Marissa Sharkey

About Marissa

Hi! I’m Marissa, a Registered Dietitian with 8 years of experience. I began my career in a hospital setting, focusing primarily on ICU care—especially tube feeding, which quickly became a passion of mine. I genuinely love what I do and am dedicated to helping others find a healthy lifestyle that feels sustainable, balanced, and personalized. Outside of work, I’m an animal lover and proud cat mom to Graycie and Finnegan. I’m also a big fan of skincare and beauty—fun fact: I’m a licensed cosmetologist, but ultimately followed my heart into the field of nutrition. Come say hi on Instagram @thegutsy_dietitian—I’d love to connect and hopefully work together soon!

Approach to care

Nutrition should be simple, evidence-based, accessible, and inclusive. I believe food has no moral value—health is multifaceted and individual. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered. I am a strong advocate for personal autonomy, a positive relationship with food, and mental well-being. Whether you're navigating gut health concerns, tube feeding, PCOS, menopause, or another medical condition, I focus on building sustainable, health-promoting habits that support your unique needs and goals. In our sessions, we may explore topics like body image, your personal definition of health, and the societal influences that impact our perceptions of weight and wellness. Rather than writing rigid meal plans, I guide and support you through the process of meal planning in a way that works for your lifestyle. My aim is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to make informed, confident choices about your health.

Your first session with Marissa

My approach to nutrition doesn’t focus solely on weight loss. Weight does not define health, and while I recognize that weight management is important for some, it is not a central focus of my work. That said, I can support weight management in certain medical situations when appropriate. I also work with clients on body composition related to gym-based sports performance, as other sports fall outside my scope. It’s important to set clear expectations—while I’m here to guide and support you, your progress ultimately depends on your own actions and commitment. During your first session, we’ll review how Nourish works, confirm your contact information, ensure all necessary forms are completed, and discuss your medical history, lifestyle, challenges, and long-term goals. If time permits, we’ll also review your usual eating habits and other nutrition-related details to help guide your care.

Location

📍 New Jersey

Education

St. Elizabeth University: Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition Dietetic Internship: Cedar Crest College

Hobbies

Weight lifting, spirituality practices, spending time with loved ones, reading and traveling.

Licenses and Certifications