Nutrition counseling center team
Meet the
Sessions available: Virtually, In-Person (Troy)
Specializes in:
All Eating Disorders, Trauma, and Intuitive Eating
Ages: Children, Adolescents, & Adults
at a glance
We'd be a good fit if...
We work together in a way that aligns all your recovery goals, which we will come up with collaboratively. These goals will exclude the messages from diet culture, social media, and the rules of your eating disorder. There is no such thing as a good food or a bad food in the world of nutrition - one test or grade doesn't define a student’s aptitude, and neither should one food define a person’s health.
Nutrition counseling is a blend of the science of nutrition and the art of therapy - helping clients find their relationship with food and enhancing it so they are free from food guilt.
Nutrition is holistic and does not have "a one size fits all" definition.
Education & Training
We'd be a good fit if you are...
- Ready to be an active participant in this process and are willing to be challenged (but supported!).
- An adult recovering from Anorexia or Bulimia, OR you've tried every diet and are ready and motivated to explore the principles of Intuitive Eating.
- Struggling with food rules that no longer serve you or honor your authentic goals in life.
Affiliations...
Outside of being a dietitian...
Family is a huge part of my life, especially when it involves my husband, two boys, and spending a lot of our time supporting them and traveling for baseball! Even though we travel many weekends, I always make time to cook, clean (yes, it truly makes me happy!), or going out for a walk.
As a first generation Italian, I attribute much of my comfortable relationship with food to the many positive messages my family instilled in me - food is celebration, a thing to enjoy while gathering with family, and Italian food is some of the best in the world! I could eat pasta, (and oftentimes do) every day of the week.
My nutrition philosophy...
Being involved in the eating disorder community is really important to me!
International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP)
International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians (IFEDD)
Association for Size Diversity
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Member
Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition (SCAN) Member
Nutrition Entrepreneurs Member
Founder & Registered Dietitian
Patrizia Jesue, RD
Far too often our culture weaponizes nutrition, which then results in food being demonized. Food is then looked at in a singular way... fuel, nourishment, or a means of survival. But, this is not the only thing food provides. Food is also meant to be enjoyed, experienced, and celebrated. My goal with clients is to help them understand this and find a relationship with food that is not just singular.
Every session is tailored to each client's own authentic needs, while supporting them on their journey of learning to embrace all foods, and creating positive and enjoyable experiences around food.
Nutrition is information that should be approached with openness, curiosity, and objectiveness.
We'd be a good fit if...
Intuitive Movement
We'd be a good fit if you are...
- Ready to expand your list of accepted foods, improve variety, and find pleasure in eating again.
- Seeking support with digestion complications or in need of food allergy management.
- Looking for a clinician to support and guide you on your eating disorder recovery journey.
Intuitive Movement
Just like you can have a relationship with food, you can also have a relationship with exercise and your body.
My approach to exercise and movement mimics that of intuitive eating. Our work together will focus on healing and reconnecting with your body through movement that is mindful, positive, and focused on strengthening your emotional and physical well being.
Education & Training
My Formal Education
Bachelors of Science in Nutrition
Western Michigan University
Dietetic Internship
Viterbo University and Gundersen Lutheran Hospital
Additional Trainings
NASM Certified Personal Training Certification (NASM - CPT)
Certification of Training in Food Allergy Management
Eating Disorders Treatment Training Workshop with Jessica Setnick, MS, RDN, LD, CSSD
The Nutrition & Body Image Coaching Workshop by Jessi Haggerty, RDN, CPT
Outside of work...
Affiliations...
Outside of being a dietitian...
I like learning and teaching what I've learned. Being naturally curious, I was drawn to the complex world of nutrition, health, and physiology. So becoming a dietitian just felt natural for me.
Food has always been a sense of love and celebration in my family as I grew up with a dad that showed everyone love through his cooking. I was lucky to grow up in an environment that nurtured a positive relationship with food. I hope to help build that same relationship with food for my clients.
Being physically active is a big enjoyment of mine. I love being active with my kids and dogs, but also through coaching private volleyball lessons for a local club team!
Sessions available: Virtually, In-Person (Troy + Clarkston)
Specializes in:
ARFID, Food Allergy & GI, Intuitive Eating
Ages: Children, Adolescents, & Adults
at a glance
Registered Dietitian & Personal Trainer
Jessica Nelson, RD, CPT
In today’s world, with an overemphasis on physical health, other aspects of health, such as our emotional, mental and social health are often neglected. While nutrition is important, an overemphasis on it can often lead to unhealthy behaviors around food. Nutrition is more than just the food we eat – it is nourishment for the body and also the mind. An overemphasis on the nutritional value of food often prevents us from being able to enjoy it. Eating is meant to be flexible, enjoyable and satisfying. In many cases, it can enhance social situations and also be a part of carrying on family & holiday traditions. Diet culture perpetuates the idea that we eat only for the nutritional value of food, which often leads to feelings of shame & guilt when we have foods we enjoy. There is no place for shame & guilt in our relationship with food.
To redefine ‘nutrition’ is to redefine ‘health.’
We'd be a good fit if...
Education & Training
We'd be a good fit if you are...
- Would like to explore your relationship with food from a place of curiosity.
- Want to learn how to establish trust within your body as it pertains to your intuitive ability to eat.
- Have been diagnosed with an eating disorder or have identified disordered eating patterns in your life.
My nutrition philosophy...
Affiliations in the Community
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND)
Behavioral Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group (BHN)
National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA)
International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians (IFEDD)
Registered Dietitian
Laura Griffin, RD
Sessions available: Virtually, In-Person (Troy)
Specializes in:
BED & Chronic Dieting, Diabetes, Family/Pediatric Nutrition
Ages: Children, Adolescents, & Adults
at a glance
Teaching them to understand the components of nutrition, to remove the fears and myths of food and be able to enjoy the mental and physical benefits that all food can bring. I believe we are all on our unique journey with food so with each session, we will meet you where you are at and will carve out a path to where you want to be.
My goal with clients is to empower them to look at nutrition through a wide lens.
We'd be a good fit if...
Education & Training
We'd be a good fit if you are...
- Tired of listening to diet culture and are ready to start your journey towards building a sustainable relationship with food through intuitive eating.
- A current or former athlete struggling with food to optimize your performance.
- Looking for guidance with a new diagnosis of disordered eating.
Affiliations...
Outside of being a dietitian...
As a former collegiate soccer player, you can still find me on the soccer field from time to time! In addition to a passion and love for watching and playing all sports, I enjoy being active - from kayaking, to tennis, to long hikes in the Colorado mountains. On the flip side, I enjoy slowing down by reading my monthly book club book, traveling, or taking or teaching a yoga class. I spend a lot of my time with family and friends – I may be biased but they are the best people around!
Sessions available: Virtually, In-Person (Troy)
Specializes in:
Performance Nutrition, Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder)
Ages: Athletes, Adolescents, & Adults
at a glance
Registered Dietitian
Kristen Black, RD
Food is so much more than just fuel to the body. It is cultural, emotional, celebrational, and memorial. It's something that connects us to our inner selves, not something that removes us from our values. Our work together is centered around making eating less stressful. Let's heal your mind, body, and soul through evidenced-based counseling that is personalized to you. It's time to unlearn all the rules that diet culture has set.
Nutrition should be simple, it is something that we have known for centuries but it keeps getting fogged with the dark clouds of diet culture and social media.
We'd be a good fit if...
Education & Training
We'd be a good fit if you are...
- Ready to break up with diet culture and learn to trust your own judgment- not the judgment of your eating disorder.
- Looking to explore the world of intuitive eating and what it can do for you.
- Diagnosed with an eating disorder or struggle with disordered eating patterns.
- In need of medical nutrition therapy alongside eating disorder counseling.
Affiliations...
Outside of being a dietitian...
Most of my hobbies emulate the aura of a cute elderly lady in a robe and slippers, including all things cozy, reading, crocheting, crossword puzzles, eating soup, and cuddling with my cat Greg.
I am very connected to my culture and love to spend time with my grandparents learning recipes or talking about their time growing up. My relationship with them is probably why I love cooking and creating new recipes for the people I love! And who knows... maybe one day I'll even publish a cookbook.
Sessions available: Virtually, In-Person (Troy)
Specializes in:
All Eating Disorders, Intuitive eating, & MNT for diabetes and GI
Ages: Adolescents & Adults
at a glance
Registered Dietitian
Holly Haddad, RD
Diet culture tells us that meal times should be stressful, but nutrition is meant to be joyful! It's all about making new memories, exploring cultures, and having new experiences. Yet so often, it's the opposite. Our work together gets to change and challenge that and get you to a place of curiosity, excitement, and making sure that every meal does something for you.
It's time to demolish diet culture.
We'd be a good fit if...
Education & Training
We'd be a good fit if you are...
- An athlete looking to improve your performance, optimize your recovery, and accomplish your fitness goals through nutrition.
- An athlete who is recovering from an injury looking to maximize their recovery process.
- Searching to strengthen your relationship with food and with physical activity.
- Looking to improve your intuitive eating habits.
- A chronic dieter looking to enjoy your meals once again without guilt or worry.
Affiliations...
Outside of being a dietitian...
I've never met a stranger and enjoy chatting with everyone. And strangers must totally know this about me because I can't tell you the number of times I've been approached at the store unprompted.
I'm on a mission to keep my life as spontaneous and full of adventure as possible - usually accomplished by travel, but supplemented by being on the lookout for new experiences. Ask me about my recent hobby of relearning piano!
My mantra in life? I don’t just want to see the world, I want to be a part of it.
Registered Dietitian
Ciara Lopus, RD
Sessions available: Virtually, In-Person (Troy)
Specializes in:
Athletes, Intuitive Eating, & Eating Disorders
Ages: Children, Adolescents, & Adults
at a glance
Forget the rule book diet culture perpetuates - food is about enhancing the experience of life. My goal of my clients is to redefine their connection with food... not as a source of anxiety, but as a way to add joy and liberation to your life. It's time to detach your worth from your body size, diet trends, and societal expectations.
Food is meant to enhance your life, not overtake it.
We'd be a good fit if...
Education & Training
We'd be a good fit if you are...
- A teen or young adult who has obsessive thoughts around food.
- Wanting to enjoy your life to its fullest, but are struggling with disordered eating.
- The parent or caregiver of a teen interested in helping them develop a healthy relationship with food.
- Diagnosed with an eating disorder and looking for support.
Affiliations...
Outside of being a dietitian...
I'm known as the passionate friend that often keeps to herself, but when I have a plan I'm extra intentional about it. My home life consists of introducing my husband to new meals and not-so-patiently waiting until my baby can start eating solid foods!
And yes, you read my bachelors degree right... my first career was as a packaging engineer and let's just say it wasn't my cup of tea. I ended up going back to school to be a dietitian after being a competitive dancer my whole life and struggling with my relationship with food.
Sessions available: Virtually, In-Person (Troy)
Specializes in:
Anorexia & Bulimia, Binge Eating and Intuitive Eating
Ages: Adolescents & Young Adults
at a glance
Registered Dietitian
Jessica Castillo, RD
Freedom from internal obsession, rumination, and worry about weight, shape and appearance is something that everyone deserves and is worthy of. When we focus on beliefs and behaviors rather than body weight and size, we are able to achieve freedom and optimal health. In a healthy relationship with food, there is no place for fear, judgment, or guilt... and that's where our work together will likely begin.
You are the most important person on our team and full recovery from dietitian and/or an eating disorder is possible (and worth it!).
We'd be a good fit if...
Education & Training
We'd be a good fit if you are...
- An adult who would like to be an active participant in learning to be your best self, physically, emotionally, and mentally, without dieting, restricting food, or compulsive exercise.
- Curious about Intuitive Eating and beyond, and are open to learning how to make space in your life for whole-person nourishment.
- A parent looking for support for children or adolescents with eating disorders and/or have concerns about your child’s weight and nutritional health.
Nutrition Philosophy
Outside of being a dietitian...
It is in nature that I have always found the energy, direction and motivation to seek ways to be helpful both in my work and personal life. Look for me near water, in a garden, or relaxing in a hammock when I am not doing nutrition work. I thrive on the creativity and relaxation that I find in those environments. Most likely you will meet my dog(s) and/or my grandchildren wherever you find me. I am also a huge fan of spectator sports, and am loyal to the Michigan State Spartans, The Detroit Tigers and Lions!
Sessions available: Virtually, In-Person (Troy)
Specializes in:
Anorexia & Bulimia, Binge Eating and Intuitive Eating
Ages: Adults & Families
at a glance
Registered Dietitian
Melissa Knudson, RDN, CEDS
In a culture that has normalized restriction, food rules, and shrinking ourselves, nutrition can be difficult to navigate alone. My philosophy is that your relationship with food can be a tool to better your quality of life. By prioritizing sustainable eating habits and body acceptance, nutrition can be a key force in fostering long-term well being.
Nutrition is a way to care mentally and physically for your body; it doesn’t need to be a source of guilt or shame.
We'd be a good fit if...
Education & Training
We'd be a good fit if you are...
- A teen or young adult with an eating disorder
- Over the loud and confusing noise of diet culture and need help navigating the food myths!
- Hoping to reestablish trust in your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues and gain body acceptance
- Looking for support and nutritional guidance in your journey through recovery
Nutrition Philosophy
Outside of being a dietitian...
I am often found spending time with friends, making something, or breaking up my two cats. I love to make art, especially painting, pottery, and crochet. There's something so fulfilling about creating with my hands—whether it's shaping clay, weaving yarn, or bringing a blank canvas to life. When I'm not immersed in a creative project, I enjoy exploring new places, trying out different recipes, or getting lost in a good book. My days are a mix of creativity, connection, and a little bit of chaos, but I wouldn't have it any other way!
Sessions available: Virtually, In-Person (Northville)
Specializes in:
Disordered Eating & Body Image
Ages: Adults & Families
at a glance
Registered Dietitian
Jaclyn Wrase, RD
Sessions available: Virtually, In-Person (Northville)
Specializes in:
Intuitive Eating & Sports Nutrition
Ages: Adolescents & Adults
at a glance