About
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My Story
I’m a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s of Science in Nutrition from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. Before grad school, I was working as a dietitian at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) in Zion, IL. At CTCA my primary focus was the outpatient breast cancer population. Here’s my team doing a shoot for the 2013 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure (link to youtube video). I worked with some very wonderful people who taught me how to focus on nutrition without forgetting that our health wellness is a complex puzzle and nutrition is only one section. When I left to pursue a career that instead focused on disease prevention, I held on to this practice of holistic nutrition.
I’ve now been working as a registered dietitian/nutritionist (RDN) for eight years. I’ve worked with clients through all phases of cancer, I’ve worked with clients with digestive disorders, diabetes, heart disease, renal disease, multiple sclerosis; I’ve educated clients on prenatal and infant nutrition, childhood nutrition, sports nutrition and worked with various forms of disordered eating. In 2014, I earned a certificate of training in weight management. This led to a focus on nutrition counseling rather than just assessing and educating clients. Around this time, I fell in love with the concept of intuitive eating and non-diet approaches to weight management. Working with the entire lifecycle of nutrition, with both well and unwell patients, gives me the complete picture of how nutrition impacts our bodies and what matters most.
I run Homegrown Nutrition LLC in order to offer one:one nutrition counseling services and education both in my office and out in the community. Through Homegrown Nutrition LLC, I’ve taught babyfood making workshops, worked with pregnant and new mothers, given presentations at community organizations, taught cooking classes for kids, supported local food efforts, and counseled families and individuals. I also worked with the ProActive Kids Foundation to help families struggling with obesity. If you have any questions about Homegrown Nutrition LLC, feel free to reach out!
My Services
Nutrition Counseling
Initial Consultation focused on identifying and diagnosing nutritional concerns.
Custom Nutrition Management
Nutrition plan creation to address client-specific and unique needs.
Research and
Follow Up
Providing local resources and strategies for maintenance; monitoring plan progress.
Education and Empowerment
Introducing tools and information for self-management to continue nutritional progress.
If this aligns with what you or your family needs, please make an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a supplement?
Or more common: My doctor says taking a multivitamin is a waste of money, should I stop taking mine?
I agree with the doctors that say “you can get all the nutrients you need through a healthy, balanced diet” IF their definition of a healthy, balanced diet includes 7+ servings of fruits and veggies daily, all of their grains are whole grains and you eat 2+ servings of omega 3 rich fish weekly. I explain more on my Supplement’s page.
Do you have any ideas for healthy, quick, easy, but also kid-friendly meals?
Definitely. Check out my recipes in the Kids Corner of the Food Hub. You can also simply click here.
How strict do I need to be about sugar - for myself and/or my child?
Sugar can be a scary thing for parents trying to feed their children among the rule of food product companies. I don’t agree that sugar is the scary toxin that the documentaries make it out to be. What scares me is the nonchalant way it’s abused by food manufacturers. I recommend starting by exploring where the sugars in your current diet (and your child’s if they’re different) are coming from. The scary stuff happens when we consume sugar unknowingly.
What is a CSA and is it worthwhile?
While my full answer is on the Local Corner of the Food Hub, I can summarize: Yes it’s worth it financially and for your health, but you’ll need to know (or be willing to learn) some basic food processing and preservation skills, have the free time to actually do it, and be an adventurous eater.
Which insurance companies do you work with?
None. Insurance companies are no fun to work with. I can, however, provide a super bill that you send to your insurance company and sometimes they cover a portion.
What if I’m not near you?
I love seeing my clients face to face when it’s convenient, but I also work with clients virtually using Zoom. I’m licensed in IL and certified to practice in WI as well. If you’re in either of those states, feel free to reach out and we can set something up.