From a young age, I have enjoyed sharing meals and cooking with and for others. Food was a way to connect with others, to provide care and support, and to celebrate with those you love. I always loved spending time with family members in the kitchen, learning family recipes and eventually creating recipes of my own. My passion for cooking and food continued to grow but I never thought it would lead me to a career.

When I took my first nutrition course in my freshman year of college, I learned just how important food and nutrients are for our day to day functioning and well-being. It was then I knew I wanted to be a registered dietitian - to combine my passion for food and cooking with the knowledge of how proper nutrition can help us to best fuel our bodies for optimal health.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness from Canisius University and then went on to earn my master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from D’Youville University. During my time at D’Youville I obtained over 1,200 hours in different practice settings including critical care, pediatrics, outpatient, and community based nutrition.

In the summer of 2022 I began my career as a registered dietitian at a partial hospitalization program for individuals recovering from eating disorders. My role as a dietitian in that setting was to provide nutrition education and support while helping to break the pattern of disordered eating habits and thoughts. I spent time with patients one on one as well as in group settings discussing the important role of nutrition, the importance of nourishing our bodies and how to do so, and debunking diet culture myths and trends.

After working at the partial hospitalization program, I then went on to work at WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). I was able to continue to expand in my role as a dietitian providing nutritional guidance and education to women during their pregnancy and postpartum including obtaining my certification as a lactation counselor. I also provided nutritional guidance for infants as they advanced from breast milk or formula onto solid foods and then as they grew into toddlers with changing nutritional needs to support optimal growth and development.

Although the fields in which I have worked as a dietitian have differed, my goal was always the same - to help others establish and foster a positive and healthy relationship towards food and nutrition. I am eager to continue to grow as a registered dietitian now at Buffalo Nutrition and Dietetics. I am looking forward to continuing to use my passion and experience to help others reach their nutritional goals through a functional approach.