GET TO KNOW
DR. CARLA RUSSO

Dr. Carla Russo is a distinguished leader in integrative and functional wellness, widely recognized for her ability to bridge clinical science with real-world human performance. With over two decades of experience, she has dedicated her career to advancing whole-person health—empowering individuals and organizations to achieve optimal mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Her work brings together clinical expertise, human behavior, and holistic health principles to create true, lasting transformation. Dr. Russo holds a PhD, is a Board-Certified Naturopathic Doctor (ND), and earned her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition. She also serves as a Professor of Integrative & Functional Wellness with an emphasis on holistic health sciences. Her advanced training includes a sub-specialty in Human Behavior, certification in Addiction & Recovery Coaching, formal training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and credentials as a Registered Yoga Instructor specializing in therapeutic and rehabilitative techniques—allowing her to approach health and healing from a deeply comprehensive and compassionate perspective.

Dr. Russo currently serves as Chief Integrative Health Strategist for Vital Health Global, where she contributes to global wellness initiatives, clinical education, and international expansion efforts. She is also the Founder & CEO of Zen Wellness Academy, a platform through which she mentors and equips high-performing individuals—including entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, corporate leaders, and athletes—to live and lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose.

Through her research in natural health sciences, Dr. Russo has identified foundational principles that drive high performance and what she defines as “enlightened leadership”—principles she integrates into both clinical practice and organizational consulting.

A best-selling author and sought-after keynote speaker, Dr. Russo has co-chaired and contributed to conferences around the world and has been honored to speak at prestigious institutions including Harvard University and the University of Texas. Her expertise has been featured across major media platforms including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and nationally syndicated radio.

Deeply rooted in both science and service, Dr. Russo is also the Co-Founder of Lone Star Monarchs, a Texas-based nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and nurturing the human spirit. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, the organization supports a wide range of charitable initiatives across Dallas and throughout Texas—focused on education, connection, and meaningful impact.

At her core, Dr. Russo believes this:
When you give people the right tools, the right insights, and the right support… everything can change.