Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria to earn the RDN credential:
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Completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and course work accredited or approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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Completed an ACEND-accredited 1200 hr supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Typically, a practice program will run six to 12 months in length.
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Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). For more information regarding the examination, refer to CDR’s website at www.cdrnet.org.
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Completed continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
-From the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at eatright.org.
Is a nutritionist, personal trainer or health coach the same thing as a RDN?
No. These individuals may have completed some sort of nutrition schooling or training, but they are not recognized as experts in the field. They have no registration, licensure, or certification to legally practice in the same manner as a RDN. If you work with one of these individuals, you cannot be sure the information you are given is credible or backed by science.
Where is your office?
I aim to be as flexible as possible! I typically meet with morning clients in my living room (826 Tullahoma Drive) and afternoon clients in my office (1716 Catherine Court). However, I am happy to meet with clients where it works for them: at local coffee shops or the client’s home or place of business in Auburn/Opelika. Scroll down to see a couple pictures of my living room "office".
What are your hours?
I generally meet clients Monday - Friday 7 AM - 6 PM (except Wednesdays which are just 7-9 AM) and 8 - 11 AM on some Saturdays. Use the schedule button to see my current openings. If you can't find anything that works, send me a message.
What is a session like?
Every session involves introducing one or two new nutrition-related topics, discussing, and setting about 3 specific goals. For follow up sessions, we also spend time going over how well you did with implementing the previous goals.
I don’t live nearby. Can I be a Zoom client?
It depends on where you live due to state laws that regulate dietitians. Alabama and Georgia residents are no problemo because I'm licensed here. If you live in the following states, we can also work together: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. We'll use a HIPAA-compliant site to talk.
How many visits will I need?
There is no set amount of visits. Some folks just need a solid hour with me to learn some basic things about nutrition and get a good starting point and then maybe a follow up to check how those things have been set in motion. Others want to go deeper, have accountability, build a healthy relationship with food, work through small goals slowly, and explore setbacks. Some clients keep seeing me regularly for more coaching, support, and accountability. The number of follow ups depends on you, your goals, and your progress.
Why should I see you versus another dietitian?
The quality of services from another RDN would be similar. It's simply a matter of finding a RDN who matches you well! I offer 24/7 accountability, and regular communication is an expectation! I also use a habit-based counseling approach that doesn't focus on counting calories or measuring food, so your journey will be more sustainable and pleasant.
