Bauman College Grad MaryAnn Marks Pioneers Holistic Nutrition with LabSmarts

MaryAnn Marks’ story is a remarkable fusion of passion for holistic nutrition and a knack for technological innovation. A proud graduate of Bauman College’s Nutrition Consultant program, MaryAnn didn’t just build a successful practice; she identified a crucial gap in the industry and created an intuitive software solution, LabSmarts, that is now empowering practitioners worldwide. Her journey is a testament to how a solid foundation in holistic health, combined with entrepreneurial vision, can lead to unexpected and impactful careers.

The Genesis of an Idea Bridging Nutrition and Tech

Before founding LabSmarts, MaryAnn was a dedicated practicing nutrition consultant. Her time at Bauman College, from which she graduated in 2016, laid the essential groundwork. “My time at Bauman College laid the foundation for everything I do now,” she states. It was during her studies that she began incorporating blood work into her client assessments, immediately recognizing its power to provide clearer insights and lead to more personalized recommendations.

In those early days, this analysis was a manual, time-consuming process, relying on a spreadsheet she meticulously built at Bauman College. Despite the effort, it honed her skills and made her a sharper practitioner. This hands-on experience, coupled with the high cost of existing software, sparked an idea. “I knew there had to be a better way,” she recalls, “but I couldn’t afford the high-cost software on the market. So, I started automating my own process.”

What began as a small personal project quickly blossomed into a profound passion. MaryAnn immersed herself in functional blood chemistry, attending every seminar and course available. As she began helping colleagues with their own lab interpretations, a clear need emerged: practitioners universally faced the same challenges – lab analysis was complex, time-intensive, and often inaccessible. That’s when her mission became clear: “build an affordable, easy-to-use tool that would help more practitioners confidently incorporate blood work analysis into their practice.”

Software Design and Blood Chemistry Analysis Combine to Form Lab Smarts

With over 20 years of experience in tech, including a significant role at Motorola Solutions where she developed software for two-way radio systems for first responders, MaryAnn possessed the unique blend of skills to bring her vision to life. Combining her love for blood chemistry analysis and software design, LabSmarts was born. “I truly feel like this is the work I was meant to do,” she shares.

Today, MaryAnn runs LabSmarts full-time. The impact is clear: “Our users often tell us that LabSmarts cuts their analysis time in half and empowers them to interpret labs more effectively. Many even say it’s why they finally felt confident incorporating blood work into their practice.” Nothing brings her more joy than knowing she’s helping practitioners feel empowered, save time, and achieve better outcomes for their clients.

Bauman College Aligned with MaryAnn’s Personal Values and Professional Aspirations

When researching her options, MaryAnn turned to NANP’s approved school list. Bauman College immediately stood out. “I felt an instant connection when I watched videos of Dr. Ed Bauman explaining the curriculum and philosophy,” she recounts. The college’s deep roots in whole-food, holistic nutrition with a strong foundation in clinical application felt perfectly aligned with both her personal values and professional aspirations.

MaryAnn attributes her critical thinking skills and holistic assessment approach to her Bauman education. “Bauman College gave me the foundation I needed to think critically, assess holistically, and always ask ‘why’ when it comes to client symptoms.” Crucially, it was at Bauman College that she first encountered the concept of using blood work as part of a functional nutrition assessment – that single exposure was the spark that eventually ignited the idea for LabSmarts.

Advice for Future Bauman College Students

For anyone interested in attending Bauman College or pursuing a career in Holistic Nutrition and the Culinary Arts, MaryAnn offers insightful advice: “Follow your curiosity and let your passion guide you. The world needs more practitioners who can think critically and compassionately—and Bauman is a great place to start that journey. Be open to where the path might lead. You might start out seeing clients one-on-one and end up building a tool that supports thousands of practitioners. You never know how your unique skills will come together—but trust that they will.”

MaryAnn Marks’ journey is a powerful example of how a foundational education in holistic nutrition from Bauman College can inspire innovation and lead to incredibly impactful and fulfilling careers beyond traditional client-facing roles. Her story reminds us to embrace curiosity and trust the unique path our skills and passions create.

Ready to Turn Your Passion for Nutrition into a Thriving Career (or Even an Innovative Business)? Discover how Bauman College’s Nutrition Consultant program can provide you with the comprehensive, clinically-grounded education you need to make a real difference in the world.

Learn more about MaryAnn and LabSmarts by visiting LabSmarts.com

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