About Natural Kids


Welcome to Natural Kids, where compassionate, integrative care meets a passion for helping children thrive. My name is Lauren Cates, and I’m the proud founder of Natural Kids. As a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Functional Medicine Practitioner, I’m dedicated to partnering with families to uncover the root causes of their child’s health challenges and support long-term wellness. I created Natural Kids because I believe every child deserves care that listens, empowers, and adapts to their unique needs. My approach combines the best of conventional medicine with evidence-based natural therapies, focusing on the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. From addressing gut health to managing chronic conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and autoimmune disorders, I’m here to guide your family through every step of the journey. But beyond my credentials and clinical experience, I’m also a mom. I understand the worry, the questions, and the hope you feel when it comes to your child’s health. That’s why I’m committed to providing a space where you feel heard, supported, and equipped to make informed decisions for your child’s well-being. Whether you’re seeking answers for a specific health concern or looking to optimize your child’s growth and development, I’m here to help. Together, we can create a personalized path to wellness that empowers your child to thrive naturally.

Meet our Practitioner

Lauren's journey in functional medicine began with a passion to uncover root causes of illness and guide patients towards lasting wellness.

Through personalized care and unwavering dedication, her practice has become a beacon of hope for those seeking transformation. Today, Lauren Cates stands as a pioneer, shaping the future of healthcare one patient at a time. Welcome to Natural Kids's practice—a world of possibility for health and healing.

Why Trust ?

Lauren Cates brings a wealth of expertise in functional medicine, specializing in uncovering and addressing the underlying factors contributing to health issues.

With a focus on personalized wellness plans, informed by extensive training and experience, Lauren Cates is dedicated to guiding patients towards sustainable health and vitality.

You know your child best, and together we can uncover the path to their healthiest, happiest self. At Natural Kids, we believe in listening, empowering, and transforming care for every unique journey.

- Lauren Cates, Pediatric Nurse Practioner/Functional Practitioner/Pediatric Mental Health Specialist/Owner

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a personalized, patient-centered approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness or imbalance in the body. It considers the complex interactions between genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors to optimize health and prevent disease.

How is Functional Medicine Different from Conventional Medicine?

Unlike conventional medicine, which often treats symptoms with medications or surgeries, functional medicine seeks to understand and address the underlying factors contributing to health issues. It emphasizes a holistic approach, aiming to promote wellness rather than just managing disease.

What Conditions Can Functional Medicine Address?

Functional medicine can address a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions, including digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases, metabolic issues, chronic fatigue, and more. It's particularly effective for conditions with complex underlying causes.

What Can I Expect During a Functional Medicine Consultation?

During a functional medicine consultation, you can expect a comprehensive assessment of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences. Your practitioner will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan focused on addressing the root causes of your health concerns.

What Treatment Modalities Does Functional Medicine Use?

Functional medicine incorporates a variety of treatment modalities, including nutritional therapy, lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, targeted supplementation, detoxification protocols, and mind-body therapies. The approach is highly individualized based on each patient's unique needs.

How Long Does it Take to See Results with Functional Medicine?

The timeline for seeing results with functional medicine varies depending on the complexity of your health issues, your adherence to the wellness plan, and other factors. While some patients experience improvements in symptoms relatively quickly, achieving long-term wellness often requires ongoing commitment and patience.