Food brings me joy and I have spent the better part of my life in pursuit of understanding how we eat and prepare foods. Over the years learning to transform food into a meal or translate a nutrition recommendation into a behavior has taught me one thing…food is more than the sum of its parts. The great Julia Child said it best, “In matters of taste consider nutrition. In matters of nutrition consider taste.” Simply put, but rarely easy. Finding satisfaction in your choices, trusting in your ability to self care, and respecting the “here and now” body; these are the values that guides my approach.

My professional journey started in 2003 when I received my certificate in culinary arts and later my master's degree in food and nutrition. I worked to strengthen my knowledge of food preparation as as a line cook in an upscale restaurant, preparing meals and managing a health club cafe and even teaching cooking classes to children. For 10 years I worked as a registered dietitian in hospitals and outpatient settings in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. My experience ranges from work in the intensive care units at Roanoke Memorial Hospital to outpatient counseling at the Community Health Center of NRV and WIC. I have owned and operated First We Nourish, LLC for the past 5 years, happily providing individual counseling and education to our community.