YOUR PROVIDERS
Lori Irelan, DNP, FNP, APRN-BC
Co-Founder | Family Nurse Practitioner
Lori is a highly accomplished, doctorally prepared, and Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience dedicated to transforming patient outcomes through the lens of Functional Medicine and Medical Nutrition Therapy. As a founder of Empowered Health and Wellness LLC, Lori bridges the gap between traditional primary care and root-cause healing, specializing in chronic disease prevention, weight management, and hormonal health.
Lori’s clinical philosophy is rooted in the belief that nutrition is the cornerstone of vitality. Her academic journey reflects this lifelong commitment; her Doctoral Capstone focused on integrating nutrition education into Nurse Practitioner curricula, and she is a graduate of the NIH Supplement & Nutrition Fellowship. With certifications ranging from the American Academy of Functional Health as a Certified Functional and Nutritional Medicine Provider, Functional Nutrition Informed Professional (CFNIP), Functional Genomics, a Certified Menopause Coach, and an ISSA Elite Personal Trainer, she provides a sophisticated, data-driven approach to wellness that includes body composition analysis and genomic-based lifestyle interventions.
Beyond her private practice, Dr. Irelan is a prominent leader in nursing education. Serving as the Program Chair for FNP and PMHNP programs at Wilmington University, she has shaped the next generation of clinicians by developing curricula that emphasize obesity medicine and health promotion. An author and editor of several nursing textbooks, Lori remains at the forefront of clinical research, currently contributing to evidence syntheses regarding nutrition education deficits in medical training.
Driven by a spirit of service, Lori has led numerous medical missions to the Dominican Republic and Kenya, providing essential clinical care and health education to underserved communities. Lori is a tireless advocate for a healthcare model that empowers patients to take control of their health through movement, mindfulness, and metabolic support.
Candace Conaway, MSN, FNP-C
Co-Founder | Family Nurse Practitioner
Candace Conaway, MSN, FNP-C is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and co-founder of Empowered Health and Wellness. A third-generation native of Sussex County, Candace brings over a decade of diverse clinical experience caring for patients across the lifespan and throughout every stage of the health journey.
A magna cum laude graduate of Salisbury University, Candace earned her BSN and MSN from Wilmington University, graduating with highest honors. Her clinical background spans acute care, hospice care, case management, and advanced practice nursing specializing in the treatment of obesity within the regional health systems. This breadth of experience allows her to approach patient care with a uniquely comprehensive and compassionate lens. She has particular expertise in navigating metabolic plateaus, including patients who have stalled on GLP-1 therapy, and in tailoring care plans that move beyond symptom management toward sustainable physiologic change.
Candace has completed the Advanced Clinical Functional Nutrition and Medicine Certification through the American Academy of Functional Health, a rigorous program leading to mastery-level training in functional medicine principles. This advanced education strengthens her ability to integrate evidence-based functional diagnostics, nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and conventional care into individualized treatment plans.
At Empowered Health and Wellness, Candace partners closely with patients to uncover underlying contributors to illness, restore metabolic balance, and support long-term health transformation. Her approach is grounded in science, shaped by clinical experience, and driven by a deep commitment to empowering patients with knowledge, clarity, and personalized care.
Michael Nguyen, RDN, LDN
Co-Founder | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Michael is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who blends elite clinical training with over a decade of experience in fitness and lifestyle coaching. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University in Nutrition and Food Science, Michael completed his dietetic internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center—one of the nation’s most historic and rigorous dietetics programs. His extensive background—spanning inpatient hospital care to cofounding a successful online coaching business—has equipped him with a unique blend of clinical precision and entrepreneurial problem-solving.
Michael specializes in translating complex Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) into actionable, life-changing results. Whether he is helping a patient break through a metabolic plateau or designing a protocol for chronic disease management, Michael’s hands-on approach and counseling finesse ensure that every client has the tools to achieve lasting success. By bridging the gap between clinical science and real-world application, he helps patients reclaim control of their biology and their health.
WHO WE ARE
The Intersection of Medicine & Nutrition
Empowered Health and Wellness is a provider-owned integrative practice based out of Lewes, Delaware. We were born out of a simple realization: medicine and nutrition are more powerful when they work together. We’ve replaced the "pill-for-an-ill" model with a collaborative system that treats the whole person.
Our Integrative Philosophy
We bridge the gap between clinical diagnosis and daily lifestyle. By combining advanced medical oversight with evidence-based Medical Nutrition Therapy, we don't just manage symptoms—we address the root causes of chronic disease. Our team works in sync to ensure your medical plan and your kitchen table are in perfect alignment.
Your Partners in Longevity
We aren't just your healthcare providers; we are your dedicated partners in wellness. Through continuous monitoring and data-driven care, we empower you to take control of your biology. Whether we are optimizing your metabolism or preventing future illness, our mission is to help you build a foundation for a long, vibrant life.
Ready to take the next step toward better health?