My dedication to nutrition and wellness was inspired by my own personal struggles. While growing up, I was always active playing a team sport. However, I was never properly taught how to fuel my body with nutritious foods that could help improve my athletic and academic performance. By the end of my freshman year at Emory University, I weighed my heaviest with a BMI considered morbidly obese on my 5-foot small frame. I never considered the connection my food choices had on my quality of life and health.

After being diagnosed as pre-diabetic in college, the fear of disease, the long term consequences of being overweight, and determination for good health sparked my long weight loss journey. I reevaluated the way in which I nourished my body, both physically and mentally, and began to change my unhealthy eating habits into a healthy lifestyle. After one year of making small healthy changes, I lost 65 pounds and have kept the weight off ever since! My quest to finding a healthy lifestyle did not end the day I reached my goal weight—it catalyzed my passion in the field of nutritional science and encouraged me to become a Registered Dietitian. After seeking answers to my ailments, I became fascinated with the remarkable healing properties of food and nutrition and knew that I wanted to help people in a similar way. I discovered my love of nutrition and have never looked back!

I graduated from San Diego State University with a Master’s degree in Nutritional Science and had the opportunity to participate in nutritional research with several nationally recognized professors. My research focused on childhood obesity and body weight perception which led to several publications in peer reviewed journals. Additionally, I’ve worked at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego since 2013 as the Coordinator of Community Health Programs where I teach nutrition classes at Juvenile Hall, film nutrition education videos for employees and patients, lead in-hospital nutrition education sessions and cooking demonstrations, and teach a multi-session children’s Weight and Wellness Program called “Moms & Dads Let’s Get Cooking!”

I completed a rigorous clinical dietetic internship at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and shortly after passed the Registered Dietitian exam. My background consists of nutrition counseling and education to clients primarily in weight loss, inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes, hypertension, prenatal nutrition, sports nutrition, behavioral and lifestyle change, as well as those looking for general nutrition information for disease prevention and management. I have experience with community nutrition education, corporate wellness, outpatient nutrition counseling, group-based nutrition programs, and even media outreach.

My personal wellness journey inspired me to help others find their own “aha” moments just as I did many years ago. I absolutely love what I do and promise to continue spreading my knowledge and passion for nutrition, health, and wellness. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing my clients reach their specific health goals through the work we do together. I feel incredibly fortunate to practice what I love every single day and hope I get to work with you!