Every new patient I meet is like a puzzle, and I relish the experience of helping each person find the unique combination of pieces that makes their life more complete and fulfilling. I understand that lifestyle change is hard and uncomfortable, but it can also be purposeful and manageable when thought of as a more long-term investment toward your best self.
If I can impart any words of encouragement until we first meet, I want you to know two things: there is no such thing as failure, only learning experiences; and you are worth the investment you make in yourself.
there is no such thing as failure, only learning experiences
Expertise
While my specialty involves tackling the complex nature of obesity and weight management, I have accrued over 8 years experience working with patients with various cultural and medical backgrounds. I have worked in both hospital and clinic settings in many nutrition specialities, including but not limited to: medical and surgical weight management, diabetes, solid organ transplant, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiac, renal/dialysis, hepatic, malnutrition, oncology, enteral nutrition, and chronic pain.
It was through covering multiple specialties in those first couple years that I developed my passion for weight management. I transitioned into a full-time outpatient bariatric dietitian role for the next several years. I absolutely fell in love with helping people on their journeys to becoming their best selves- beyond just numbers on the scale. This passion drove me to pursue my boards as a Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (or CSOWM, for short). With continuing education on motivational interviewing techniques and mindfulness, this has shaped my individual practice here at Sensibly Sprouted.
Professional Qualifications
I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Florida in Gainesville (Go Gators!), where I graduated Cum Laude with the Food Science and Human Nutrition/Dietetics didactic program. Shortly after, I moved to Jacksonville for my combined 16-month Dietetic Internship and master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of North Florida. I presented my seminar topic on “Meal Frequency and Weight Management.”
During my career, I received “academic rank” from Mayo Clinic’s College of Medicine and Science as an Instructor of Nutrition. I was humbled to receive Mayo Clinic’s Outstanding Dietitian award in Spring 2019, as well as the awards for Outstanding Dietetic Internship Preceptor in Spring 2019 and Outstanding Dietetic Internship Virtual Preceptor in Spring 2020. Most recently, a research paper for which I was second author was published in the December 2021 issue of the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
However, the most treasured pieces of recognition I have received are the personal gratitude cards from previous patients and interns. I keep every single one as a reminder that I once made a positive impact in someone’s life; that is the single greatest compliment I could ever hope to be given.
Personal Interests
Like many, I get restless sitting indoors for too long. Outside of the office, I love any chance I can get to explore- whether backpacking off-the-grid or fully immersing myself in a new city or country. Being a transplant from Florida, I have been completely enamored with the beauty and overall culture of the Pacific Northwest. However, just as often, you can find me indoors, jamming out to hard rock/metal, making a huge mess in my kitchen, reading a psychological thriller, and/or cuddling in front of my heater with my cat, Burt Reynolds (yes, he has a mustache, and yes, I can absolutely show you a picture of him).
I can’t wait to learn more about you!