Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Wagner
Hi Alicia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I first noticed a significant health concern around the age of 27. I wasn’t feeling well, but every doctor I saw insisted I was fine—even though my body was telling me otherwise. A family member eventually recommended a holistic healthcare practitioner. Unlike the others, they truly listened, ran comprehensive lab work, and discovered I had a B-vitamin deficiency and hypothyroidism.
At the time, I was confused. Wasn’t I too young for a chronic condition? Looking back, I realize how much critical information was sitting right in front of me—information I desperately needed, especially as I considered motherhood.
The reality is, our healthcare system isn’t designed for early detection and prevention. It took nearly 20 years before I finally understood the full story of what was happening to my body and how that would also come to not only impact me, but my children.
I was unaware of the connection between my health and the quality of my diet. I didn’t realize that preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, chemicals, and toxins were present in our American food system. The dysfunction in my thyroid was overlooked as a result of an impaired detoxification system caused by toxicity from these substances. Additionally, I lacked awareness that underlying nutritional deficiencies were influencing my mental health challenges, contrary to the explanation of “stress” provided by my doctors.
When my first child arrived, a familiar pattern emerged. My daughter started to encounter her own health challenges, specifically following certain vaccinations. Surprisingly, no one took into account my medical background when administering her vaccines. It was only later that I discovered the vaccine package inserts clearly advise deferring vaccines in individuals with a family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency… like I had. Her pediatrician couldn’t explain why she had severe eczema, why she was the most colicky baby he had ever seen, or why she developed food intolerances to dairy and gluten at such a young age.
Then, at four years old, her health completely unraveled. After contracting a virus, she changed overnight—she was suddenly a different child. We didn’t know it then, but she had developed PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), a devastating autoimmune condition causing brain inflammation that affects not only the child but the entire family. Many families are confined to their home until they are able to find the right providers, treatment, and supports due to the intensity and nature of their child’s behaviors. Most traditional medical doctors are not trained at this time on the unprecedented rise in childhood epidemics, like PAN(DAS), making the journey towards recovery even more difficult for families as they are often misdiagnosed, robbing so many kids of their one and only childhood.
PAN(DAS) is a clinical diagnosis affecting as many as 1 in 200 children, typically between the ages of 3 and 9. Symptoms can include acute-onset OCD, restrictive eating, anxiety, depression, sudden phobias, irritability, aggression, tics, sleep disturbances, age regression, sensory issues, and even cognitive decline. This condition often arises when an infection, microbe, virus, or toxin triggers a misdirected immune response, leading to brain inflammation. Early intervention of these autoimmune disorders can stop symptoms quickly and prevent a lifetime of struggles.
That is the reason behind the creation of The Joss District. Timing as they say really is everything, and currently, we are navigating a medical system that lacks the capability to fully recognize the importance of timing when addressing childhood epidemics.
At The Joss District, we take a holistic approach to wellness, focusing on uncovering and addressing root causes rather than merely managing symptoms. By examining the intricate connections between diet, lifestyle, genetics, toxins, and environmental factors, our team helps parents restore balance and support long-term well-being for their family.
Complicating matters, as children age, many providers tend to overlook these conditions as mental health disorders rather than underlying health issues that manifest as mental health symptoms. This disconnect undoubtedly plays a role in the alarming statistic that suicide has become the second leading cause of death among children aged 9 to 24 years old, as reported by the CDC. As a country, we are missing underlying biological issues pushing chronic conditions in children that need addressed and further researched, yesterday.
Unfortunately, many parents (and providers) are unaware or do not consider the fact that SSRI medications carry a Black Box warning for children under the age of 18 regarding the risk of suicidal thoughts. This is the FDA’s highest level of warning. Despite this, these medications are frequently prescribed without proper evaluation or testing to determine if there is a differential diagnosis causing symptoms of anxiety, depression, etc…
As a mother, I thought I had prepared myself for the typical childhood health concerns doctors discuss. But no one prepared me—or any of us—for this. No one is talking about the alarming rise in childhood epidemics like autism, ADHD, PAN(DAS), and sensory processing disorders. No one is addressing how these conditions impact not just the child but the entire family. And most importantly, no one is discussing how they are happening and how they can be prevented… right now.
Many Americans are uninformed about the potential health consequences posed by various toxins present in their food, air, water, products, medications, and electronic devices. These factors can accumulate and have varying effects on health, especially when certain genetic predispositions are involved.
What may seem like minor health concerns are often early warning signs of a dysregulated immune system—signals that, if ignored, can lead to more severe health issues down the line. That’s why early intervention is critical. That’s why education and informed consent matters for all parents as they assess the best healthcare options for their child(ren).
The lack of knowledge and expertise in recognizing and treating these childhood epidemics led me to create, The Joss District, a virtual, concierge-style wellness center dedicated to helping families navigate complex health challenges with a relentless focus on support.
In order to help my daughter recover, I had to sell my business, homeschool her, consult with at least ten different healthcare providers, obtain my functional health coaching certification to help pull it all together, and completely change our lifestyle to eliminate toxins that were pushing part of the problem.
However, the level of effort required should not be so hard. Many families lack the means, finances, time, knowledge, or flexibility to undertake the journey that I did. This is why I have committed my life to ensuring that other families have access to the necessary information, healthcare providers, testing, treatment, and resources right from the beginning. Why? It’s simple. Our kids deserve better.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Selling my farm-to-table restaurant—especially after restoring and rebuilding it post-pandemic—was an incredibly difficult decision. But deep down, I knew it was the right one. Just three months after the sale, my daughter’s health took a devastating turn. Had I ignored that intuitive pull to sell it the year prior; balancing restaurant ownership, homeschooling, and being fully present for her during one of the most frightening times in her health journey would have been impossible. Stepping away allowed me to be there for her completely, which became a vital part of her healing. It also provided me with the clarity and room to imagine the type of wellness center that parents genuinely require to promote optimal health, ranging from preconception to guiding pediatric care for their children as they grow up.
Furthermore, during those initial years when uncertainty surrounded my daughter’s health, the criticism from friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers at the grocery store was pervasive and isolating.
It is crucial for people to understand that numerous children today grapple with chronic conditions, many of which are invisible yet significantly affect their well-being and conduct. These children are often labeled as “bad kids” with “bad parents.” Not so, they are individuals who are unwell, enduring challenging symptoms and warrant empathy from a society and culture that acknowledges their difficulties and offers the necessary support for their recovery.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Joss District, Inc. ?
I am a mother who has been through this personally. I am a parent who has waged war on behalf of a broken system. I am not only a business owner and practitioner, I am a mother who has witnessed and experienced this devastating journey firsthand. I am a parent who has walked to the ends of the Earth to recover my child and now that mine is in remission, it’s time to help others.
At The Joss District, we are designing and reimagining a new type of center based on updated research and guidelines. We adapt, learn, reassess, and implement strategies based on emerging data and innovations that beg us to explore new frontiers on behalf of our children.
The landscape of pediatric healthcare is at a crossroads. With 1 in 2 children now suffering from a chronic condition—ranging from autoimmune disorders and neurodevelopmental delays to anxiety and sensory processing challenges—it’s clear that our current system is failing. Parents are left searching for answers, shuffling between specialists, and often receiving only fragmented care focused on symptom management rather than true recovery.
It’s time for a radical shift in how we approach children’s health. At The Joss District, we’ve built a virtual, concierge-style, pediatric functional wellness center that breaks the mold—one that embraces genetic profiling, family-centered care, precision testing, targeted therapies, and adaptive treatment plans to restore health from the inside out.
A New Model | Addressing Biology First:
Traditionally, pediatric care has approached developmental and behavioral challenges from the outside in—focusing first on structure (such as physical therapy), sensory interventions (like occupational therapy), and social-emotional support (such as counseling). While these therapies are invaluable, they often fall short when the child’s biological foundation is unstable.
At The Joss District, we take the opposite approach. We start with the biology first, addressing:
✅ Nutritional deficiencies that impact brain function, immune health, and emotional regulation.
✅ Toxin overload from food, environment, and personal care products that may be interfering with development.
✅ Gut health and microbiome balance, which are deeply connected to neurological function and immune response.
✅ Genetic factors that influence detoxification, metabolism, and inflammation—helping us create truly personalized treatment plans.
Once these core biological imbalances are corrected, then we address structural, sensory, and social-emotional aspects of care with trusted partners and providers. This foundational-first approach leads to better, longer-lasting outcomes because the body is now prepared to receive and integrate those therapies more effectively.
Why Functional Medicine Is the Future of Pediatrics:
For too long, parents have been told that their child’s chronic symptoms are “just stress,” “a phase,” or even “bad behavior.” They’ve been prescribed medications that suppress symptoms rather than addressing root causes. And worst of all, they’ve been left without a roadmap for how to truly help their child.
Functional modalities offer a different way forward, one that considers the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and environment. At The Joss District, we combine cutting-edge testing with a deeply family-centered approach—because change doesn’t happen in isolation. Our adaptive wellness plans evolve alongside each child, ensuring they receive the care they need at every stage of their journey.
Getting Started at The Joss District:
A Seamless, Personalized Intake Process.
At The Joss District, we understand that navigating your child’s health can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve designed a clear, supportive intake process to ensure you feel informed and empowered every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking answers for a complex health challenge or looking for a proactive, functional approach to wellness, we’re here to help you get connected.
Step 1: Schedule a Care Navigation Call.
Your journey begins with a Care Navigation Call—a one-on-one conversation with our team to:
📍 Understand your child’s health concerns and goals.
📍 Answer any questions you have about our approach.
📍 Determine if our services are the right fit for your family’s needs.
📍Delegate your care team and request tests if prepared to proceed.
This initial call is an opportunity to explore whether our precision-based, family-centered care aligns with your expectations before committing to a full consultation.
Step 2: Complete the Intake Process.
If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll begin our comprehensive intake process, which includes:
📝 Filling out an in-depth health questionnaire – This form dives into your child’s medical history, nutrition, environmental exposures, and more to help us uncover root causes.
📜 Signing our patient contract – To ensure transparency and mutual understanding, we outline our policies, care approach, and commitment to your child’s health journey.
📅 Scheduling your Initial Consultation – Once your paperwork is complete, you’ll book your first in-depth consult, where we’ll discuss your child’s case, review test results, review questionnaire, and create an initial plan of action.
Step 3: Personalized Health Plan & Ongoing Support.
During your Initial Consultation, we take a deep dive into your child’s health profile and:
🔬 Review precision-based testing (if applicable) to assess gut health, nutrient levels, immune function, and genetic factors. Assess prior labs if available.
🛤 Develop a personalized, step-by-step wellness plan targeting root causes first.
📆 Schedule follow-ups, additional providers, and support check-ins to track progress and adjust the plan as needed.
At The Joss District, we’re committed to revolutionizing pediatric care by leaning into biological health factors first, then addressing structural, sensory, and social-emotional needs. By taking this foundational-first approach, we create long-term, sustainable health solutions for children and families.
Ready to take the first step?
📞 Schedule your Care Navigation Call today and start your child’s journey towards wellness.
How do you think about happiness?
I recently lost my father after his 13-year battle with cancer. Walking alongside him on his journey taught me that life isn’t about extravagant trips or material gifts—it’s about the “gift of presence”. It’s the quiet moments with my children, curled up on the couch. It’s watching an ordinary day unfold and feeling immense gratitude for it. It’s the sound of laughter around the table with people I cherish. It’s finding joy in preparing fresh, nourishing meals for my family without resentment. True happiness comes from slowing down, embracing the love that surrounds us, and recognizing that each day offers us the chance to receive it—should we choose.
Pricing:
- $75 Care Navigation Appointment
- $250 Initial Consultation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thejossdistrict.com
- Other: thejossdistrict@gmail.com
