Many people ask me why and how I became a holistic doctor. The truth is, that many people end up in alternative medicine because they had health challenges growing up that could not be corrected by traditional western medicine. And like so many, my story is similar.

Most of my life growing up I was a sick child. I had severe allergies to many things, including animals, foods, seasonal outdoor pollens, dust, molds, perfumes, cigarettes, etc. The list went on and on. My parents took me to many doctors. I was on antibiotics yearly, several allergy medications, nasal sprays, inhalers, and I went through multiple years of allergy injections. None of these treatments ever “fixed the problem” for me, and I continued to suffer throughout middle school, high school, college, and into my graduate studies.

When it came time to determine a direction for my life, I shadowed and interviewed various practitioners in many health fields  and I found myself most intrigued by Chiropractic and Nutrition. During my years at the Chiropractic University, my student clinic intern shook me awake one day and told me that the allergies would stop if I discontinued eating the foods that I was allergic to and allowed my body to repair itself. Something so simple, yet foreign to me, especially considering no doctor of mine had ever recommended that as an option. That day was the beginning of a new life-long journey for myself to fully heal my body through a holistic approach by addressing the full spectrum of my mind, body, and spirit. I set a goal to find balance in my life, to focus on my mindfulness, and to listen to the messages my body is trying to tell me on a daily basis.

At some point I realized that the many health challenges I have faced are so similar to those of my patients as well. I have a genuine concern and understanding of what people go through with their illnesses and it allows me an immense amount of compassion for those who are still on that journey.

My work has become a constant flowing and ever-growing pool of knowledge, technique, practice and change. I strive continually to learn and improve the work that I do, knowing that the best doctors are the ones who admit that they know very little and are always open to learn more, try more, and grow more.

If you are considering the idea of beginning the journey to healing with me, I urge you to take some time to read through all the stories that my patients have so thoughtfully and bravely shared, so that you might find a connection, and an inspiring story that relates to what you may have or may be going through.
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Educational Background and Experience:  I graduated from the University of South Florida in 2000 with my degree in International Economics.

After relocating to New York City I began working as a personal sports trainer at the New York Sports Club.  That is the moment where I realized that I wanted to work with clients and their health challenges. I then decided the next step was to go onto study at the University of Bridgeport where I obtained my Doctorate in Chiropractic (cum laude) and my Masters Degree in Clinical Nutrition (magna cum laude). I was the President of my class as well as the Student Clinic representative. I was also a Student-Clinician in the junior clinic. I concurrently completed an Applied Kinesiology 100-hour certification course in Manhattan.

During my schooling, I participated as a volunteer on the medical team for the New York City Marathon for several years. After graduation I opened the Dardano Wellness Center in 2007 in Tampa and directed that facility for 2 years. The center provided treatments and therapies including chiropractic, nutrition, acupuncture, massage therapy and aesthetics. During that time I was also an adjunct professor at Hillsborough Community College in the Biological Sciences department.

In 2009 I relocated to Fort Lauderdale, FL and joined the team at the Point Pleasant Wellness Center & Day Spa where I partnered with renowned naturopathic physician Dr. Jessie Keener. During this time, I honed in on my  skills of energy medicine, homeopathy, chakra balancing, and emotional release techniques.

I moved to Manhattan and started my practice in 2011 in the prominent Flatiron District.  I became a part-time faculty member at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, as a professor of Anatomy and Physiology. After several years of study and practice, I became a Reiki Master-Level certified practitioner under the direction of Marilyn Vega.  I am an ordained minister in New York State as well.

As I continued my studies  under the expertise of Dr. Joseph Aldo, a homeopathic expert, I began to learn more about the technique of Bach Flower Essence Therapy and integrated this into my holistic practice. For years I was a guest lecturer at several nutrition conferences and have always embraced the opportunity to share my knowledge and expertise with fellow physicians. I will always continue to expand my knowledge and expertise throughout my career, as the world evolves and new health challenges emerge.

My latest venture has been to open a retail store and healing center up in the Hudson Valley of New York, in the beautiful town of Beacon. Holistic Living with Dr. Dardano provides people an opportunity to experience an integrative approach to a holistic lifestyle with organic products that support the health of individuals, their children, pets and their home. I am so excited to share these products with a wide range of people around the U.S. as we continue to grow and expand on this concept with new companies and partnerships.
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