Our Mission
At SproutWell, we emphasize a balanced approach to pediatric therapies and integrate the best of conventional medicine with complementary modalities, so that infants and children can thrive. This approach is rooted in the belief that a holistic perspective is essential for promoting optimal health and preventing illness. We believe in fostering the individuality of each child and partnering with caregivers. Our commitment to an unhurried pace ensures that we take the time to understand the unique needs and concerns of both the child and their family.
Julie Sweeney, MD FAAP
Founder
Dr. Julie Sweeney is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in integrative medicine.
She has been caring for infants and children in Fairfield and Westchester County for over 15 years.
After completing her pediatric residency at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center in NY, she returned to her hometown of Darien, CT and started working in private practice at The Pediatric Center in 2009. Longing to spend more time with patients and families, Dr. Sweeney founded her consulting practice, Allergy Mom MD, in 2020 and joined Wellness Insights, an integrative medicine collaborative in 2022.
Dr. Sweeney expanded her consulting practice to include all aspects of pediatric integrative medicine when she opened SproutWell.
Credentials
M.D. New York Medical College
Board-certified in Pediatrics by The American Board of Pediatrics
Academy of Pediatric Integrative Medicine Physician Fellow
Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Member of the Section of Integrative Medicine at the AAP
She is excited to offer families complementary treatment options with a focus on anti-inflammatory nutrition, gut health and preventive care. In addition to her training through the Academy of Pediatric Integrative Medicine, she is certified in infant and pediatric therapeutic massage.
Active in the Darien community, Dr. Sweeney is a member of the Board of Directors of Darien Emergency Medical Service – Post 53 where she started her emergency medical training in high school as a volunteer EMT. She is also the Medical Advisor for Maureen Bloom Playdates where all 3 of her boys attended their first year of preschool.
Dr. Sweeney is the mom of three boys and their dog, Mack. She enjoys traveling with her family, barre classes & practicing yoga.
Kristen Smaldone MS, RD, CSP, CD-N
Pediatric Registered Dietitian
Kristen Smaldone is both a full-time mom and a full-time dietitian. She is the founder of Kristen Smaldone Nutrition, which is a pediatric nutrition practice servicing the dietary needs of infants through teens. With an extensive clinical background of over 9 years and battle-tested personal experience, She will work with your child by adapting tools and approaches to meet their needs. But, she will also work with you, giving you strategies your whole family can get on board with—and has time for.
Kristen specializes in picky eating, feeding disorders and gastrointestinal conditions. She enjoys working with parents on the introduction of solids. Her training also extends to helping children with difficulty gaining weight, food allergies, developmental disabilities, tube feeding and weight management.
Kristen holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in Nutrition and Dietetics as well as a degree in Sports Biology from the University of New Haven and Springfield College. She has a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of New Haven. She completed her 1400+ hour supervised dietetic internship at Yale New Haven Hospital. Over the last 9 years she has worked both inpatient and outpatient at Yale Children’s Hospital, with the last 5 years primarily in pediatric gastroenterology, aerodigestive and feeding clinics.
Certifications
Registered Dietitian
Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition
Marisa Kurz
Yoga and mindfulness Educator
Marisa is a children’s yoga and mindfulness educator based in Fairfield County, CT. She began her career in early childhood special education, which fostered her love of play-based education. She enjoys meeting her students where they are both physically and emotionally and includes developmentally-appropriate mindfulness in all of her classes for children.
Marisa is a 200 hour certified yoga teacher through Dew Yoga in Stamford, CT. She has completed children’s yoga teacher trainings with Karma Kids Yoga in NYC and Deep Play for Kids in CT. She is also certified to teach postnatal classes through Baby Om in Brooklyn, NY. She is currently enrolled in coursework with Mindful Schools to learn new ways to bring mindfulness education to children.
She welcomes the opportunity for new experiences and believes everyone can benefit from a little play, movement and mindfulness.
Certifications
CYT-200
Karma Kids Yoga Teacher Training