I started working at Fred Hutch in 2018. I see patients at Fred Hutch Cancer Center – South Lake Union.
I have always been fascinated by the alchemy of nutrition — the fact that what we eat can either promote our best health or detract from it. I enjoy the opportunities to educate and learn from patients.
When assessing a patient’s diet recall, my favorite thing is when a patient and I ate the same food at the same meal the prior day. I call this “bingo,” and it is really fun to talk about the different ways we prepared the food, where we bought (or grew) it and what other foods partner well. Most people think of “diet” as a verb, a specific way of eating they will follow to reach a goal and then stop. I believe that “diet” is a noun, referring to the total of all foods and beverages you consume to fuel your body throughout your lifetime.
I have lived in a geographically diverse mix of places. I was born and raised in New Jersey, just outside of Philadelphia, spent two years in Zambia as a Peace Corps volunteer, spent three years in southeast Texas for grad school, then seven years in San Francisco and now Seattle.
Outside of work, I enjoy all things outdoors, including cycling (daily bike commuter), hiking and walking (with our dog Ruthie as much as possible), birding and all things related to growing, cooking and enjoying delicious food.
Clinical Expertise
I specialize in breast, gynecology and endocrine, renal and melanoma, genitourinary cancers, high-risk genetics, and the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Prevention Program. I am also the subject matter expert on weight management for the nutrition team. This work is intensely gratifying, helping patients achieve their best metabolic health during and after cancer treatments that often lead to unintentional changes in the body.
Patient Care Philosophy
My approach to patient care includes person-first language, seeking consent to discuss difficult topics and a sense of humor.
I am far from perfect! Please feel free to challenge any information I share, and please bring the receipts (research articles, best practices from other institutions, etc.). Your best outcomes are the primary focus of my work, and the best outcomes are achieved when you are an active partner in your care.
Education and Training
- BS: Accounting, Rowan University
- MS: Family and Consumer Sciences with Dietetics Concentration, Lamar University
- Dietetic Internship: University of California, San Francisco
- Certificate of Training in Adult and Pediatric Weight Management: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Certifications
- RD: Registered Dietitian
- CSO: Board-Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition
- CD: Certified Dietitian
Fred Hutch Medical Nutrition Therapy Services
Our services are free and available exclusively to Fred Hutch patients.