Functional nutrition is an evidence-based, dietary and lifestyle approach customized for each person’s unique lifestyle, genetic makeup, environment, and health concerns.  Lifestyle habits such as sleep, exercise, social interaction, support structure, and stress play a role in our health.  Genetics may predispose us to a certain ability or inability to metabolize certain nutrients given certain conditions.  Our environment, consisting of cleaning products, self-care products, consumer products, food storage, job type, location in which we live, etc. play a role in our health.  Additionally, medications may deplete certain nutrients causing an imbalance elsewhere in the body.  Functional nutrition and integrative health take into account all these moving parts to look at the whole person to help balance and support the person, seeking out the root cause of an imbalance.  A recommendation may include dietary and/or lifestyle changes while meeting the person where they are starting from, recognizing that no one diet and approach is appropriate for everyone.

In Maryland, you must be licensed to practice nutrition (LDN or RD) by meeting certain requirements. As an LDN, I have a master’s degree in nutrition and 1000 supervised clinical hours to become a CNS. A CNS is eligible to be licensed in Maryland. However, not all states require a license to practice nutrition. A CNS is also required to complete 75 contiuning education credits every 5 years and a LDN in Maryland is required to complete 30 hours every 2 years. To learn more about the CNS credential: https://theana.org/certify/CNScandidate

No, I currently do not take insurance in my private practice.  However, I can accept HSA/FSA cards but it is up to you to determine if nutrition services are covered under your plan.  I can also provide a Superbill for you to submit to your insurance company. Please contact your insurance company prior to scheduling to determine if preventative nutrition care is included in your plan. Payment is required at the time of service.

Weight and BMI are not adequate measures of health. So many factors go into our weight that weight loss may or may not be an outcome of addressing an underlying imbalance in the body. I use a weight neutral approach in my practice. and your relationship with food is more important than a number on the scale.

YES! I am now a full telehealth practice. 2020 changed the face of healthcare and I feel I can reach more people virtually than in a brick-and-mortar practice when taking out barriers such as time, transportation issues, juggling childcare, etc. We meet via secure HIPAA-compliant EMR software with video capability. That way I can share and review educational materials in our consults. *Please note I cannot conduct an appointment while you are driving.

Life happens, right? We will work through it and sometimes it’s a matter of needing more support between appointments and othertimes the plan can be overwhelming and/or life can be overwhelming. Please still show up for yourself, and we will figure it out and find the steps and solutions that work for you.