Lauren Manganiello, MS, RD, CDN, ACE-CPT

My career path has been a bit unusual. While I was in college and graduate school studying nutrition, I worked as a personal trainer in corporate gyms. Once I graduated and became an RD, I left the fitness industry and started working as a clinical nutritionist at a large NYC hospital; however, my heart wasn’t in clinical and I missed the fitness/wellness industry. I then started working in the wellness industry for a couple of years and finally left to start my own nutrition private practice and consulting business. I am able to combine my love for nutrition and fitness and share it with my clients. My other passion is teaching so I started as an adjunct lecturer at a local college. I teach 1-2 classes a semester and it’s a nice compliment to having my own business.

Jim Seeger, M. Ed., RDN, LDN, ATC

I interact daily with high school athletes in the training room. I prepare the athletes for practice and games. This begins with my assessment, testing and making recommendation for rehabbing their injuries. I am part of the sports medicine team helping the athletes prepare for their work to improve.

Jill Merkel MS, RD, CSSD, LD

My journey into dietetics began in 2009 when I started running. I began training for my first half marathon and naturally started to make nutritional changes as well. I was surprised at how much better I felt and how my running improved from making a few simple nutritional changes. I also lost 20 pounds without trying and I thought “hmm… maybe I should go back to school to become a dietitian.” So that’s what I did!

Natasha Haskey MSc, RD

My love for life-long learning never ceases so I am now completing a PhD at the University of British Columbia with a focus on the microbiome! I also do some clinical practice on the side that focuses on probiotics, prebiotics and inflammatory bowel disease. Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to complete more speaking engagements, specifically training colleagues about the fascinating area of nutrition and the microbiome.

Justine Horne, MSc, RD, PhD student

I love learning and am a self-proclaimed research geek, so naturally I’ve been in school forever. I have a Bachelor of Science degree, Certificate in Practical French, Master of Science degree, and am currently in the process of completing my PhD. I currently have 400 hours towards my Certified Diabetes Education designation and aim to have the letters “CDE” behind my name one day soon.

Kelly Jones MS, RD, CSSD, LDN

The public would stop falling for diet and supplement scams and realize how valuable a dietitian is in weight loss and health. Physicians would always refer to RD’s for prevention and treatment. Our food system would be more sustainable, making healthy food more available to our clients. Finally, RD’s would be less competitive with one another!

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