Dawn Anderson

About Dawn

My interest in nutrition began through a deeply personal experience. With a background in research, culinary arts, and creative arts, I found dietetics to be the perfect field to bring together all my passions. A turning point came when a co-worker struggled to care for her seriously ill husband, overwhelmed by conflicting dietary advice for his heart, kidney, and GI conditions. Seeing her feel helpless due to a lack of clear guidance inspired me to help others avoid that same fear and confusion. My training in Medical Nutrition Therapy allows me to support clients with a range of needs, including chronic disease prevention and management. I'm especially passionate about helping individuals using GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound build sustainable, healthy habits. I also love culinary nutrition and honoring cultural food traditions. I believe that food should be nourishing, joyful, and culturally meaningful.

Approach to care

I'll meet you wherever you are on your health and nutrition journey. I'll work with you to define clear, personalized nutrition goals through a culturally competent and science-based approach. I strive to guide with compassion while confidently challenging diet myths and unhelpful nutrition beliefs.

Your first session with Dawn

During your initial nutrition assessment, we'll take time to explore your health history, current lifestyle, and any specific goals or concerns you have—whether it's managing a chronic condition, navigating medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists, or simply building a more sustainable, nourishing way of eating. I’ll ask about your dietary preferences and cultural food traditions so we can create a personalized plan that’s both effective and meaningful to you. You can expect a supportive, judgment-free space focused on collaboration, clarity, and practical next steps tailored to your unique needs.

Education

University of Rhode Island, Virginia State University, Virginia Commonwealth University

Hobbies

I enjoy urban gardening, building an impressive concert t-shirt collection, and love collecting and preserving family recipes.

Licenses and Certifications