Kara is a registered dietitian that is passionate about providing judgment-free, individualized nutrition counseling while meeting clients where they are at in their journey. Kara practices from a non-diet, Health at Every Size, and trauma-informed perspective. She aims to help others understand their relationship with food and how it impacts their minds and bodies. Kara has experience working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, addiction, weight and metabolism, and sports nutrition. As a runner herself, she believes in the importance of fueling to feel and perform your best!
Kara graduated from Appalachian State University with a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Foods – Dietetics. Kara then went on to complete a master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition combined with a dietetic internship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Before Healthier Tomorrows, she worked with a residential facility working with clients with eating, mood, and substance use disorders. Kara has experience facilitating 1:1 cooking lessons, restaurant and food exposures, and grocery store tours.
In her free time, Kara enjoys running with her run club, baking/cooking new recipes, and spending time with her two pugs (Cashew and Cannoli)! On the weekend, you can find her trying out local Chicago coffee shops and walking through the farmer’s market!
It’s not uncommon to feel lost and confused when it comes to food. In fact, it’s frequently the norm. Jess steers away from the diet-mentality and focuses on a food-as-medicine and a “good, better, best” approach to educate and motivate clients to thrive and grow. Using her philosophy and approach, which are rooted in functional medicine, she has guided clients in healing and repairing their gut; supporting thyroid and immune health, reversing diabetes, elevated cholesterol, and high blood pressure; minimizing and managing pain and headaches; and supporting couples in preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum health. She works with her clients to create a highly customized plan to support their specific health and wellness goals for optimal health. In addition, with her emphasis on functional nutrition, she takes into consideration every aspect of each client’s health, diet, and overall lifestyle when providing nutrition recommendations.
Jess is also a Certified Functional Nutrition Informed Professional (CFNIP), Certified LEAP Therapist (CLT), and serves as the Functional Nutrition Director at Healthier Tomorrows. Practicing functionally offers individualized food and lifestyle goals that address the root cause of illness and health struggles, rather than just addressing symptoms. As Functional Nutrition Director, Jess advises and clinically supervises the dietitians at Healthier Tomorrows in looking at wellness from a functional perspective and addressing the whole body to support clients in optimizing their health.
Being food and chemical sensitivities are often at the root of the inflammatory processes within the body, Jess obtained her CLT certification. With her CLT certification she uses Mediator Release Testing to measure an individual’s reaction to 176 foods and chemicals to establish the most effective anti-inflammatory diet plan for the individual’s specific needs.
Jess obtained her undergraduate degree in dietetics from Bradley University and completed her dietetic internship through the University of Houston. She was part of the Healthier Tomorrows dietetic team from 2013 through 2015, and rejoined Healthier Tomorrows in 2020 to provide virtual nutrition education and support! She has significant experience working with clients in outpatient settings, and she enjoys fostering relationships with clients and providing ongoing support.
Clients appreciate her non-judgmental, realistic, and upbeat approach!
With years of experience supporting adolescents, teens, and adults, Courtney is a compassionate and knowledgeable registered dietitian who believes in a personalized, sustainable approach to nutrition. Her philosophy centers around nurturing a balanced relationship with food, movement, and body image—without the pressure of restrictive dieting. Courtney’s weight-neutral, all-foods-fit approach prioritizes overall health, empowering clients to embrace long-term habits that feel good and are rooted in self-care.
Courtney has dedicated much of her career to helping individuals navigate the complexities of eating disorders, providing care at all levels of treatment. Her goal is to foster a supportive, understanding environment where clients can explore their own unique paths to wellness. Through virtual sessions, she provides tailored guidance that respects each client’s individual needs and goals.
A graduate of Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri, with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Courtney’s training and experience combine to create a holistic, evidence-based approach to nutrition. She’s especially passionate about helping people develop a positive relationship with food—one that goes beyond the scales and calorie counting.
Courtney loves meeting her clients in the comfort of their own homes and is known for connecting with them on a personal level—often bonding with their pets during virtual sessions!
When she’s not working, Courtney enjoys outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and camping, as well as cozy indoor activities like baking with her two kids and husband. She loves sharing meals with family and friends, and you’ll often find her hosting holiday gatherings or baking for those she cares about.
If you’re ready to build a healthier relationship with food and take steps toward a sustainable, balanced lifestyle, Courtney is here to support you every step of the way.