Melissa is a holistic nutrition counselor, credentialed nationally as a Registered Dietitian and locally as a Texas State Licensed Dietitian, focusing on a whole-foods plant-based diet. 

She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Master of Science degree in Nutrition, with a focus on  whole foods, at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington.

After completing her degree at Bastyr she then went on to complete a dietetic internship, approved by the American Dietetic Association, at the University of Washington.  Clinical training sites included University of Washington Medical Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance among others. 

Before returning to her native Texas home, Melissa worked at the University of Washington Medical Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, both in Seattle Washington, where she gained extensive experience working with cancer patients, especially breast and prostate cancer, and leukemia. Melissa has been in private practice since January 2006 focusing primarily on weight management, Cancer prevention, Cancer treatment support, and Cancer survivorship. Melissa also works with clients to prevent and reverse Heart disease and Diabetes using a plant-based diet.

In addition to her private practice in Austin, TX, Melissa is an Adjunct nutrition instructor at Texas Culinary Academy, a Cancer Project Food-For-Life Cooking Instructor, and provides online nutrition counseling services as a licensed provider for Real Living Nutrition Services®.

Melissa strongly believes our health is connected to the health of our environment.  Therefore, she practices and encourages sustainable living. Eating local and organic food is beneficial for our planet and our health. Melissa can guide you to healthful food choices that make sense for you and the environment.