I strongly believe in the power of community, especially investing in today’s youth. Today, there’s so much negativity surrounding youth (they’re all obese, lazy, and spend too much time playing video games and texting). I choose to turn the negative energy into positive action by supporting local organizations who work to help kids eat healthy and get fit.

Brain-Food
Brainfood is a non-profit youth development organization in Washington, DC. Using food as a tool, Brainfood builds life skills and promotes healthy living in a fun and safe environment.

a healthy cooking lesson

I started volunteering with Brain-Food in its first year. I began by creating a nutrition education curriculum that they could integrate into their program so the kids could build good nutrition habits while learning culinary skills. Now, I teach nutrition courses several times a year. I focus on the motto “healthy is fun” through interactive sessions such as “Pimp My Ride” - a play off the MTV show where I help kids understand the relationship between healthy food and healthy bodies and “Extreme Makeover: Breakfast Edition” - where I focus on quick and healthy breakfasts.

Visit the “Bite of Brainfood” blog
Blog posts from previous sessions
http://www.brain-food.org/blog/it-s-like-having-the-day-off-but-better
http://www.brain-food.org/blog/step-into-our-office-part-i

Achieve Kids Summer Tri Youth Camp
ACHIEVE Kids Tri, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to enriching the lives of youth through the sport of triathlon. Athletes learn how to train for the swim, bike, run, and transitions of a triathlon in a free six-week camp open to youth ages 9 - 14. At the end of every ACHIEVE camp, the athletes put all their hard work into action at a USAT sanctioned kids’ triathlon. As youth navigate the challenges of a triathlon, they also build essential life skills in fitness, exercise, discipline and self-confidence.

I also passionately donate my time and skills to organizations that mean something to me personally.

Diabetes Action Team
In 2008, I ran Marine Corps Marathon to raise funds for diabetes research with Team Diabetes Action. My aunt passed away from complications with diabetes and my mom currently lives with the disease. I also have several friends with family members dealing with diabetes. I raised the second highest amount for all the Marine Corps Marathoners running for the Team thanks to my wonderful friends and family who actually believed in me!

Tour de Cure
I am raising funds and donating my nutrition expertise to the Washington, D.C. regional ride of the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
I have a friend and fellow dietitian living with CF. In her honor, I donate nutrition services for Foundation fundraisers, including the famous “Brewer’s Ball”.

DC Metro Area Dietetic Association
I am a board member for DCMADA, the area organization of dietetics professionals. I volunteer to organize educational events to help ensure D.C.’s finest RDs are on top of their game when it comes to emerging nutrition trends.