How would you describe your approach to nutrition counseling? 

I prefer an empathetic, client-centered approach to nutrition counseling with emphasis on creating a 1:1 partnership. Clients and I work together to create a unique pathway that works best for them. As a nutrition practitioner, I love listening to clients speak about their relationship with food, eating, and nutrition. It is one of the best parts of my job, but I also recognize the vulnerability this creates. I hold space for the client’s concerns and questions all while helping to facilitate sessions that lead to wellness. Think of me as being the GPS but the client is the driver. They tell me where they want to go and I help them get there! 

Which avenues of dietetics do you feel most passionate about pursuing?

I honestly have many passions when it comes to dietetics. If these passions were to be boiled down to a common theme, it would simply be helping people. I enjoy helping people manage chronic disease with the use of food. I enjoy helping people find new ways to move their bodies that promote health and wellness. I enjoy helping people explore their relationship with food that they may be afraid to share and identify strategies that lead toward recovery. I enjoy helping people create new healthful meal recipes that are practical for their day-to-day lifestyle. I enjoy helping people find resources in their community that provide additional support toward their food and nutrition needs.

If you were to have any other profession other than Registered Dietitian, what would it be and why?

Honestly, this answer would change week to week. I always appreciate people who volunteer and provide tours at historical sites. As a kid, I aspired to be an archaeologist and I still get excited about the ways people lived hundreds of years ago. I can definitely see myself doing historic tours in the future.

Where can we find you when you're not in client sessions?

This can vary depending on the time of day. I am definitely a morning person and I typically use this time to be active. I might be doing weight training at my local gym or going for a long walk. I love swimming and try to do it whenever I can. I become more relaxed and reflective as the day progresses. During this time, you might find me drinking coffee/tea and chilling with my orange tabby cat, Link. 

Education & Certifications:

B.S. in Anthropology from Radford University, MPH in Nutrition and Dietetics from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) – American Council on Exercise

Special Interests:

General Wellness, Chronic Health Concerns, Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating Patterns, Psychology of Eating, Emotions & Food, Chronic Dieting, Weight Concerns, Body Image, Weight, Neutral & Non-diet Approach, Identity-Affirming Care, LGBTQIA+, Substance Use Disorder Recovery, Competitive & Recreational Athletes, Diabetes Type II, GI & Digestive Issues, Food Allergies, Food Access, Mindful & Intuitive Eating, Holistic Wellness, Adolescent & Teen Nutrition, Adult Nutrition, Older Adult Nutrition

Contact Dillon: Dillon@Nutritious-Thoughts.com