Darby Heiland

About Darby

Darby is a full-time cat mom to Winston and Penny (who are usually well-behaved). She believes nutrition is more than a requirement for survival- it should be enjoyed, flexible, and sustainable, with room for ALL foods. With over 8 years of experience in outpatient counseling, Darby has supported individuals through a variety of health and wellness goals. Most recently, she worked as a bariatric dietitian, guiding patients both before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrecomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries. She also has extensive experience helping patient's achieve success with weight loss medications, including GLP-1s.

Approach to care

Darby's philosophy is rooted in flexibility, compassion, and trust. You won't find rigid food rules or strict guidelines in her practice, because life is unpredictable and health is never a one-size-fits-all. Instead, Darby helps individuals build confidence in their own food choices, empowering them to create a balanced approach that supports both their health and lifestyle. Her ultimate goal is to guide clients toward a healthy relationship with food that is sustainable, enjoyable, and aligned with their personal wellness goals.

Your first session with Darby

During your first visit with Darby, you'll spend time getting to know each other. She'll ask you in depth questions about your personal journey with food, dieting, and medical history- not to judge, but to better understand your unique experiences and needs. Building rapport is important, so feel free to share about your hobbies, lifestyle, and even your pets (Darby especially love hearing about your cats!). You'll also talk through what a typical day looks like for you, including your eating patterns, sleep, and stress levels. From there, Darby will provide education tailored to your goals and together you'll create personalized, realistic action steps to work on between sessions. Her goal is to make your first session a comfortable, collaborative experience where you feel heard, supported, and empowered.

Location

📍 Ohio

Education

Kent State University, Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (2015) Kent State University, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (2013)

Hobbies

Outside of work, Darby is a self-proclaimed mediocre Crossfitter and aspiring Hyrox athlete who enjoys staying active in active in new and challenging ways. She loves exploring new restaurants & breweries, sharing laughs over funny cat memes, and relaxing with her book club friends!

Licenses and Certifications