Holistic Health & Wellness: A Functional Medicine Perspective

The Talk

Discover the Power of Functional Medicine with Sandy Cooper Join Sandy for an enlightening one-hour presentation that will transform the way you think about health and wellness. Learn what Functional Medicine is and how it goes beyond symptom management to uncover the root causes of illness. Sandy will walk you through what to expect during a Functional Medicine visit—from an in-depth health history and comprehensive physical exam to the use of advanced lab testing that provides a deeper understanding of your body’s unique needs. You’ll also explore how nutrition, physical movement, sleep, stress management, and a strong sense of meaning and purpose all work together to enhance your health span and longevity. Whether you’re curious about a more holistic approach to medicine or ready to take control of your well-being, this session will empower you with insights and tools to thrive at every stage of life.

The Back Story

Sandy Cooper is a board-certified women's health nurse practitioner and a certified practitioner in Functional Medicine through the Institute for Functional Medicine. Her  background includes a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Indiana University, a Master’s in Nurse Midwifery from Georgetown University, and a post-graduate certificate in Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner from the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing.

Sandy’s career began as an Air Force nurse, and she’s since gained extensive experience as both a nurse midwife and a women’s health nurse practitioner. She’s worked in a variety of locations, including Texas, Ohio, and spent a decade at Magee Women’s Hospital. In 2019, she transitioned to the Center for Functional Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, founded by Dr. Mark Hyman. It was there that Sandy deepened her expertise in providing whole-person care, an approach she describes as truly transformative in her career.

In 2025, she opened Practical Healing in Sewickley, where she continues to help patients with a focus on Functional Medicine. Practical Healing is a satellite office of Practical Healing of Wadsworth, OH. For Sandy, this approach has been the most rewarding aspect of her professional journey, and she is deeply grateful to her patients for allowing her to partner with them on their health journeys.

Enjoy delicious tapas, drinks and live music while socializing with friends, neighbors and new acquaintences before each talk. The conversation continues afterwards with Allegheny's hand-made ice cream with toppings, cookies, coffee and tea.

This ticket entitles you to a Tapas Talks 2026 Speakers Series Season Subscription which includes admission to three engaging evenings at the Allegheny Country Club featuring a selection of delicious tapas, live music, cash bar, dessert, coffee and tea, complimentary valet parking and a lecture by these fascinating speakers:

Thursday, February 12, 2026

AI: Why Southwestern PA?  

John Hamilton, CEO, Myriad Communications

Peter Dailey,  Chairman & CEO, International Electric Power, LLC

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Holistic Health & Wellness: A Functional Medicine Perspective

Sandy Cooper, CRNP, Functional Medicine Practitioner

Thursday, October 22, 2026

A Photographer's Journey:  From the Gridiron to the Garden

Shelley Lipton, Editorial Photographer

Time:  Tapas & Cash Bar - 6:00 PM 

• Speakers/Panel - 7:15-8:00 PM 

• Q&A – 8:00 – 8:15 PM

• Coffee & Dessert - 8:15-8:45 PM 

DRESS CODE: Please enjoy the talks in appropriate attire. Collared shirts and sport coats. Dresses, skirts, or slacks. No athletic wear, please.