It was Kismet that brought Dr. Nicole Anderson and Dr. Kelly Blundy together. Nicole was practicing pediatrics and working in a neonatal intensive care unit when she crossed paths with Kelly, a chiropractor, almost decade ago. The Functional Medicine Center of New Jersey, located right here in Saddle River, was born out of a shared journey of personal health challenges and a passion for helping others. Dr. Nicole Anderson and Dr. Kelly Blundy didn’t just meet through professional circles; their connection was forged through their experiences as mothers navigating health issues with their children, and a shared desire to find better ways to help others in their health journeys.

Nicole, a neonatologist, and Kelly, a chiropractor, first crossed paths when Nicole, an avid runner, sought Kelly’s help after sustaining a running injury while training for a marathon. “That planned half-hour visit turned into two hours,” Nicole recalled. “We just clicked.” Kelly agreed, saying, “We share a similar outlook on life, health, and medicine.” Their bond deepened when they both faced serious health challenges with their children. Kelly’s daughter Emma, as a baby, was not only allergic to her breast milk but also had major food sensitivities and a whole host of gastrointestinal issues that accompanied it. “It was overwhelming and frustrating,” Kelly explained, “trying to figure out what was wrong and not getting clear answers or an actual solution from the doctors with whom we consulted.”

Nicole’s daughters, Maya and Sofia also had their own health struggles. For years, they suffered from a multitude of symptoms related to undiagnosed Lyme disease and associated tick-borne illnesses. Like many children with these conditions, they endured various misdiagnoses and treatments that didn’t address the root cause. “Both my daughters’ journeys were long and difficult.” Nicole shared. “They experienced migratory pain, fatigue, allergies, asthma, recurrent sports injuries, and a constellation of neurological symptoms. It took years of searching for the right answers before we understood that they had Lyme disease and co-infections.” This experience played a pivotal role in Nicole’s decision to pursue functional medicine, seeking a more comprehensive and root-cause approach to healthcare.

  “Through our own health challenges, we realized that a different approach was necessary—managing symptoms without addressing the root cause—wasn’t enough,” Kelly said. “We needed something more personalized, something that looked at the whole person.” Both Nicole and Kelly became Certified Functional Medicine Providers through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), learning how to address health issues from the ground up, focusing on the underlying causes rather than just treating symptoms. “Understanding the root cause is the key. But, my daughters also taught me that understanding their bio-individuality was even more important,” Nicole emphasized. “It’s not just about prescribing therapies, but doing it in a way that truly permits healing for each individual.”

 The therapies they selected for their center were integral to their own healing journeys. Nicole and Kelly emphasize that their goal is not to replace conventional medicine but to work alongside primary care doctors and other specialists. By combining lifestyle changes with root cause medicine, they complement traditional medical treatments. "Our goal is to educate our patients about their bodies, their genetics, their exposures, their microbiome so that they can better advocate for themselves. We want our patients to understand how food, movement, sleep, stress and community can lead to their wellness or their dis-ease.” Nicole explained.

The Functional Medicine Center of New Jersey is one of the few centers that offers all of these services under one roof. “Finding all of these modalities in one place was incredibly difficult,” Nicole noted. “We took our time carefully studying the science and selecting each therapy to make sure it would have the most impact for our patients.” Whether someone is dealing with autoimmune diseases, cardio metabolic conditions, Lyme disease, hormonal imbalances, or just wants to feel their best, Kelly and Nicole are passionate about addressing the root causes of illness. The two doctors often say, “If you’re not sleeping well, have low energy throughout the day, feel bloated, have bathroom issues, or struggle with weight loss, those are signs your body isn’t communicating well. We’re here to help you achieve health, not just manage disease.” Their goal is to help patients move beyond the constant battle of fighting symptoms and step into a state of true health and vitality.

 One of the center’s defining features is its location—a historically significant building in the heart of Saddle River. Dr. Nicole Anderson and her husband, Dr. Frank Ciminello, purchased the building with a commitment to preserve its historical essence. Originally built by John Woodruff in the late 1840s, the building was used as a foundry. William and Christian Packer purchased the property in 1866 and the foundry evolved into the W.W. Packer and Son plow factory, the largest industry in Saddle River. About 1900, the Packer plow, sleigh and wagon manufacturing company was sold to Deare Manufacturing Company. Over the past decade the building had deteriorated and storm damage had made it unsafe. Nicole and Frank made it a priority to maintain the original design and historical integrity when the new structure was built. The new facility mirrors the old design, using salvaged materials from the original building. “Being able to save a piece of history, give back to our town, and make 70 E Allendale Road a home to such a good cause is incredibly important to us,” Nicole said. The center now stands as a testament to both history and the future of health and wellness.

Saddle River resident Amy Baker, the Managing Director of the Functional Medicine Center of New Jersey, has also become an invaluable part of the center. A close friend of both Nicole and Kelly, Amy shares their vision and values, living with a sense of purpose that aligns perfectly with why the center was created. Her dedication to the center’s mission and her commitment to helping others has been instrumental in the success and growth of the practice. “Amy not only shares our goals for the center but embodies them,” Kelly shared. “Her presence here has been a gift, and we couldn't have built what we have without her.” Amy also introduced Nicole and Kelly to the idea of “travel with a purpose,” participating in service trips to under-served communities, which has now become a shared passion.

Dr. Nicole Anderson is board-certified in general pediatrics and neonatal-perinatal medicine and has additional certifications in functional medicine, anti-aging and precision medicine, peptide therapy, bioidentical hormone therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). She trained under Dr. Richard Horowitz, a leading expert in Lyme disease, and is a member of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS).

Dr. Kelly Blundy, a chiropractor, also holds Doctorates in Natural Medicine and Humanitarian Services and is certified in halotherapy. She has continued her education with certifications in functional medicine, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), Active Release Technique (ART), and Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA). Kelly has also served on several boards, including a term on the Pascack Valley Board of Education during the COVID-19 pandemic, and was appointed by Governor Murphy to the New Jersey Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Both Nicole and Kelly lead busy lives with their friends and families, balancing work with their personal passions. Nicole, who lives in Saddle River with her husband Dr. Frank Ciminello, a cranio-facial and pediatric plastic surgeon, enjoys running and spending time with family. Kelly, married to Dr. Peter Wohl, a chiropractor who specializes in sports injuries, also enjoys golf and time with family.

For more information about the Functional Medicine Center of New Jersey, visit www.fmcofnj.com or call (833) 362-6365.