About Me
I am a former Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Georgia Gwinnett College and hold a PhD in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise from Virginia Tech as well as a BS in Exercise, Sport, and Health Education from Radford University. I am an ACE-certified Health Coach with training in the Monash Low-FODMAP process and motivational interviewing.
I enjoyed four amazing years as a Renaissance Periodization Nutrition Coach while I started my current telehealth coaching business, Vitamin PhD Nutrition. In 2021, I have transitioned to running Vitamin PhD Nutrition full-time while working part-time as a researcher for Examine and collaborating with Shannon Beer, LLB, in our joint venture, Bridging the Gap with Comprehensive Coaching.
As a board member of both the Nutrition Coaching Global Mastermind (NCGM) and the Sports Nutrition Association (SNA), I collaborate with a selection of colleagues to guide discussions and change toward best practices in the online nutrition coaching industry.
I believe in the importance of flexible dietary approaches in addition to regular, enjoyable physical activity and cognitive exercises as part of a sustainable lifestyle free from the chronic dieting mindset. When working with individuals experiencing gastric distress, I apply a practical, personalized, and evidence-based approach to modify diet and lifestyle factors which can contribute to improved digestive comfort.
I'm proud to have transitioned from years in academia to years as a full-time coach, having guided hundreds of clients (and students!) to their long-term goals. As an assistant professor, I taught a variety of courses related to nutrition for performance and health, physiology, and macronutrient metabolism. In addition to formal training in motivational interviewing and a fellowship in the science of learning and motivation, my experience stems from years of appreciative advising to help undergraduate students identify their unique strengths and obstacles in the pursuit of their academic goals.
In addition to my teaching and mentoring experience, I've enjoyed the opportunity to share evidence-based recommendations in international seminars, podcasts, and contributions to websites and magazines such as Precision Nutrition, Shape, Oxygen, Reader’s Digest, and InStyle.
I grew up in Michigan, then spent a decade in southwestern Virginia, four years near Atlanta, and about one year as a digital nomad. I've had the amazing opportunity to travel around Australia, South Korea, Ireland, England, Scotland, and Israel while speaking about gut health and nutrition. I now live in central Arizona enjoying the snowless winters and impressively hot summers. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, spending time with my dogs and cats, and lifting weights.
Education
PhD – Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech (2014)
Dissertation Topic:
Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Metabolic Dysregulation During High-Fat Feeding
Graduate Certificate—Preparing the Future Professoriate, Virginia Tech (2014)
Graduate Teaching Scholars Fellowship, Virginia Tech (2012-2014)
BS – Exercise, Sport, and Health Education, Radford Virginia (2009)
Professional Experience
Owner, Vitamin PhD Nutrition, LLC (2018-Current)
Nutrition Coach, Renaissance Periodization (2017-2021)
Assistant Professor, Exercise Science, Georgia Gwinnett College (2014-2018)
Co-Chair, School of Science and Technology Curriculum Committee (2017-2018)
Assessment Coordinator, Exercise Science (2016-2018)
Faculty Co-Chair, Exercise Science (2015-2018)
Faculty Advisor, Kappa Omicron Nu and GGC Lifting (2015-2018)
Instructor, Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech (2013)
Certifications & Memberships
Sports Nutrition Association, Advisory Board Member
Nutrition Coaching Global Mastermind, Board Member
Foundational Motivational Interviewing (2020)
Monash Low-FODMAP Certified (2019)
Certified Health Coach, American Council on Exercise (2018)
Certified Sports Nutritionist, International Society of Sports Nutrition (2017)
(You can find my detailed CV here.)