Hello!
I'm so glad you're here.
Let me tell you a bit about myself.
I am...
an avid cyclist, commuting and touring at home and abroad
a budding herbalist, learning from the plants as I grow them
a lover of books, international cuisine, animals, and local live music
a dancer, both in public and on the wonderfully slick floors of my kitchen
a cancer survivor, who knows nutrition can't be an afterthought
My path to oncology nutrition began with my own cancer diagnosis at 29.
At that time I was a grant writer serving nonprofits, but following my brain surgery, I suffered vision impairments, seizures, balance issues, and cognitive delays. Unable to work; I didn't know what was next for me.
As I began treatment, I wanted to know what I could do as a patient to improve my circumstances, and response to chemo and radiation.
To my disappointment, I was told there wasn't much I could do. That I just needed to "eat red meat and protein powder" so I didn't lose weight.
I went straight home to do my own research. I knew nutrition had to be more important than they were admitting. Despite my lingering physical and cognitive impairments, what I learned caused me to return to school to study nutrition, specializing in metabolic oncology nutrition.
It was a long road, but by improving the function of my body's systems and using targeted nutrition therapies, I have recovered fully, and I am currently free of disease. (I cannot leave out the importance of other modalities which brought me back to myself: physical therapy, vision and speech therapies, counseling, and somatic work.)
Nutrition is not a cure. However, targeted nutrients from food and supplementation can repair the dysfunctional body systems which allowed cancer to develop and survive.
I utilize comprehensive assessments (and genetic testing if desired), review bloodwork, and assess environmental and lifestyle risk factors for your type of cancer, to create tailored protocols to support you.
My mission is to empower you whether you're trying to avoid a diagnosis, undergoing treatment, in remission, or seeking to prevent recurrence. My first priority is helping you navigate your stage of treatment or survivorship. Next, we work to repair the dysfunction that created the cancer process, and give you a guide to long-term health based on your cancer type, personal goals, and needs.
Beyond cancer care, I work with clients dealing with various chronic health issues, recognizing that nutrition plays a crucial role in addressing digestive problems, hormone imbalances, fatigue, and autoimmune conditions. By addressing the root causes of these issues, we can create significant positive changes in overall health.
So much of the power is still in your hands. And I'm here to walk beside you through this incredibly difficult and overwhelming process.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) German Language and Literature
TESOL Teaching Certificate
Western Washington University
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) Certification #8005
1,226-Hour Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) Program
Nutritional Therapy Association
Oncology Nutrition Consultant (ONC)
250-Hour Oncology Nutrition Consulting (ONC) Certification Program
Oncology Nutrition Institute
Founded by:
Dr. Nasha Winters, ND, L.Ac., FABNO
and Jess Higgins Kelley, MNT, ONC