The BendyND Approach
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At The Bendy ND, my approach is rooted in listening first. I believe every person—especially those living with complex conditions like EDS/hypermobility, POTS, and MCAS—deserves to be heard, believed, and treated as a whole human being, not a collection of symptoms. As someone who has walked this path myself, I understand the frustration of being dismissed, the exhaustion of searching for answers, and the relief of finally feeling seen and feeling better.
I combine evidence-based naturopathic medicine with trauma-informed, compassionate care to create plans that feel realistic, supportive, and tailored to your unique body. My clinical knowledge is shaped not only by research, but by personal insight into the nuances and challenges of bendy bodies.
I see our work together as a partnership. You are the expert of your own lived experience, and I bring the clinical knowledge to help connect the dots, identify underlying drivers, and guide you toward steadier ground. My goal isn’t perfection—it’s meaningful progress and the confidence that you’re finally on a care team that truly “gets it.”
Whether we’re addressing joint pain, dysautonomia, mast cell issues, or the everyday challenges of chronic illness, you can expect gentle honesty, validation, and unwavering commitment. Healing isn’t linear, but you don’t have to navigate it alone—I’m here to walk that path with you, at your pace, every step of the way.
Meet Dr. DiStefano
Dr. Ashley DiStefano (formerly McClelland) is a licensed naturopathic doctor in the state of Arizona. She graduated from Sonoran University of Health Sciences and has been providing care to the hypermobile community since 2023, serving over 250 patients... and counting!
When she’s not meeting with clients, Dr. D enjoys hiking, attending concerts, baking, and spending time with her husband and 2 pups! Her guilty pleasures are a crisp Diet Dr. Pepper (all about moderation!) and watching Gilmore Girls!!
Mission & Vision
The Bendy ND provides high-quality, validating, and research-driven naturopathic care for individuals living with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, hypermobility spectrum disorders, dysautonomia, POTS, and MCAS. We recognize the unique needs of complex systems and empower patients with clear guidance and personalized strategies that uncover root causes, improve quality of life, and restore confidence in their health journey.
Our vision is a future where bendy bodies receive the exceptional care they deserve—timely diagnosis, personalized treatment, and a collaborative care team that honors their lived experience and supports their long-term well-being—rooted in science, compassion, and whole-person healing.
