March is National Nutrition Month, and we're celebrating the talented Registered Dietitians (RD) and Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered (NDTR) at the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center (AHWC) who help our campus thrive. From supporting wellness goals to empowering our community with evidence‑based nutrition guidance, these experts bring compassion, creativity, and deep knowledge to everything they do. Get to know the AHWC RD and NDTR teams through a few fun questions, along with what they love about serving the CU Anschutz community.
What do you do at AHWC?
I work for the CTRC Nutrition Core, part of the CCTSI. I mostly work in the metabolic kitchen on the 1st floor, preparing protocol-specific diets for various research studies. I also analyze a lot of dietary intake data, as well as some anthropometrics, for studies at the Children's Hospital.
What do you love about working with the CU Anschutz community?
I love the high caliber of CU Anschutz. Everyone who works here is the best of the best and is working to produce the best outcomes.
What’s the strangest snack combo you swear actually works?
It's more of a meal than a snack, but chili soup and a peanut butter sandwich. I am from the Midwest, and it was a common combo there; however, most people I encounter in my adult life have never heard of it. It is delicious!
Smoothie or Salad?
I love a salad. The possibilities are endless when it comes to combining ingredients! One of my favorite salads is mixed greens with grilled chicken, feta, cucumber, pecans, mandarin oranges, and a citrus vinaigrette.
What do you do at AHWC?
I'm a postdoctoral research fellow on the Endocrinology T32 Fellowship. I also assist with ongoing clinical trials as a Registered Dietitian.
What do you love about working with the CU Anschutz community?
I love collaborating with such a talented and enthusiastic community that contributes to work that has real-world impact.
What’s your most controversial food opinion?
You don't need to "detox." Your liver and kidneys already do an incredible job of removing waste and regulating what stays in your body. Most commercial detox products are unnecessary and a waste of your money. Eating a whole-food and balanced diet will support your body's natural systems far better than a "cleanse" or "detox."
If you could debunk one nutrition myth forever, what would it be?
That carbohydrates are an enemy. Carbohydrates are one of the body's primary fuel sources and aren't inherently obesogenic. However, the combination of carbohydrates, fats, and salt (often in ultra-processed foods), can negatively impact hunger, cravings, and overeating.
What do you do at AHWC?
Registered Dietitian on the Community Nutrition Programs Team.
What do you love about working with the CU Anschutz community?
I really enjoy engaging with the CU Anschutz campus and Aurora community! I primarily work with graduate students, and it’s a lot of fun and rewarding to teach them practical culinary and nutrition skills while providing them a space to build community with one another and get creative in the kitchen!
What food did you hate as a kid but love now?
Brussels sprouts! My favorite way to prepare them is to roast them and toss them with a honey-balsamic glaze.
Sweet or savory?
Sweet!
What do you do at AHWC?
Senior Research Coordinator and Dietitian/Exercise Interventionist
What do you love about working with the CU Anschutz community?
Working with like-minded individuals who love research and prioritize wellness and self-care! jeak etak
What food did you hate as a kid but love now?
Mexican food.
What’s one food you always keep in your bag or desk drawer?
Clementines and protein bars.
What do you do at AHWC?
Culinary Dietitian
What do you love about working with the CU Anschutz community?
Sincere, compassionate, well-intentioned
If you could eat one cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ethiopian
If your cooking style were a music genre, what would it be?
Alternative Rock
What do you do at AHWC?
I have done almost EVERYTHING at the AHWC….LOL…no really…
I am a Weight Loss and Wellness Transformation Coach, RD, and I am part of the Research, Community Nutrition & Clinic teams!
What do you love about working with the CU Anschutz community?
I love the people I work with across all the teams, and I appreciate the variety of hats I wear.
What food did you hate as a kid, but love now?
I HATED spinach and green beans as a kid, but I love them now – just not from a can!
If your cooking style were a music genre, what would it be?
My cooking style would be like the 80s music genre – Happy, upbeat, and a little “all over the place” 😊
What’s one food you always keep in your bag or desk drawer?
I always have a protein bar and nuts in my bag or desk drawer – BORING!
What do you do at AHWC?
Lead cooking demonstrations, teach cooking classes, provide nutrition and culinary education (the fun stuff 😊)
What do you love about working with the CU Anschutz community?
From students to the aging population, I love the diversity and quantity of people we can reach with our work. Cooking and eating are universal languages that everyone can enjoy and learn about!
What’s your most controversial food opinion?
Soup/chili/stew can be eaten all year long, not only in the winter months.
What food did you hate as a kid, but love now?
Hummus! I thought it was so gross as a kid, and now I eat it most days of the week.
If you could debunk one nutrition myth forever, what would it be?
If no one ever asked about or thought that soy causes breast cancer and testosterone levels to decrease, it would make me so happy.
What food trend are you secretly loving or wishing would disappear?
I not-so-secretly wish the carnivore diet trend would disappear and never be seen or heard of again.
What do you do at AHWC?
I am the manager of the Community Nutrition Programs team. Our team’s overall goal is to support the CU Anschutz Medical Campus and surrounding communities to improve health and well-being through research-based, culturally relevant nutrition and culinary education. We are committed to promoting sustainable habits, fostering inclusive spaces where everyone can access practical food knowledge and build lasting confidence in healthy eating.
What do you love about working with the CU Anschutz community?
I love leading a team of passionate registered dietitians who bring evidence-based nutrition to life for the CU Anschutz community. Whether working with students on campus or the public, we create fun, practical programs that teach skills people can use every day.
A fun personal (cooking) tip:
Before reaching for more salt, try a squeeze of lemon, a splash of vinegar, or a bit of lime juice. Different acids can help instantly brighten and balance your dish!
What’s one food you always keep in your bag or desk drawer?
Dark chocolate and mixed nuts/seeds. I always keep them on hand for a quick, satisfying, and nutrient-packed snack.
What do you do at AHWC?
Clinical Trials Research Coordinator.
What do you love about working with the CU Anschutz community?
I love working with my colleagues (they are the best!) and with the study participants. Every day I learn something new, and I am always meeting new people since new studies start often. I love trying to help people improve their health through medications, diet, and exercise!
What's your most controversial food opinion?
I love pineapple on pizza!
If you could debunk one nutrition myth forever, what would it be?
Carbs are not your enemy; they are needed for good health!
What do you do at AHWC?
I am an Assistant Professor and researcher currently conducting nutrition and cancer survivorship research. I am also the Nutrition Research Director for the CCTSI Nutrition Core.
What do you love about working with the CU Anschutz community?
I love the support from and collaboration with people who have diverse areas of interest and expertise across all aspects of wellness.
What's your go‑to 5‑minute meal on a busy day?
A mini snack board with turkey, cheese, crackers, grapes, candied walnuts, mini cucumbers, and chocolate pretzels
Early breakfast or late-night snack?
Early breakfast!
What do you do at AHWC?
I see patients individually and in groups through the CU Medicine Weight Management Clinic and also work in research.
What do you love about working with the CU Anschutz community?
I love working with highly collaborative and supportive teams!
What food trend are you secretly loving or wishing would disappear?
A food trend I'm secretly loving is adding egg whites to oatmeal - it sounds strange, but it gives a fluffy texture and adds protein.
Smoothie or Salad?
I'd choose a smoothie over a salad any day; especially a banana protein smoothie with cocoa powder and a pinch of cayenne!
What do you do at AHWC?
Registered Dietitian with CU Medicine Weight Management and Wellness Clinic, providing individualized nutrition counseling.
What do you love about working with the CU Anschutz community?
The CU Anschutz community is incredibly supportive, and you can feel the enthusiasm and shared commitment to making a difference every day.
If you could eat one cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Italian, especially linguini with white clam sauce
If you could debunk one nutrition myth forever, what would it be?
That carbs are bad. Many nutritious foods can get unfairly thrown under the bus. Carbohydrates provide essential energy and nutrients, and play an important role in a balanced diet, plus they’re delicious!
What do you do at AHWC?
Registered Dietitian in the Community Nutrition Programs, leading Spanish Nutrition Programming.
What do you love about working with the CU Anschutz community?
The opportunity to work with populations that might not otherwise get reliable nutrition information.
If your cooking style were a music genre, what would it be?
Deathcore —loud, flavorful, and ready to punch you in the mouth.
What’s your go‑to 5‑minute meal on a busy day?
I heat frozen black bean burgers in the toaster, then put on Dave's killer bread with avocado.