You have Questions? I have answers!

While I do not practice as an RD, I do practice as a Clinical Nutritionist (CN) and I am trained to provide nutrition therapy. I have a Masters Degree in Health Science, Human Nutrition, from the University of Bridgeport (UB), a regionally accredited school, institutionally accredited through the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Additionally, UB is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Nutrition Professional Education (ACNPE), an accrediting agency for clinical programs in Advanced Nutrition. 

I am in the process of finalizing 1,000 hours of clinical experience to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®), which is considered a nationally recognized credential and an advanced certification for personalized nutrition. I am currently working under the supervision of experienced practitioners and doctors. I have passed the Board Certification Nutrition Specialist (BCNS℠) exam, required to become certified as a (CNS®). I am trained to provide nutrition therapy from a functional approach, which demonstrates my knowledge and proficiency required to practice as a CN. My education, professional and personal experience over several years have prepared and equipped me with the required training to provide the best quality personalized nutrition services to clients and communities. 

The level of education is relatively similar for a CN and RD, with graduate level requirements and a specific number of supervised hours required for both. However, the pathways of a CN and RD are different. Although a CN cannot obtain a licensure in Texas, a CN has the option to pursue a CNS® and can pursue licensure in other approved states. Licensing and certification requirements for a CNS vary by state. For more information, see link below.   

When I provide a nutritional assessment, it is based on diet, lifestyle, culture, environment, health/medical history, stress levels, genes, and lab work. My assessment consists of evaluating several areas of an individual that may have an influence on their overall health. Overall health can only improve when there is a balanced state between the mind, the body, and the spirit. Thus, a functional approach focuses on evaluating the individual as a whole, rather than just on one area such as nutrition. 

Unfortunately, today we live in an environment where nutrients are depleted due to various factors. While I do not believe supplements should replace food or are the solution to health concerns, I do believe some supplements are necessary for some individuals in some cases. My recommendations are based on a personalized nutrition analysis. Additionally, the quality of the brand is highly considered, due to the lack of regulation within the supplement industry in the U.S.

At the moment, I do not accept insurance. On the other hand, it allows for flexibility in terms of costs for the client.  Additionally, this type of service is a long-term investment, one that may save you thousands of dollars from hospital visits, physician visits, and medications. I help you and you help me. It's a win win for us both!  

• DBN was created to provide clients with a place where they feel comfortable enough to share their health concerns; where they can feel heard and valued as a person, and not just as another patient at a doctor's office, where nutritional support is is very limited or lacking. 
• Every body is uniquely designed. That is why nutrition recommendations should be personalized and tailored for the individual.
• Science is always evolving, and the body is always changing. I focus on the core of nutrition that dates back to how our ancestors thrived. However, I also implement recommendations based on the advancing methods of science based data and technology to consistently improve my services. 
• The nutrition assessment I provide is intricate, but I keep it real, simple, and manageable with clients. 
• If you prefer to consult in Spanish, I am fluent, written and verbal.