My journey into nutrition was shaped by my upbringing. I was surrounded by the wisdom of home-cooked meals, fresh garden produce, and the healing power of food. My father, who worked in hospital administration, instilled in me the importance of a balanced lifestyle, while my mother and grandmothers nurtured me with made from scratch meals for the body and soul. Their influence, combined with my early exposure to health and wellness, fueled my passion for nutrition.

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Before my 15 years as a hospital clinical dietitian, I spent 8.5 years in Information Technology after earning my undergraduate degree in Management Information Systems from Winston-Salem State University. While working in IT, I realized my true passion lay in health and nutrition. I enrolled in the Didactic Program in Dietetics at Virginia State University, where I completed my certificate, followed by a dietetic internship through the same institution. A few years later, I pursued my Master of Science in Dietetics from James Madison University.

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My formal introduction to functional medicine came in 2012 at the Food As Medicine Conference hosted by the Center for Mind-Body Medicine. That experience completely shifted my perspective. I no longer wanted to work in the sick-care system—I wanted to help people heal and prevent disease before it started. This passion led me to launch Real Nutrition, LLC in late 2013 as a cash-based private practice. In 2020, I expanded to accept insurance, making my services more accessible to those seeking root-cause solutions for gut health, chronic illness, and overall well-being.

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From 2008 to 2023, I worked as a clinical dietitian across multiple HCA hospitals in Richmond, VA, gaining extensive experience with:

✔ IBS, IBD, leaky gut, gastroparesis, SIBO, GERD, diverticulitis, fatty liver disease and much more
✔ Prenatal nutrition
✔ Cardiac rehab patients and bariatric surgery patients
✔ Behavioral health patients (created and taught a Nutrition & Depression class for 4 years)

✔ Patients with pressure injuries, gun shot wounds, HTN, CHF, diabetes, cancer, and amputees

✔ Gastrointestinal surgical patients (bowel resections,TPN, tube feeding, ostomies)
✔ Complex care rehab patients

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These experiences gave me deep insight into how conventional medicine often overlooks the root causes of disease. Now, through Real Nutrition, LLC, I use a holistic approach, functional medicine testing, and personalized nutrition counseling to help my clients thrive from the inside out.

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As a Certified Trauma-Informed Coach, I understand how trauma—whether from childhood, systemic injustice, or life-altering events—can impact both physical and emotional well-being. I incorporate this lens into my private sessions and group coaching programs, creating safe, compassionate spaces for healing. This is especially important in my work with women navigating chronic stress, perimenopause, poor body image, or emotional eating.

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I recognize the health disparities within the Black community and the deep impact of generational trauma on well-being. As a full-bodied Black woman, my mission is to shift the narrative around Black health by offering culturally competent care and equipping individuals with the tools they need to heal and thrive..

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Beyond my private practice, I also lead The Well Rooted Woman, a wellness membership designed for holistic healing, community, and sustainable lifestyle change.

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One of the most important aspects of my life is my faith. My personal relationship with God guides my work and decisions, and I truly believe in the power of prayer to support healing—spiritually, mentally, and physically.

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Fun Facts About Me

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• I’m a foodie who enjoys cooking and discovering new flavors. 

• My favorite season is autumn. The crisp air, changing leaves, and cozy meals bring me joy and fall wear is the best fashion in my opinion.

• I am an avid herbal tea drinker.

• I intentionally planned for both of my kids to be born in July. Yes, down to the month!

• I was a pescatarian from 1995 to 2002, which sparked my love for health food stores.

• I’m a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

• I ran my first marathon in 2007.

• I healed my own GERD and discovered my daughter’s gluten sensitivity through functional medicine.

• I enjoy hiking in the woods with my husband and kids in the fall and winter.  It’s my way of reconnecting with nature and unwinding just like I did as a kid.

• ​My first job was at Burger King when I was 15 and I hated it so much, it lit a fire in me to go to college!