Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Kent
Hi Andrea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never thought I would work in healthcare originally, I went to UCSB and focused on entrepreneurship and communication research.
After college I started working with a Registered Dietitian who completely changed my relationship and thoughts about nutrition. I had always thought that in order to be healthy we needed to over control what we ate, but in reality listening and honoring our body are synergistic with reaching our health goals. I then went back to get a second Bachelors degree in nutrition, a Masters in Public Health from UC Berkeley and completed a dietetic internship through San Francisco State and Stanford Healthcare. About 6 years later of school and many nutrition roles, I became a Registered Dietitian myself.
I have worked in clinical nutrition in acute hospital settings, nutrition research on studies that often reach the mainstream media, outpatient counseling and oncology nutrition. I have also spent many years working in eating disorder recovery nutrition and intuitive eating support. Ultimately, starting my own private practice has allowed me to combine the evidence-based nutrition I believe in, with an empathetic and “meet someone where they are at” counseling style. I have spent extra time ensuring I am up to date with functional and digestive health as that is often at the crux of our relationship and experience with food.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Going back to school after I thought I would be done forever was a bit of an adjustment. My clinical internship at Stanford Healthcare was especially challenging. I had never worked in a hospital setting before so had a learning curve of transitioning to such an acute mindset.
As you know, we’re big fans of Kent Nutrition Counseling. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Kent Nutrition Counseling is an in-person and virtual nutrition practice right off of the 5 and 52. This practice accepts 3 of the major insurance providers- Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare PPO Plans as well as takes private pay. There is an emphasis on intuitive eating and helping clients find sustainable ways to eat that honor both their mind and body. Specifically the practice offers nutrition counseling for eating disorders, complex digestive issues such as IBS and SIBO, heart health and general nutrition for chronic diseases. Teens and adults are welcome.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
In the world of nutrition there are so many different avenues to take. Giving yourself some time to find your niche and then focusing on working with individuals that do something similar is helpful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kentnutritioncounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kent_nutrition_counseling/?hl=am-et
Image Credits
Kylie Chevalier
