Melinda Barnum

About Melinda

I’m a Registered Dietitian, educator, mother of 2, dog lover and married to my husband for many years with a passion for helping others feel confident in their health. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Arizona State University and my Master’s degree in Nutrition from the University of Saint Joseph’s. I have a strong clinical background working with individuals managing a variety of health conditions, with a particular focus on solid organ transplant nutrition. Alongside clinical practice, I teach and mentor future nutrition professionals at the college level. Through private practice, I’m able to bring all of these roles together in one place—creating a supportive, neutral space where individuals can learn about nutrition, build practical skills, and work toward better health with guidance and encouragement.

Approach to care

Nutrition can feel confusing, frustrating, and even discouraging at times—and you’re not alone in that. My approach to care is supportive, non-judgmental, and centered on meeting you exactly where you are. I understand that everyone is at a different place in their health journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all path to making changes. Whether you’re just starting to think about improving your nutrition or you’re ready to take more structured steps, my role is to support you at your current stage. Together, we focus on simplifying nutrition and creating realistic, achievable changes that fit your life, build confidence over time, and feel sustainable—not pressured or restrictive. This is a collaborative process, and my goal is to help you feel supported, empowered, and confident as you work toward healthier habits at your own pace.

Your first session with Melinda

Your first nutrition session is really a getting-to-know-each-other visit. We’ll review your intake forms together, talk through your health history, lifestyle, and any concerns you’d like support with, and make sure I fully understand what brought you here. This session is relaxed and conversational—there’s no pressure and no judgment. My goal is to learn about you, your goals, and what has or hasn’t worked in the past so we can decide the best place to start. By the end of the visit, we’ll identify a few realistic first steps and outline what support moving forward can look like, so you leave feeling comfortable, heard, and confident in the plan ahead.

Location

📍 Arizona

Education

Masters degree in Nutrition

Hobbies

Hanging out with friends and family, playing with my dog, puzzles, reading and learning more about nutrition.

Licenses and Certifications