About

Using a diet-and-lifestyle-first approach helps address the cause of disease, not just the symptoms. My passion is working with people to improve their health through better nutrition.

My Background

My professional career began in the dental field. But after working as a dental hygienist for over a decade, I decided to pursue a career in nutrition with a focus on clinical dietetics. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in foods and nutrition and completed 1400 hours of dietetic internship.

My experience in the dental field taught me that nutrition impacts all parts of the body. Poor nutrition can show up as disease in the mouth such as tooth decay and gum disease or in other parts of the body as high blood pressure, diabetes or even cancer. Although not every disease can trace its origins to poor nutrition, our diet does influence our ability to prevent or heal from disease.  I see on a daily basis how food choices affect health. Whether it is oral health or overall physical health, my passion is helping others feel their best. Choosing a health-promoting diet and lifestyle makes a noticeable difference. My job is to help you create a sustainable plan that fits your lifestyle and personal preferences.

• My professional experience in nutrition/dietetics includes:
  • public health
  • long-term care
  • acute in-patient rehab
  • cardiopulmonary rehab
  • oncology
  • in-patient and out-patient hospital care
  • private consulting
  • education

Credentials

• RDN = Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
• LDN = Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist through the North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition
• CDCES = Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist through the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators
• IFN = Certificate of Training in Integrative and Functional Nutrition from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• RDH = Registered Dental Hygienist through the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners

Author of Overcoming Migraine: A Proven Plan for Prevention. Published August 2020. Available on Amazon.com. 

Memberships 

• AND – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• NCAND – North Carolina Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group of AND
• ADCES – Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists

More About the Dietitian

GOAL
My goal is to educate by sharing what I have learned through formal training and years of experience to help others improve their health and wellbeing.

MY PHILOSOPHY
My philosophy is simple. I believe good nutrition is the foundational building block of good health.

WHAT I BELIEVE
Everyone makes choices in life based on their core beliefs. My beliefs are built upon my Christian faith so my life choices revolve around the core principles taught in the Bible. I believe this is God’s instruction manual for us to have the best lives (and health) He desires for us.

Interested in a consultation with the dietitian? Click here to schedule an appointment or check out nutrition services offered. 

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What is a Registered Dietitian?

To become a registered dietitian (RD), you must complete a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a food and nutrition related field.*  All candidates must also complete a supervised practice internship (1,000 hours) before becoming eligible to take the RD exam. After successfully passing the exam, you can call yourself a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN). Most states require licensure so you must acquire and maintain a license to practice in your state. To maintain the credential, all registered dietitians must complete 75 hours of continuing education every 5 years as dictated by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). There are additional certifications you can earn if you would like to specialize in an area of dietetics.

Note: All Registered Dietitians are Nutritionists but not all Nutritionists are Registered Dietitians. Ask for credentials to make sure you are getting the best service from a qualified and licensed professional.

*Note: The Commission on Dietetic Registration will require all candidates to have a minimum of a Master’s degree to take the Registered Dietitian exam beginning in 2024.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) is the professional organization for registered dietitians and membership is voluntary but highly recommended. AND defines dietetics as “the science and art of applying the principles of food and nutrition to health”. This is a growing field with a variety of career options. 

For more information or to find a qualified dietitian in your area, visit http://www.eatright.org/find-a-nutrition-expert. Click on the red button in the upper right corner marked Find a Nutrition Expert. Choose your preferred location and any specialty that you are looking for, then click Find Now. 

Disclaimer:

This site does not provide medical advice. All material provided on this website is provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Consult a physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition. Use of this site is subject to our terms of service and privacy policy.