I’m Jess.

And I’m definitely not your typical registered dietitian.

Growing up, I was raised with my “Pennsylvania Dutch” grandparents.  In other words, we loved to eat, but EVERYTHING had lots of butter and sugar involved. I was a chubby little kid compared to my skinny older sister. I was always called “fat” growing up.

My grandparents had many health-related issues (congestive heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, strokes, open heart surgery, etc.).  This came as no surprise based on their lifestyle choices, and I realized that if I followed the same path coupled with my genetics, I could end up with similar ailments later in life.

My passion for nutrition and health sparked during my teenage years. I started reading and learning about the body, became active and involved with sports, and learned how to live a healthier lifestyle. I started to realize that food is medicine, and it has true POWER in our body.

However, with nutrition, exercise, and a healthy mind you can absolutely decrease the risk for these diseases, even if something may run in your “genes”.

When I enrolled at Penn State University back in 2009, I knew I needed to pursue a career in preventive health. My childhood is the reason I became a Dietitian. I love being able to change peoples lives with nutrition and exercise.

Throughout my career I was fortunate to work in a variety of areas to broaden my knowledge and experiences. I have worked in long-term care facilities, rehabs, in-patient hospitals, ICUs, WIC centers, non-profit community outreach programs and of course my absolute favorite, outpatient counseling.

I am thankful for my career path because I experienced so many different disease states that I can relate and provide my clients with the most exceptional care and medical nutrition therapy.