A graduate of the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health, I hold a MPH in Nutrition, a BA from Southern Methodist University in Public Relations and Business and a Dietetics degree from Louisiana State University. I am also a Veteran of the Armed Forces having attended the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.
I possess a strong balance of professional expertise and communications skills that enable me to act as a quotable resource for print and electronic media outlets. I have been featured on CNN, Food Channel (Good Eats), PBS, ABC-TV/Boston, FOX-TV/Atlanta, ABC-TV/Baton Rouge and Oleo/Honolulu. Numerous reporters have taken advantage of my expertise in nutrition, physical activity and chronic disease prevention. My excellent communication skills enhance my ability to translate current health research findings into consumer-friendly messages in a clear, concise, and engaging manner.
I am an international public speaker, facilitator, and educator who has proven effective with a broad range of audiences including children, teens, adults, and ethnically diverse populations. I have been published in several peer reviewed journals regarding my work with worksite wellness; contributed to textbooks on nutrition, health education and social marketing; written numerous nutrition and wellness articles for magazines, newspapers, and health organizations; and currently am a Diet and Nutrition topic editor for Revolution Health Group.
I am a dynamic educator and motivator. I have a knack for understanding a client's specific nutrition and lifestyle challenges and creating a plan for successful improvement. My nutrition counseling expertise includes weight loss, weight gain, eating disorders/disordered eating, sports nutrition, hyper-lipidemia, and general wellness.