Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or just curious about what working together might look like, you’re in the right place.
Working With Me
Who do you work with?
I primarily work with women during pregnancy and postpartum (which is forever!) who want a more peaceful, supportive relationship with food.
This includes clients navigating gestational diabetes, body image concerns, a history of disordered eating, or simply wanting support to build regular meals while dealing with changing demands and nutritional needs. We also make space to talk about body image and the emotional shifts that commonly come with pregnancy and postpartum.
You don’t need to be doing anything “wrong” to work with me. Many clients come simply wanting guidance that feels realistic, respectful, and human.
How do I know if this is the right fit?
If you’re looking for nutrition support that is evidence-based, non-diet, and centered on trust rather than control, we’re likely a good fit.
I work collaboratively, value your lived experience, and don’t believe in fear-based or rigid approaches—especially during pregnancy and postpartum. And if you enjoy talking about hiking, romantasy novels, or gardening, that doesn’t hurt either.
I'm not pregnant or postpartum; can I still work with you?
Yes. Some clients work with me while preparing for pregnancy or during a season when they want to heal their relationship with food before becoming pregnant.
Do you work with clients who have gestational diabetes?
Yes. Supporting clients with gestational diabetes is a key focus of my practice.
I help clients manage blood sugars in a way that is evidence-based and compassionate—without unnecessary restriction, fear, or shame. We address both the physical and emotional impact of the diagnosis, not just the numbers.
Do you work with neurodivergent clients?
Yes. I work with many clients with ADHD or autism, including those diagnosed or self-identified later in life.
We focus on understanding how you function, identifying barriers, and building personalized strategies that actually work for you. There is no judgment here. If cereal works, it works. If very simple systems or visual reminders help, that’s welcome.
Will you help me lose weight?
The short answer is no—I’m not a weight-loss–focused dietitian.
My work centers on supporting health, nourishment, and a respectful relationship with your body, without making weight loss the primary goal or measure of success. While weight changes may occur for some people, they are not the objective of our work together.
I also recognize that weight bias is real, that there are systemic barriers to living in a larger body, and that people may have very valid reasons for wanting to lose weight. We can hold the desire for weight loss with honesty and compassion—without making it the reason you need to “fix” yourself or earn care.
What does it mean to be weight-inclusive?
To me, being weight-inclusive means treating all bodies with dignity and respect, while recognizing that people in larger bodies experience real and harmful weight bias—both in society and within healthcare.
A weight-inclusive approach focuses on health-supportive behaviors and wellbeing independent of body size or the pursuit of intentional weight loss. It does not assume that body size is a reliable indicator of health, that health looks the same for everyone, or that health is a moral obligation.
At its core, weight-inclusive care is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves access to respectful, non-stigmatizing, high-quality healthcare—regardless of weight, health status, or the reasons their body is the way it is.
Do you help with eating disorders or disordered eating?
Yes. I work with clients who have a history of eating disorders or disordered eating, including those who notice old patterns resurfacing during pregnancy or postpartum.
We move at a pace that feels safe and supportive, with a strong emphasis on mental health, body respect, and reducing shame around food.
I also work with individuals who have an active eating disorder when outpatient nutrition counseling is appropriate as part of a broader care team. In these cases, clients should also be working with a therapist and a medical provider.
What is Intuitive Eating?
Intuitive Eating is an evidence-based, non-diet approach to eating that is rooted in self-care and reconnecting with internal cues—such as hunger, fullness, satisfaction, and how food makes you feel—rather than external rules or food plans.
It also acknowledges that many people have lost touch with these cues due to diet culture, eating disorders, trauma, upbringing, a dysregulated nervous system, neurodivergence, or other lived experiences.
There are ten guiding principles of Intuitive Eating, and we weave these in gently and practically as we work to support both your physical health and your relationship with food.
Is Intuitive Eating just eating whatever you want all the time?
This is a very common myth, but the reality is much more nuanced.
Intuitive Eating isn’t about impulsively eating the first thing that comes to mind or eating the same foods all day long. Some people feel best with a bit of structure or advance planning, while others function better with more in-the-moment choices.
The goal is to discover what works for you—and to recognize that your needs can change from day to day. Intuitive Eating emphasizes flexibility, curiosity, and compassion, rather than rigid rules or “doing it perfectly.”
Will you tell me exactly what to eat?
No rigid meal plans or one-size-fits-all rules.
I offer guidance, education, and collaborative problem-solving to help you make choices that support your health, preferences, culture, and real-life constraints. The goal is confidence and trust—not compliance.
Doula Services
Do you offer birth doula services?
Yes. I offer birth doula support in addition to my nutrition counseling work.
My role is to provide steady, informed, and responsive support during pregnancy and birth—centering autonomy, emotional safety, and respect for your experience.
You can learn more on the dedicated Birth Doula page.
Do you offer postpartum doula services?
I offer limited, short-term daytime postpartum support for families I have supported during birth.
If you are looking for longer-term postpartum care or overnight doula support, I recommend exploring options through the Vermont Birth Network.
What areas do you serve?
I support hospital and home births throughout northern Vermont, including Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, and most of Washington and Addison counties.
I travel to UVM Medical Center, Porter Hospital, Northwestern Medical Center, Central Vermont Medical Center, Gifford Medical Center, and Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. Please reach out if you have a question!
What types of families do you serve?
I support individuals and families of all structures, identities, body sizes, and abilities — including queer folks, single parents, poly families, and trans and nonbinary parents.
I am a white, cisgender woman in a heterosexual relationship, and I recognize that some people may feel more comfortable working with a doula who shares more lived identities with them. If that’s the case, I’m always happy to offer referrals. We can talk together and see what feels like the best fit for you.
How much does doula support cost? Do you take insurance?
I believe doula care should be accessible. My most current rates are available on my birth doula page.
If this investment feels out of reach, I’m happy to discuss payment plans, barter, cash discounts, or scholarship opportunities.
Some services may be reimbursable through the BCBSVT Better Beginnings Program. Other insurance plans may offer reimbursement as well.
What happens if you can't make it to my birth?
I plan my schedule carefully and take on a limited number of clients so I can be fully present for each birth.
In the rare event that I’m unable to attend due to illness or an emergency, I have a backup plan in place and would communicate clearly with you. Continuity of care and your sense of support are always priorities.
What kind of training do you have?
I completed my Birth Doula training with Birth Arts International in 2016.
Since then, I have pursued additional formal training in Spinning Babies, pelvic dynamics workshops, HypnoBirthing, trauma-informed care, support for survivors of sexual assault, pregnancy and birth for trans-masculine individuals, StillBirthDay and loss and bereavement support, and ongoing self-study. I genuinely love all things birth and continue learning every year.
How many births have you attended?
I’m happy to share the number of births I’ve supported if you ask.
That said, I encourage families not to let a number carry too much weight when choosing a doula. The relationship and sense of trust between you matters most.
I have attended enough births to feel very confident in my skills and presence, and I also believe there is always something new to learn. I have supported fast labors, long labors, spontaneous births, inductions, scheduled and unscheduled cesareans, hospital births, home births, water births, VBACs, twins, uncomplicated births, medically complex births, and experiences of loss.
How does your doula background influence your nutrition work?
My doula training informs my nutrition counseling through a strong emphasis on respect, collaboration, and honoring lived experience.
I don’t believe in fear-based care or taking control away from clients—especially during pregnancy and postpartum. I’m a strong advocate for shared decision-making and recognize how profoundly the birth experience can shape mental health and relationships with the body.
Logistics
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. I offer virtual nutrition counseling through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform.
I am licensed in Vermont and may be able to work with clients in other states depending on licensing laws. If you’re located outside of Vermont, feel free to reach out and we can determine whether working together is an option.
Do you offer in-person sessions?
Yes. In-person nutrition counseling sessions are available at my office located at 53 Railroad St, Richmond, Vermont
Do you accept insurance?
I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, MVP, Cigna, United, and Vermont Medicaid.
For other plans, I can bill as an out-of-network provider. Understanding insurance benefits and coverage is the responsibility of the client.
How long do I work with you? How many sessions does it take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. We create an individualized plan based on your needs, goals, and what feels sustainable for you.
Some clients benefit from 3–4 sessions when working on a specific, time-limited concern—such as gestational diabetes support or building a meal-planning system that works for their family.
For those wanting to learn Intuitive Eating, improve their relationship with food, step off the cycle of restriction and overeating, work on body image, or address ongoing eating disorder symptoms, meeting more regularly (weekly or every other week) over several months tends to be most supportive.
We can also pause and resume our work together as needed—care doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing.
How do I get started?
The best first step is to schedule a free 15-minute discovery call. This gives us a chance to connect, make sure it feels like a good fit, answer your questions, and talk about next steps.
Still Have Questions?
Still Have Questions?
Do you have another question? Not sure where to begin? Sometimes the first step is simply having a conversation!