Val is a Registered, Licensed Dietitian with a Master's degree in nutrition science. She works with a diverse population of individuals including adolescents, adults, and athletes. Specific specialties include nutrition for performing athletes (dancers, gymnasts, figure skaters, cheerleaders); eating disorders; and, women struggling with menopausal weight gain.
Before establishing her own practice, Val worked as a clinical dietitian specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. Along with developing skills as a nutrition therapist with a deep understanding of "change psychology", she gained experience treating a variety of medical nutrition-related conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal, and GI disorders. Focusing on recovery, wellness and disease prevention, Val has provided clinical nutrition therapy to a diverse population of patients.
Utilizing a "non-diet" approach, Val focuses on helping individuals make behavior change with food and eating that will support their short and long term goals, while promoting overall health. Many folks agree that key components of health - exercising regularly and eating nutritious foods - are important to happiness. Unfortunately, for some, eating and thoughts about food make life more stressful, increase anxiety, and often result in feeling depressed because you can’t do it “RIGHT.” Feeling healthy and eating should not be this difficult - and meeting with a dietitian need not be another place to feel judged or shamed for food or weight. Val focuses on YOU, your values, lifestyle and your needs to find a nutrition solution that works for YOU!
Primary Specialty
Dietitian - Nutritionist
EducationMaster of Science in Nutrition, University of Minnesota, 2007 Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication, University of Nebraska, 1987
AffiliationsVal is an active member of several Dietetic Practice Groups of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition Entrepreneurs Practice Group, Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition, Weight Management, and Behavioral Health Nutrition Group. She is an associate member of the Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietetics Association and an active member of the North American Menopause Society.
CertificationBoard Certified as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner by the North American Menopause Society
ServicesServices include one-on-one counseling and group workshops aimed at helping individuals achieve their personal health goals. Val is board certified as a specialist in sports dietetics by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and certified by the North American Menopause Society as a menopause practitioner.Additional Servicesweight management, sports nutrition, women's health, eating disorders, dance nutrition