Deborah Kerchner

About Deborah

I have been a Registered Dietitian for over 20 years. I first was as an outpatient dietitian and then became a community nutritionist for the Women Infants and Children (WIC) health clinic. For the past 20 years, while raising my 5 children, I have counseled women of all ages in nutrition in my private practice. Five years ago, I became a certified lactation specialist, and then two years ago, a certified functional health coach. In my professional and personal life, I have learned that we all need to continually grow by applying science-based behavior modification tools with an open heart, and a curious and flexible mind for an optimally healthy and balanced life . Also, the mind, body, spirit connections are really what help us move from surviving to thriving. Lastly, we all need support and accountability in the process of our self-motivated healing. I am so grateful that I am able to help others love themselves, renew their joy of eating and their holistic health.

Approach to care

I specialize in a non-diet approach and Intuitive Eating, from a Health At Every Size® (HAES) perspective. I am passionate about helping move you away from restrictions and towards positivity-based changes, in order to cultivate a peaceful, loving relationship with yourself and others. Your size doesn't determine your health, and your mind, spirit, emotions and physical experiences are all very connected. I use a positive psychology, mindfulness, gratefulness, strengths-based approach to work with my clients. I am a caring, gentle, sensitive guide and I aim to help you avoid the cycle of low self-esteem and unhealthful emotional eating. I will help you to improve your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health and I will help you empower yourself to make changes that you choose using your own priorities and intuition.

Your first session with Deborah

During our initial meeting we will complete a nutrition assessment and health history. This may include your relationship with food, your body image, food sensitivities, food preferences, physical activity level and your overall stress. Together, we will fine-tune what you hope to get out of working together. By the end of the first session, we will cooperatively develop a personalized plan and actionable steps towards your goals so that you can improve and see yourself holistically in much better health.

Location

📍 Silver Spring, Maryland

Education

B.S. in Nutritional Science (Cornell University) M.S. in Nutrition Education (Columbia University) RD training at Columbia University and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist™ (Lactation Education Resources), Adapt-Certified Functional Health Coach (Kresser Institute)

Hobbies

Dancing to music in my kitchen, cooking and baking, playing with my kids and taking nature walks.

Licenses and Certifications