I hope so! But there are a few things that you should know. Multiple Sclerosis remains a disease with no known cause and no known cure. The way you eat will not change this. Being realistic about the role of food in the MS disease process is not a negative thing. I work with my clients on eating well WITH MS. Many have tried ALL the diets and are just worn out with the food rules and restrictions that didn’t help them feel any better.

If …

• You are hoping a dietary intervention will cure MS.
• You are looking for a “MS DIET” with healing regimens or forbidden foods
• You are committed to a specific protocol that restricts a wide variety of foods.

...then we may not be a good fit.

But, if…

• You would like to have access to evidence-based information on the role of nutrition in health and wellness with MS
• You would like to understand what it means to eat well with MS 
• You would like to make some changes in your daily habits to be healthier but are not sure where to start
• You have made some changes in your daily habits to be healthier but are not sure how to keep it going
• You need some guidance on implementing the changes that will have the biggest impact on your health
• You would like to turn your goals into habits
• You want answers to nutrition questions from a Registered Dietitian living with MS for over 10 years
• You would like to dive deeper into the role of nutrition in MS beyond the clickbait…
• You would like to know how managing your comorbid health conditions can help you live better with MS
• Are DONE with restrictive regimens or protocols but want to BE healthy
• You no longer believe that you need a protocol or a set of rules to feel confident that your food will nourish you and contribute to health

…then, I think we would be a great fit and I’d love to work with you!

No! I do have a special place in my heart (and practice) for folks living with MS, but I also work with clients living who have digestive health issues including FODMAP’s, are navigating cancer treatments, and/or are adapting their food choices for cardiovascular disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

Also, many of my clients who live with MS also have other chronic illnesses like the ones listed here. Many of my clients appreciate that I understand how MS shows up in unexpected ways and can make eating well a challenge.

I have also worked with people who are loved ones, or support partners for someone living with MS (and cancer). This is because if someone you love is living with MS, so are you. If this is you and you would be interested in joining us in the MSBites Collective, please do!

I am a weight-neutral, Health At Every Size® informed dietitian. Instead of focusing on a weight-oriented outcome, I work with and encourage my clients to take charge of the factors they can control, such as thoughts and behaviors, which ultimately lead to improved well-being, regardless of weight.

Can I pay for the MSBites Collective and/or 3 Month 1:1 Personalized Nutrition Coaching program(s) with Insurance?

• While I am a Blue Cross Blue Shield credentialed provider, these programs not billable to insurance.

Can I use my Flexible Spending Health Account or Health Savings Account for payment?

• Yes, many clients opt to use health savings accounts (HSA) or flex spending (FSA) funds to pay for nutrition coaching. If your card operates like a debit or credit card, most clients are able to pay for our services with (FSA) cards or (HSA) cards.

Are you a provider referring a client?

• I look forward to collaborating care and hope to help support you and your client. Please share any relevant clinical information via fax to 336-234-1343. Please instruct your client to reach out to me directly to schedule a meeting.
• If I am not a good fit for your client, I will recommend other professionals that I trust.

My doctor referred me to see you. What is my first step?

• You can schedule a meeting here or if you prefer to begin with a phone call, schedule that here. I am a Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider and can help you file with them if you like.
• Insurance reimbursement varies by policy. Before scheduling, you are advised to check with your insurance company regarding nutrition benefits. It is your responsibility to contact your insurance company to determine if nutrition services are covered for your policy. To check your benefits with your insurance provider, call the member services phone number listed on the back of your insurance card. Make sure to ask the following key questions:
  • Do I have medical nutrition therapy (MNT) benefits? Do your benefits include coverage for preventative nutritional counseling AND/or MNT for specific medical diagnoses? Example: Type 2 Diabetes
  • Is there a co-pay?
  • How many visits are covered and over what time frame?
  • Is a referral required?

If you have a different type of insurance, I can provide you with a superbill, which is a document you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. Reimbursement in this way varies from company to company. Payment will be expected at the time of service.

What is the difference?

As a licensed nutrition professional, I think it’s important to make a distinction between medical nutrition therapy and nutrition coaching. Both are valuable services, but they are different in scope and practice.

Medical Nutrition Therapy

• is a specific application of the Nutrition Care Process in clinical settings that is focused on the management of diseases. MNT involves in-depth individualized nutrition assessment and duration and frequency of care using the Nutrition Care Process to manage disease. Licensure prevents me from providing medical nutrition therapy outside of North Carolina.

Nutrition Coaching

• is goal-oriented, future-focused, and is more education and recommendation based than prescriptive. Coaching is like a therapy session where we’ll have conversations about what matters most to you, acknowledge where you’re currently at, where you want to go, and together we’ll develop a strategy broken down into manageable steps that add up to significant lasting change. You’ll be in the driver’s seat throughout the whole process which will help you build your confidence. I’ll add in my expertise when you ask for it or if necessary, but because this is not a prescriptive process, I will not tell you what to do. Lasting change comes from self-directed goals and as a coach, it’s my job to guide you to those. I offer nutrition coaching to anyone, regardless of where you live.

In-office versus virtual

• Due to COVID 19 concerns, all services are available virtually.

Are you available to speak at our event or meeting?

• First, thank you so much for thinking of me!
• In the past, I’ve spoken at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Pathways to Wellness in MS Program, Can Do Multiple Sclerosis in person as well as virtual programs, and other events that are focused on the role of nutrition in multiple sclerosis as well as the role of the registered dietitian in the MS interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Please contact me with information about your event, your budget, and specifics on what you would like for me. I’d be happy to discuss this with you!