How would you describe your approach to supporting new and seasoned clinicians?

This is a field of endless possibilities and endless change as our knowledge only continues to grow in the world of nutrition and dietetics.  I continue to walk a curvy career path and I do my best to share experiences through the peaks and valleys of my journey.  It is extremely important to learn from others strengths and humilities. I help clinicians identify their passions, strengths and areas to nurture, by showing up from a place of integrity, empathy and understanding that, as humans, we are all individually gifted.  I care deeply about each individual I spend time with and one of my hopes is to empower their potential through a non-traditional dietetics path.  At Nutritious Thoughts, our individuality makes our togetherness stronger.

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

There are many passions within the world of nutrition and dietetics that I have pursued or would like to pursue, however, I feel extremely drawn to equity in healthcare.  Negative healthcare experiences continue to happen everyday even as our awareness grows.   Nutritious Thoughts will provide continuing education and training in areas of diversity and inclusivity to all of our staff.  I would like to work towards finding ways to help individuals regardless of gender, race, size/weight, ability, and neurodiversity experience positive equitable healthcare.

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

Interior designer!  I love redesigning spaces with a collection of artist work and random items I have laying around my house (or the office). My mother and sister-in-law are incredible artists and their work continually inspires my creativity for design, as well as my friend Hillary Holmes with HillyTree Design here in Asheville.  If you don’t know her, you must!  If you ever make it to one of our offices, you will probably be able to tell it's a touch of HillyTree Design mixed with my random redesign work.  I love that I get to play a little even as a Registered Dietitian and practice owner.

Where can we find you when you're not working?

Probably at home!  Not just during these times, but even before.  I love spending time at home with my partner and pets or with close friends and family.  You might find me sitting by a fire, listening to live music, soaking up some sun, watching the birds or curled up watching a thriller movie. If I’m not at home (or at work), I might be walking or driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  I love nature!

Education & Certifications:

Southern Illinois University, Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, iaedp Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian and Supervisor (CEDS-S), Health at Every Size (HAES) Certified Practice, Advisory Board Member for Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders

Special Interests:

Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Eating Disorder Clinical Supervisor (iaedp approved), Private Practice Coaching, Group Practice Start-up, Eating disorders, HAES®, Non-diet approach

Contact Kendra: Kendra@Nutritious-Thoughts.com