Hey, I'm Jessica
I’m a Registered Dietitian with over 15 years of experience, and I’m especially passionate about helping people who feel like food has become complicated, stressful, or overwhelming. I specialize in eating disorders and ARFID, along with feeding challenges, digestive health, sports nutrition, hormone-related concerns, and helping clients develop a more flexible and positive relationship with food.
I believe nutrition care should be about more than food rules or a number on a scale. My approach is non-diet, weight-inclusive, individualized, and relationship-centered. I want clients to feel heard and understood, while also leaving sessions with practical skills and strategies they can actually use in their everyday lives.
Jessica Nelson
RD, LDN
I work with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and families. I particularly enjoy working with individuals and families navigating ARFID, selective eating, eating disorders, and the stress that can surround food and mealtimes.
Education & Professional Background
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Food Science at Western Michigan University and completed my dietetic internship at Viterbo University. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), licensed to practice in Illinois and Pennsylvania, and a NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT).
I have over 15 years of experience working in medical, psychiatric, outpatient, corporate, and private practice settings. My previous clinical roles include Clinical Dietitian & Nutrition Manager at Pine Rest Mental Health System, where I supported patients across the lifespan, as well as working in cardiac rehabilitation and outpatient nutrition counseling.
I’ve completed additional training in ARFID and responsive feeding, body image, intuitive eating, intuitive movement, and eating disorder treatment. I’m committed to continuing my education so that my approach remains thoughtful, evidence-informed, and responsive to the individual needs of my clients.
Clinical Specialties
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Eating disorders & disordered eating
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ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
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Pediatric & adolescent feeding and selective/picky eating challenges
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Intuitive eating
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Body image
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IBS & digestive health
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Food allergies & Celiac disease
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Exercise, movement & sports nutrition
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Women’s & hormonal nutrition
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Evidence-informed supplement support
What It’s Like to Work With Me
Building trust starts with getting to know you. I take time to build rapport, listen with empathy, and understand where you’re coming from. My approach is flexible because not every client or every situation needs the same thing. Sometimes that means being gentle and supportive; other times it means being direct, asking challenging questions, or getting curious about something that may be holding you back.
I try to bring a very human, relatable, and practical approach to nutrition counseling. I often connect nutrition concepts to real-life situations and share examples to make things easier to understand and apply. I also check in along the way to make sure things are making sense and provide resources when they’re helpful. I value honesty and transparency, and I believe nutrition counseling should feel collaborative rather than like someone is simply telling you what to do.
I focus on simplifying and organizing information, breaking things down into manageable steps, and recognizing that progress often involves some trial and error. There are going to be exceptions, imperfect days, and adjustments along the way and that's okay.
My hope is that you leave each session with a clear understanding of what we're working toward, why it matters, and how you can begin putting it into practice. Ultimately, this is your journey. My role is to guide, support, educate, and sometimes challenge you along the way. Nutrition isn’t a test you pass or fail. It’s a process of learning what works for you.
A Little About Me
Outside of work, I’m a mom of two and a big believer that some of the best parts of life happen around food and with other people. I love trying new foods, sharing meals, and cooking with someone else. I’m also a big animal lover and enjoy spending time cuddled up with my two cats and two English Bulldogs.
I love being active in lots of different ways. From volleyball or strength training to walking and, more recently, learning to skateboard. When I have the time, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and painting. I love finding new ways to be creative, stay active, and enjoy the people and things that make life fun.
