I am registered dietitian, licensed nutritionist (RD, LDN) and certified eating disorder registered dietitian (CEDRD). I have an bachelors and masters degree in nutrition sciences from The University of New Mexico and have received extensive training in the treatment of eating disorders, disordered eating and struggles with body image through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). I have worked as a registered dietitian in long term care and skilled nursing facilities, teaching nutrition classes at the university level and eating disorder treatment at the partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient program and outpatient levels of care.
I originally gravitated towards the field of nutrition because of my deep love of life sciences and my background as an athlete. When I chose nutrition as my major in college, I thought to myself, “Nutrition seems like practical way to learn more about how the body works! Plus, I’ll learn how to eat perfectly!”
Food is more important to our vitality than its calorie content.
Experience in both life and work taught me that there is no such thing as a “perfect” way of eating. I discovered that food is more than the nutrients it provides to our bodies. I first learned this working in long term care where a good meal was more than just a life sustaining necessity. It serves as a conduit for socialization, connection, routine, pleasure and fun. When I was teaching nutrition classes, I encouraged my students to not get sucked into the numbers game of nutrition and to find their own version of a happy relationship with food that supports their vitality.
Working in the field of eating disorders and troubled relationships with food and body allows me to meld my love of the science of nutrition with the intricate work of helping an individual incorporate helpful and sustainable routines around food in order support their vitality and goals in life. The works requires me to be knowledgeable, empathetic, thoughtful, creative and flexible which are all things I value highly in my work. My goal as a nutritionist is to help my clients to find freedom from food and body-related guilt and confusion while nourishing their body in a way that serves both their health and their soul.