Born and raised in Nebraska, Val’s a Cornhusker at heart! After graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she went on to complete her master’s degree in nutrition science and dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota. She is board certified as a specialist in sports dietetics and has received a certificate of training in adult weight management. Val’s special interests include weight management, eating disorders, women’s health, and sports nutrition (including performance nutrition for dancers).
Before establishing her own practice, EnlightenU Nutrition Consulting, LLC, Val worked for The Emily Program as a clinical dietitian specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. Along with developing skills as a nutrition therapist with a deep understanding of “change psychology”, she gained experience treating a variety of medical nutrition-related conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal, and GI disorders. Focusing on recovery, wellness and disease prevention, Val has provided clinical nutrition therapy to hundreds of patients.
As the coordinator of dietetic interns for the University of Minnesota-The Emily Program Dietetic Internship, Val enjoyed her passion educating individuals by developing and implementing programs for the first ACEND accredited eating disorder dietetic internship in the country. She continues to mentor students individually and through speaking opportunities with dietetic student groups.
Additional consulting projects have included menu analysis and nutrition recommendations for a large child care agency in the Twin Cities, volunteering as a nutrition educator for community services and consulting with sports teams about nutrition and improving performance.
Speaking
Val is available to speak to organizations, schools, businesses and sporting groups on a variety of topics. These include weight management, why diets don’t work, nutrition to optimize athletic performance, and food and mood, to name a few. All presentations are personalized appropriately to the audience.
Associations
Val is an active member of several Dietetic Practice Groups of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics —Nutrition Entrepreneurs Practice Group, Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition, Weight Management, and Behavioral Health Nutrition Group.
Personal
Val balances her time by living what she teaches—eating intuitively and staying active by enjoying golf, cycling, hiking, and weight lifting. She has been active with her church and faith, leading lively women’s Bible Study groups and children’s ministry for over a decade. Her greatest joy is her kids, and enjoys cooking, family meals, and quality time with friends.Before establishing her own practice, Val worked for The Emily Program as a clinical dietitian specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. Along with developing skills as a nutrition therapist with a deep understanding of “change psychology”, she gained experience treating a variety of medical nutrition-related conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal, and GI disorders. Focusing on recovery, wellness and disease prevention, Val has provided clinical nutrition therapy to hundreds of patients.
As the coordinator of dietetic interns for the University of Minnesota-The Emily Program Dietetic Internship, Val enjoyed her passion educating individuals by developing and implementing programs for the first ACEND accredited eating disorder dietetic internship in the country. She continues to mentor students individually and through speaking opportunities with dietetic student groups.
Additional consulting projects have included menu analysis and nutrition recommendations for a large child care agency in the Twin Cities, volunteering as a nutrition educator for community services and consulting with sports teams about nutrition and improving performance.
Speaking
Val is available to speak to organizations, schools, businesses and sporting groups on a variety of topics. These include weight management, why diets don’t work, nutrition to optimize athletic performance, and food and mood, to name a few. All presentations are personalized appropriately to the audience.
Associations
Val is an active member of several Dietetic Practice Groups of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics —Nutrition Entrepreneurs Practice Group, Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition, Weight Management, and Behavioral Health Nutrition Group.
Personal
Val balances her time by living what she teaches—eating intuitively and staying active by enjoying golf, cycling, hiking, and weight lifting. She has been active with her church and faith, leading lively women’s Bible Study groups and children’s ministry for over a decade. Her greatest joy is her kids, and enjoys cooking, family meals, and quality time with friends.
EnlightenU Nutrition Consulting, LLC 