The amazing WHC team
You’ll find a warm welcome from all our team. From friendly front desk staff to helpful health coaches and the passionate practitioners, our goal is to help you feel like part of the team on your journey to better health. Get to know the people you’ll be partnering with before you even step through our door.
Nikki Barkhaus, FDN-P
Owner, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner
My healthcare career began in 1997 as a Certified Medical Assistant, and in 2002 I earned my nursing degree. Over the years, I gained experience in pediatrics, cardiology, women’s health, family practice, and home health care.
After facing my own health challenges, I became determined to prevent the chronic illnesses that affected my family. Inspired by my chiropractor, I shifted my focus toward holistic and functional medicine.
In 2019, after life-changing results with muscle testing and a metabolic reset, I trained as a Nutrition Response Testing® practitioner, which led to opening Wholistic Health Center in January 2020. Since then I’ve become a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, using functional labs to uncover root causes and restore balance.
My mission is to help create healthier communities by shifting healthcare toward prevention and root-cause healing. It’s a privilege to serve and give back to the community where I was raised.
Suzanne
Front Desk Administrative Assistant
What I love most about working at WHC: working with like-minded people.
Johanna
Patient Advocate & Coach for Metabolic Reset
What I love most about working at WHC: helping people with their health journey.
Vicky
Patient Advocate / Support Staff
Away from WHC I enjoy walks, reading, and time with my husband and kids.
Melissa
Office Support Staff, Saturdays
Why choose Wholistic Health Center?
Nikki Barkhaus is the owner and lead practitioner of this center, with a mission to find the root cause of symptoms through nutritional solutions. Together with her team, she educates others on how much a healthy lifestyle and a proactive approach to healthcare can matter.
In the fall of 2018, Nikki was fatigued, not sleeping well, and dealing with gut issues she’d battled for years. A friend told her about a natural health nutritionist new to Des Moines, and she made an appointment. She’s been amazed by Nutrition Response Testing and the results experienced by thousands, including herself.
Joining this community of like-minded health professionals brings me great joy knowing that I can give hope to others, find the root cause of their conditions, and naturally restore their health. Together, we can change the healthcare paradigm.
Eastern Polk County Resident’s Choice in Alternative Health Care, 2024 and 2025.