About Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN, LD

Danielle is a registered dietitian transforming lives through personalized nutrition
for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

My Journey Into IBD Nutrition

My husband, Ari, has lived with Crohn’s disease since his teenage years. Seeing him struggle with malnutrition, food fear, and weight loss sparked my passion for this field.

Ari is 6 feet and weighed 127 pounds at his lowest due to symptoms of the disease. He literally became afraid to eat because he associated all foods with pain, diarrhea, and discomfort. He’s also struggled with complications of the disease like iron and B12 deficiencies. I’ve helped him regain his health by identifying food sensitivities and improving his nutrition to manage his condition.

Additionally, my mom’s battle with a rare autoimmune disease led to significant gut issues and an ostomy bag. She experienced severe malnutrition, and seeing her struggles showed me firsthand the importance of nutrition in managing gut health and healing. These experiences drive me every day to help others facing similar challenges.

Danielle's Aproach

Danielle’s unique approach for her IBD patients is shaped by both professional expertise and personal experience with these conditions. She helps her clients:

Find food triggers to reduce symptoms
Learn more about personalized nutrition for a healthy gut
Build confidence to eat without fear
Get back to a healthy weight and improve energy levels
Manage flares and lower inflammation with diet

Her IBD services include Virtual IBD Nutrition Coaching, an online course, and a monthly membership.

Credentials

Media Appearances

Danielle is a trusted expert frequently featured in media outlets and sought-after as a guest speaker, providing education on IBD. Explore her latest media appearances.

Professional Involvement

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

Alive & Kicking: An Ostomy Recovery Program with Rolf Benirschke

RD2RD Mentor Program

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

Alive & Kicking: An Ostomy Recovery Program with Rolf Benirschke

RD2RD Mentor Program

Kind Words from Clients

Before working with Danielle, I had no idea where to begin with my diet. I needed help knowing what foods were tolerable, and what I could do to stop losing so much weight. After working with Danielle, I was able to decrease the number of bathroom trips, my wellbeing has changed for the better because I now have meal plans that work for me, and my stress around meals has decreased significantly.

I wish I could take out an ad at the Super bowl and say, “if you need anything in your home, go to Danielle”. I just feel the work is remarkable. Danielle was there with me every step of the way, but she was also fully committed to me being able to independently make healthy choices in my life post-experience.

I chose Danielle specifically because of her kind demeanor, her obvious knowledge, her openness to adjust to my specific preferences (primarily plant based) and the overall sense I gathered from her that she truly cared about my health and wellbeing.

Danielle has a positive attitude and really seemed to listen to my concerns with understanding and compassion. She had a fresh perspective on nutritional health and also has a comprehensive knowledge of a number of autoimmune conditions with particular dietary concerns. These elements, her excellent work ethic, and overwhelming kindness really drove home for me a desire to work with her.

Giving Back to the Community

Beyond my professional and personal life, giving back to the community is a core value of mine. I’ve had the privilege of volunteering in the following capacities.

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s Champions of Hope

It was an honor to serve on the Gala committee, raising awareness and $471,000 to fund research and help patients for a cause so close to many of us. My husband, Ari, who has Crohn’s, and I, volunteered at the event, standing together in support of this important mission.

San Diego’s Take Steps Event for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

I was honored to host the first-ever cooking demonstration at this event. Together, we raised over $180,000 to support the Foundation’s mission to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improve the quality of life for those affected by these diseases.

Volunteer Dietitian at California Camp Oasis

We were honored to be invited back for our second year at California Camp Oasis! I had the privilege of helping campers feel confident about the food choices available at camp, fueling them for their fun-filled, action-packed days. Ari continued his incredible volunteer work as a cabin camp counselor for teens with IBD.

Collaboration on Rolf Benirschke's Ostomy Program

Meeting the inspiring Rolf Benirschke and his program team in person at the gala, after collaborating virtually on his ostomy program.

Let's Work Together

Whether you’re seeking personalized support for IBD or exploring other opportunities to collaborate, Danielle is here to help. Schedule a call today and let’s create a plan together.