and sharing my experiences from The Quest for Family. I love hiking, biking, strength training, cruising, RV camping, and exploring new cultures and cuisines. I cherish time with my family, my church community, and practicing my faith.

This journey has not been easy, but it’s been transformational. Every challenge has helped shape what I believe in, how I serve others, and the message I want to leave behind. I wouldn’t change a single step—even the toughest roads were preparing me to help others navigate their own.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
.Favorite Spots in the City: A Weeklong Itinerary for the Ultimate Houston Experience

I’ve always said that Houston is one of the rare places where you can own your own home and still afford a fabulous night on the town—complete with a new outfit, dinner, and a theater performance, all in one evening. It’s a city of balance: vibrant yet grounded, energetic yet comforting.

If my best friend were visiting, here’s how I’d show them the best of Houston and beyond:

Day 1–2: Explore The Woodlands
One of the most sought-after areas near Houston, The Woodlands offers a peaceful, forested escape with tons of outdoor adventure.

George Mitchell Nature Preserve Ideal for hiking and biking, this scenic preserve has miles of trails—easily explored using the AllTrails app. It’s a perfect way to connect with nature.

Rob Fleming Park A family-friendly outdoor space with a tranquil catch and release fishing pond, open green fields, and a playground for the little ones. It’s the perfect spot to breathe deeply and unwind.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion An iconic outdoor amphitheater where you can catch a concert under the stars or simply relax on the hillside as music echoes across The Woodlands Waterway.

The Waterway Grab a paddle boat, kayak, or simply stroll along the river-like canal lined with swan boats and art installations. It’s a charming place for conversation and people-watching.

Market Street This open-air shopping district is packed with upscale retailers like Nike, Tommy Bahama, Kendra Scott, and specialty boutiques. It’s also dotted with restaurants, wine bars, and taprooms. In summer, live music floats through the air while kids splash in the fountains.

Dinner with a View at Hughes Landing (a.k.a. Restaurant Row) After all the activity, head to Hughes Landing to unwind over dinner with a lakeside sunset backdrop. Top picks: Fogo de Chão for Brazilian steakhouse delights, Truluck’s for elevated seafood, Churrascos for Latin flair, and Grimaldi’s for a classic pizza night.

Day 3–4: Galveston and the Gulf Coast Escape
No trip to Houston is complete without a seaside stop in Galveston.
Fisherman’s Wharf on Harborside Drive Enjoy fresh seafood al fresco while watching cruise ships, fishing boats, and maybe even a dolphin or two drift by. It’s a true Gulf Coast gem—and the catch of the day doesn’t get any fresher than straight from Galveston Bay.

Explore the Strand District or Moody Gardens Walk through Galveston’s charming downtown for shopping, history, and arts—or visit Moody Gardens for their lush pyramids housing rainforest, aquarium, and science exhibits.

Day 5: Outer Space and Inner Wonder
On your way back toward George Bush Intercontinental Airport, make time for a stop at:
NASA Johnson Space Center Dive into Houston’s proud space legacy and tour the Center for Human Spaceflight. You’ll walk away inspired by the city’s role in sending people beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.

Day 6–7: City Life and Cultural Exploration
Back in Houston, embrace the city’s rich cultural mosaic:
Museum District: Home to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Museum of Fine Arts, and the Children’s Museum.

Montrose & The Heights: Explore quirky boutiques, eclectic cafés, and vibrant street art.

Dining Tour of the World: Houston is one of the most diverse culinary scenes in the U.S. In one city block, you might find Vietnamese pho, Nigerian jollof rice, Tex-Mex tacos, Greek salad, and Lebanese shawarma—there’s truly something for every palate.

What Makes Houston Special? Houston is rich in culture, community, and connection. It’s a place where people from all backgrounds come together. The diversity, hospitality, and friendliness here make it feel like a smaller, heart-centered version of the world.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Shoutout: A Legacy Built on Love, Faith, and Community

My family is an integral part of who I am. My husband, Adam, and I have walked through challenges that would test any relationship—three perinatal losses, including a misdiagnosed pregnancy, infertility, the stress of parenting ill children (including a diagnosis of diabetes), fostering and adopting, major moves, job changes, differences in parenting, and the ups and downs that come from two people with different backgrounds building a life together. Through it all, Adam and our children have been my greatest supporters—especially in my second career as a dietitian and in the creation of my book, The Quest for Family. I could not have come this far without their love and belief in me.

My mother-in-law, Diane, is the backbone of our family. She helps with the kids and exemplifies what it means to be a mother—her presence, wisdom, and strength have been like no other.

My best friend, Dana, has walked through nearly every chapter of life by my side for the past 37 years. From navigating adolescence and beauty school to launching a career in cosmetology, backpacking through Europe, studying in Mexico, and journeying through marriage and motherhood—she’s been more than a friend. She’s been the aunt my children adore, and the sister life gave me when blood did not.

In my childhood, my grandmothers brought light and guidance to a confusing world. Though both have passed, I continue to feel their absence deeply—especially when facing parenting challenges and difficult decisions.

Our beloved neighbors, the Bischs and the Averetts, who lived next to my grandparents, offered a sense of safety, acceptance, and parental love when I needed it most. So much so, they even gave me away at my wedding—an act of profound love I’ll never forget.

To my father—who didn’t know I existed at birth—finding him and reconnecting with my biological roots filled a missing piece in me. It helped me complete the picture, not just for myself but for my son and future generations.

To my workplace and past employers: I would not be who I am professionally without companies whose values align with mine, or without the compassionate teams I’ve had the privilege of working with. Each of them has cared deeply about people and exemplified the kind of work ethic that inspires me every day.

My faith has given me the courage to overcome what once felt insurmountable. It’s my anchor and my purpose. Through it, I’ve found the strength to become a light for others who might otherwise give up. I try to let my actions speak louder than words, always striving for growth—not perfection. This journey of faith wouldn’t be complete without the incredible support of my current church family and community.

To the friends and even strangers who stood in when family didn’t—thank you. Thank you for offering kind words, wisdom, safety, joy, and hope. You may never know the full impact of your kindness, but I carry it with me always.

To Master the Media and Amy Gorin—thank you for teaching me how to amplify my message and share my expertise with the world. Your guidance, wisdom, and actionable tools are helping me fulfill a purpose far bigger than myself. After all, what is wisdom if not shared? With you, the path forward is bright.

To J&J Ranch Productions, and Jackie and Johnny Hovorka—your dream of turning Houston into the next Hollywood for family-friendly, life-changing films is not just inspiring, it’s transformative. With your partnership and JC Films, The Quest for Family will be brought to life as a full-feature film, reaching millions with a message of hope and healing.

To all of these people—and so many more—you have helped shape my heart, my voice, and my purpose. Thank you for making me who I am today.

Website: https://LoveisKindWellness.com

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