MY PERSONAL STORY:
Why I Became a Dietitian
The majority of children hurried through grocery stores to obtain snacks. I spent my time examining all available nutrition labels during that period.
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My interest in nutrition started when I was still young. I spent many afternoons with my mother during her weekly grocery shopping trips while I stood next to her in the store aisles to study the nutrition labels. I attempted to understand the numbers and ingredients on the labels while wondering about their effects on our health and well-being. I naturally understood the relationship between food consumption and its effects on our physical state and daily activities which became my enduring interest in food science.
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My initial interest in nutrition drove me to study dietetics and nutrition formally so I could develop skills that would help me create positive changes in others' lives.
The profession of dietitian united my three passions for science and health with compassion.
Nutrition exists beyond the pursuit of flawless eating. The goal of nutrition involves gaining control over your choices while discovering equilibrium and selecting options that support your needs rather than opposing them.
Today, I take a client-centred approach because I know that no two people — and no two journeys — are the same. My role is to listen, guide, and help you find realistic strategies that support your unique goals and vision of health.
Your story matters. Your journey matters. And I am here to support you every step of the way.
Melissa’s Approach: Weight-Inclusive & Non-Diet Focused
Here, you're welcome just the way you are. I work from a weight-inclusive, non-diet perspective that respects your lived experience and is based on evidence-based care. I focus on health and well-being instead of weight loss. My approach helps people develop lasting positive life changes through evidence-based nutrition practices using the most recent up-to-date guidelines and research, which provides the most effective guidance. We will work together to establish a food relationship that matches your personal values and daily routines.
Inclusive Practice
I want all of my clients to feel safe, seen, and respected. My practice is a welcoming and affirming space for people of all backgrounds, body sizes, abilities, and identities. I strive to use inclusive language and acknowledge the diverse lived experiences and needs of those I serve—including individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and others) and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) and people with disabilities.
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You can read more about my Accessibility and Inclusion Commitment, including details on accommodations, communication options, and website accessibility.
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I believe nutrition care should be accessible—regardless of income or insurance coverage. To help make nutrition support more accessible, I offer flexible options for clients paying out of pocket, including a limited number of sliding scale spots. Learn more on my Pricing page.
Certifications and Associations
- University of Ottawa, Baccalauréat spécialisé en science de la nutrition (Honours Bachelor of Science in Nutrition)
- College of Dietitians of Ontario
Specialties & Expertise
Healthy Eating
Nutrition Basics, Meal Planning, Label Reading, Grocery Shopping, Healthy Aging, Food Allergies & Intolerances
Digestive Health
GERD, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Dysphagia, Diverticular Disease, Gallbladder & Pancreatic Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Constipation/Diarrhea
Chronic Diseases
​Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Diabetes, Cholesterol, Hypertension, Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Cardiovascular Disease, Gout, Osteoporosis
Pediatric & Family Nutrition
Fertility Nutrition, Pre & Postnatal Nutrition, Picky Eating, Starting Solids, Food Allergies & Intolerances
Weight-Inclusive Support
Health at Every Size (HAES), Body Image, Non-Diet Approach
Emotional Eating
Craving Management, Mindful Eating, Intuitive Eating
