After graduating from university with my nutrition degree, I began my career at the prestigious Weill Cornell Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility in New York City.

As a patient coordinator, I guided thousands of patients through the process of fertility treatments, and observed how this experience made women and couples feel stressed, anxious and out of control. I also realized that nutrition and lifestyle were relevant factors that were in their control. Making changes to their diet could improve their chances of conceiving, and improve their overall wellbeing. It was through this formative experience that I decided to focus on nutrition as a preventative measure and therapy for better health. Food therapy.

Reproductive nutrition is a topic I’m passionate about. During the five years that I worked at the fertility center, I completed my dietetics training and earned my masters degree at New York University. Since then I have been a private practice dietitian in NYC and Australia and a clinical dietitian in Chicago hospitals, and I have continued to see the need for credible nutrition guidance for folks before, during and after pregnancy.

My own pregnancies confirmed the lack of credible nutrition resources for the perinatal period. The nutrition advice I was given was limited to "Take a prenatal vitamin." Like any other time in life, vitamins are meant to supplement not replace a nutritious diet (not to mention there is no standard formula for prenatal vitamins!). Pregnancy, along with the preconception and postpartum periods, come with their own set of challenges that can make it difficult to follow a healthy diet. I also struggled with morning sickness and gastrointestinal issues in both of my pregnancies, but as a dietitian I had the knowledge and tools to ease these symptoms with diet. I do the same for my clients, providing a patient-centered experience with a weight-inclusive, intuitive eating approach. We focus on health-promoting behaviors and nourishment rather than restriction.

I started The Food Therapist with the goal to help folks during this special time gain peace of mind, ease their symptoms, and empower them to make informed decisions to nourish themselves and their babies. The period from before conception through becoming a parent and beyond is exciting, stressful, and full of change. I understand the ups and downs of fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding and life after baby. Rather than worrying about what you cannot control, feel empowered doing what you can control.

I can help you thrive during your reproductive years. As a registered dietitian with extensive experience in reproductive health, I can support you in making nutrition and lifestyle changes to nurture yourself and create a nourishing environment for baby.