Meet Our Registered Dietitian Team

Andrea Holwegner, BSc, RD The Chocolate Loving Nutritionist
CEO (Chief Energy Officer), Online Course Facilitator & Professional Speaker

Pronouns: She/Her

Andrea Holwegner is the energetic founder and CEO of Health Stand Nutrition Consulting Inc. established in 2000. Her mission is to empower people to create a healthy and joyous relationship with food and their body.

She has counseled thousands of individuals and groups, including Olympic athletes, CEOs and employees in all different types of industries. She is also known as the chocolate loving nutritionist, believing anyone can achieve health without guilt or complexity, and that the secret to success is having fun.

She leads a team of experienced dietitians that help busy families with meal planning success, weight concerns, eating disorders, digestive issues, sports nutrition, heart health, diabetes and more.

Andrea is the creator of a one-of-a-kind online nutrition program The Pursuit of Healthiness^TM that focuses on helping busy people and time-strapped employees in companies achieve better health, meal planning success and move towards their personal best weight.

Andrea is one of a handful of Registered Dietitians in North America who are qualified professional speakers. She knows how to deliver relevant content mixed with humor and fun, capturing corporate, association and government audiences with a buzz that’s better than caffeine! Her simple ideas elevate productivity, work-life balance and health in a wide range of corporate, government and association audiences.

Andrea is a regular guest in the media and has been an on-air expert for Global Calgary Morning News, Breakfast Television, CTV Morning News, QR77 Radio and CBC News. She has written for the Calgary Herald newspaper and has been interviewed by CBC Radio in almost every province in Canada.

As a consultant on health trends and spokesperson for the food, grocery and restaurant industry, companies such as the healthy smoothie franchise Jugo Juice work and AG/Buy-Low Foods work with Andrea for her understanding of health-conscious consumers and to enhance credibility of marketing initiatives. Andrea is also the nutrition consultant for Brightpath Early Learning Inc., a publicly-traded company and leader in Canadian childcare.

Packed with knowledge, Andrea has/is:

• A Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition & Food Sciences and Dietetic Internship from the University of Alberta.
• A certified Craving Change™ expert specializing in strategies for problematic and emotional eating
• A member of the Dietitians of Canada, the College of Dietitians of Alberta, the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and the Global Speakers Federation
• A member of the Employee Health Insurance Advisory Committee and Private Practice Interest Group for the Dietitians of Canada
• Recipient of a regional award by the Dietitians of Canada: The Speaking of Food & Healthy Living Award for Excellence in Consumer Education.

In her spare time, Andrea enjoys skiing and mountain biking in the Canadian Rockies. As a foodie she also adores sipping wine with her husband over a delicious meal. Most of all, she loves being a mom and playing in the dirt in the vegetable garden she grows with her son.

Download Andrea Holwegner’s Bio:

• Full bio: PDF | Word Document
• Short bio:  PDF | Word Document
• Author box for articles: PDF | Word Document

Anne Vaillancourt BSc, RD
Registered Dietitian & Counseling Program Director

Pronouns: She/Her

Passionate about all things outdoor and nature, Anne’s mission is to help people live their best life by supporting them through emotional and physical changes in body and mind.

Focused on developing positive trusting relationships, you can count on Anne to listen, support you and guide you through the goals you create for yourself.

Anne grew up in a suburb of Montreal in a bilingual household. In the winter she played street hockey and figure skated and spent her summer helping in the garden and swimming in the backyard pool. Anne is an accomplished equestrian who worked as a camp counselor, riding instructor and polo groom at the stable where she boarded her horse from ages 12 to 22. Growing up in a French-Canadian family, much of her time was spent helping her working mom make delicious but cost-effective meals. Anne’s favorite foods have always been cheese, bread and everything maple! As an adult her new favorite food is now nutritional yeast on whole wheat toast with a cold glass of milk! (Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it)!

Anne graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Sciences. Her internships included rotations at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, the Montreal General Hospital, and the Saint-Anne’s Veterans’ Hospital.

Following graduation, Anne moved to Calgary to start her family and her career as a Dietitian. She quickly realized her talents expanded into managing people and organizations. Anne’s philosophy is to always lead with an open heart, in family, friendship, and business. Anne has co-owned two award-winning multi-location health franchises in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

She is registered with the College of Dietitians of Alberta and Dietitians of Canada. Anne also holds certifications in “Building Self-Esteem in Children and Adults” and “Train the Trainer.”

Having been a Dietitian in private practice for over 20 years, Anne joined Health Stand Nutrition as the Counseling Program Director. She is likely the first person you will encounter when inquiring about working with one of our Dietitians. You can expect to be treated with respect, warmth, and compassion. You can also expect timeliness and guidance to help you on your journey towards better health and wellness.

With physical and emotional health and wellness as a core value, one of Anne’s mission statements is “Every day I do something active – outdoors.” You can catch her hiking or camping with her two adult children and friends, walking her dogs, gardening, biking, rollerblading and kayaking. She also enjoys playing and coaching girls’ basketball in the fall and loves winter sports such as skating, cross-country skiing and yes, tobogganing!

Madison Gaffney BSc
Client Success Coordinator
Specialty: Intake Coordinator & Client Care

Pronouns: She/Her

Madison has always been deeply connected to movement, health, and human connection. As a former University of Calgary varsity field hockey athlete, she earned multiple Canada West All-Star awards and was a member of the team’s leadership group. She later discovered powerlifting, where she holds a provincial squat record. Her athletic background has shaped her calm, focused approach and her belief that consistency, support, and confidence are key to long-term success, both in sport and in health.

Madison holds a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology, reflecting her fascination with the intersection of biology, human behaviour, and culture. This academic foundation deepens her curiosity about how people think, feel, and engage with their health, and informs the thoughtful, individualized way she supports each client.

She is passionate about helping people feel heard, understood, and supported as they take steps toward improving their health. With experience in client-facing roles within the pharmacy and wellness space, Madison brings a highly organized, empathetic, and approachable presence to every interaction. She takes the time to listen, understand individual goals, and help clients feel comfortable and confident as they begin their nutrition journey with the Health Stand Nutrition team.

Outside of work, you’ll often find Madison strength training, playing pickleball, or enjoying long walks by the river with her dog. She loves being outdoors and believes that staying active should feel realistic, enjoyable, and sustainable. When it comes to food, she has a soft spot for anything spicy or dill pickle-flavoured and believes nutrition should be practical, flexible, and something you genuinely enjoy.

With her strong athletic foundation, scientific curiosity, and down-to-earth, approachable style, Madison brings enthusiasm, balance, and genuine care to every client experience at Health Stand Nutrition.

Daniela De Orbe, BBA
Marketing Specialist
Specialty: Brand strategy, digital marketing, content marketing, social media and market research

The Health Stand Dietitian family would describe Daniela as a breath of fresh air. Her warm approachability and natural curiosity about wellness and food makes her a welcome member of the team. She values purpose driven work and enjoys seeing the impact that her role has on truly making a difference in people’s health and mental health.

Born and raised in Alberta, Daniela was brought up in a Mexican household playing sports and staying active through school and club volleyball. Her mom’s Mexican dishes first sparked her joy of food. Today this love of food inspires her to become a great cook, eager to learn and try all kinds of recipes.

Always with a keen eye, her fascination with why people gravitate towards certain brands encouraged her to pursue a Marketing degree at Mount Royal University. During this time, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Madrid, Spain, immersing herself in different cultures and trying any and all cuisines!

Daniela is most passionate when her marketing solutions make a true impact on an organization. Through internships during school, she’s worked in various industries, establishing and growing organizations’ digital presence and community. She’s become a natural at discovering a problem, coming up with a creative yet strategic solution, putting it to the test, and finding ways to make it better.

Constantly working towards growth in every aspect of her life, Daniela aspires to build strong connections with those around her, continuously cultivate well-rounded skills, and evolve as a marketing expert. 

When she’s not nose-deep in projects, you can find Daniela enjoying a siesta, at the yoga studio, and spending time with friends and family. A natural adventurer, Daniela chases to capture any sight of pink clouds, and loves exploring new places, cultures, and cuisines.

As for her favourite foods, Daniela is torn between her mom’s Chilaquiles and roasted artichokes!

If you have any questions for our nutrition marketing specialist, please reach out here.

Jana Spindler, BSc, RD Registered Dietitian & Online Nutritionist 
Specialty: Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Emotional Eating, Mental Health, Sports Nutrition, ADHD, & Women’s Health

Pronouns: She/Her

Fitness enthusiast and lover of all things food, Jana is passionate about helping her clients improve their relationship with food and their body. She is a strong, motivational leader.  Jana also offers the balance of a warm, supportive coaching style to nudge her clients from their comfort zone while feeling safe and supported.

Originally from a small town in Nova Scotia, Jana grew up cooking hearty comfort food in the family kitchen and playing any sport she could. Jana moved to the Prairies to study Mechanical Engineering and to play competitive basketball for the University of Saskatchewan. After studying nutrition on the side for some time, she decided to make the switch from engineering and dive into the field of nutrition.

As a high-level athlete, Jana saw firsthand the impact that nutrition can have on sports performance. She tweaked her own nutrition and saw great benefits in her achievements, strength and recovery time. This further sparked her interest in nutrition and learning as much as she could about sports nutrition for athletes and recreational fitness enthusiasts in the gym.

She has experience working in a range of environments including general nutrition and heart health education as a clinical dietitian for neuro-rehab patients.  She has also provided nutrition counselling for clients of a personal training facility and worked as a family educator in a childhood obesity prevention program.

As her career progressed, Jana has developed a niche in working with recovering yo-yo dieters, eating disorders and mental health clients. Jana’s philosophy focuses on working towards enjoyment of all foods (including her favorite treats of date squares and fresh baked cookies) and body confidence. Jana has a very rare background of being both a sports nutritionist and an eating disorder dietitian.  She has a special interest in helping athletes use nutrition as their competitive edge while maintaining a healthy relationship with food and their body image.

Jana has a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Saskatchewan. She completed her accredited dietetic internship through the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region. Jana is registered with the College of Dietitians of Alberta and Dietitians of Canada. She is a Certified Craving Change™ Facilitator and has experience working with clients who are engaged in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, EMDR and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Jana is a Canadian Certified Counselor (CCC) and has completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University fulfilling her goal to practice as both a Dietitian and Therapist. Jana’s strong leadership skills on the Health Stand team has naturally given her the title of Counseling Team Lead given she loves to mentor and encourage other Dietitians to grow and excel in their roles.

Jana continues to be a fitness enthusiast today. She loves scrambling tall peaks, hiking, running, biking, basketball and “lifting heavy” things” for fun in the gym. She enjoys chasing her nieces and nephews around, coaching girls basketball and travel. Jana believes in living the healthiest life that you can honestly enjoy!

Shauna Kime, BSc, RD, CDE Registered Dietitian & Online Nutritionist 
Specialty: Weight Concerns, Emotional eating, Women’s Health, Type 1 / Type 2 Diabetes, PCOS, Heart Health, Pre/post Natal, Family Meal Planning

The first thing you will notice about Shauna is her contagious optimism, energetic personality and zest.  Shauna loves teaching and has a heart full of compassion and empathy for helping clients work through health and weight concerns.  You can’t help to feel more confident and excited to take action to improve your health after spending time with her.

Shauna has a zeal for all things ‘food’ – from taste testing healthy, new products on the market, to experimenting with new recipes and feeding fellow foodies.  She is always eager to help others understand the countless ways to add flavor and fun with cooking to improve health for all ages and dietary needs.  Sharing her expertise in the kitchen has transformed into teaching cooking classes to kids and parents, helping them grow their love for food variety, kitchen skills and how to make healthy foods taste great. She believes all foods fit into healthy eating (including ice cream which she ranks as her top favorite even in the winter which is her favorite season).

Shauna has diverse experience travelling and working abroad as well as in Canada. She graduated from the University of Wollongong, Australia, with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics degree.  She completed her accredited dietetic internship through Campbelltown Hospital, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney Children’s Hospital, and Nutrition Australia. She then travelled throughout Europe where she further gained an appreciation for the important connection between traditions and cultural foods.

She has worked in a private clinic setting focusing on weight management, healthy eating behaviors and disordered eating. Shauna has also worked with Alberta Health Services, specializing in the area of disease management, cardiovascular disease, weight concerns and diabetes. She specializes in family meal planning, cullinary education, Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), weight concerns and has a special interest in women’s health from adolescents to menopause and beyond.

She is a member of the College of Dietitians of Alberta, The Dietitians of Canada and is a Certified Craving Change^TM Facilitator specializing in strategies for problematic and emotional eating.  Shauna also holds a highly skilled national certification as a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE®).

In her free time you can find her with her husband, son and dog Koda, spending time outdoors whether it is exploring the mountains or training for a 10K, half-marathon or sprint triathlon. She is also an active member of her church community and empowers adolescent girls as a youth leader. As a cookbook addict you can also naturally find her trying new recipes and hosting friends and family around the dinner table.

Christine Devaney Towsley B.A.Sc., RD Registered Dietitian & Online Nutritionist 
Specialty: Intuitive Eating, Weight Concerns, Emotional Eating, Heart Health, Kids/Family Nutrition, IBS (Irritable Bowel Disease) / Digestive Health, Women’s Health, Pre/Post Natal, Metabolic Disease, Chronic Disease

A friendly and calm demeanor, combined with over a decade of clinical experience, makes Christine an ideal guide for people wanting to lead their best lives.  Experiences gained by working with people of all ages from a wide spectrum of backgrounds have provided Christine with tools to support clients with highly attuned care and practical solutions.

Christine has a special interest in weight inclusivity, metabolic syndrome, heart health, IBS and other digestive health concerns.  She also specializes in family nutrition for busy parents and steps to improve your relationship with food and body. No matter the concern, she will walk alongside you every step of the way.

Born and raised in Ottawa, Christine chose to complete her Bachelor of Science, in Applied Human Nutrition at the University of Guelph.  It was here where her love for the mechanisms of nutrients and how they each benefit the body grew.  Christine then completed her accredited dietetic internship through the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, where she was placed in both urban and rural locations throughout Northeastern Ontario.

Upon graduating internship, Christine landed a position on the Timmins Family Health team, where she was the sole Dietitian on a large multi-disciplinary health team. She was responsible for creating and disseminating nutrition education presentations and workshops, promoting and evaluating wellness initiatives, as well as individual counselling on a wide range of nutrition issues and concerns such as weight concerns, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and infant feeding.

From there, Christine moved back to her home town of Ottawa to work within the grocery industry.  Christine was one of the first Dietitians on what eventually became a national team to drive nutrition education and awareness to customers, store colleagues, and the greater community surrounding her catchment area.  As an in-store Dietitian, she was responsible for creating and providing nutrition education in the form of presentations, cooking classes, store tours, one-on-one counselling, and helped to increase customer loyalty and drive sales within her stores.  It was in this role and working with clients seeking to lose weight where she began to understand the complexities surrounding those individuals’ desire to change their body size, leading her to dive into the research surrounding diet culture and intuitive eating.  Christine was also the lead for media and regularly appeared on CTV morning television.

Christine grew up with French and therefore understands and speaks at an intermediate language level which is helpful for many of her French clients. She is a member of the College of Dietitians of Ontario, the College of Dietitians of Alberta and Dietitians of Canada. Christine is also a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor  and certified as a Craving ChangeTM Facilitator specializing in strategies for problematic and emotional eating.  When not working as a Dietitian, Christine is busy raising and wrangling her two young sons, catching up with friends and family, and most likely snacking on her favourite food…tortilla chips.

Courtney Skanderup MSc, RD Registered Dietitian & Online Nutritionist 
Specialty: Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Mental Health, Emotional Eating, Intuitive Eating, Chronic Disease, Geriatrics/Seniors Health, IBS & Digestive Health, Dysphagia/Swallowing Issues, ADHD, & Women’s Health

Pronouns: She/Her

Thoughtful and empathetic are words often used to describe Courtney. She strives to create genuine connections with clients and works to create an inclusive space for all. She is passionate about working with individuals struggling with health issues, yo-yo dieting recovery, disordered eating and helping clients feel at peace with food and their bodies.

Courtney grew up in Calgary, where she was active in figure skating and played field hockey at the provincial level. After high school, she moved to Vancouver to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health with a major in Dietetics at the University of British Columbia. She completed her dietetic internship in Kamloops, B.C. with Interior Health. Courtney has extensive experience in seniors nutrition, chronic disease management, and texture-modified diets for dysphagia (swallowing issues), stemming from her work in a complex care geriatrics facility. She has also had the opportunity to work with the Ismaili Muslim Community and values the cultural importance of food, family, and tradition. In addition, Courtney has provided nutrition counselling in a family medical clinic, supporting physician-referred clients with concerns such as family meal planning, heart disease, IBS, diabetes, and weight concerns. While she has experience across many areas of nutrition, her true passion lies in supporting individuals with disordered eating. Having navigated her own eating disorder and recovery during her teens, along with volunteer work for a non-profit eating disorder foundation, Courtney brings deep compassion, empathy, and understanding to this work.

Courtney is registered with both the College of Dietitians of Alberta and the College of Dietitians of British Columbia. A lifelong learner, she is continually expanding her knowledge to best support her clients. She holds a Master of Science in Dietetics from North Dakota State University, with a focus on eating disorders, weight stigma, pregnancy, and infant health. Courtney is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor, a Certified Craving Change™ Facilitator specializing in emotional eating, and has specialized training in digestive health with training in the low FODMAP diet from Monash University.

Courtney is a mom to a busy toddler and loves spending time with friends and family. She’s always up for trying something new, especially adrenaline-filled adventures like canyoning, caving, and whitewater rafting. A devoted dog lover, she enjoys staying active outdoors with her pup, Pepper. Courtney has completed yoga teacher training and previously taught aerial yoga. She loves experimenting with new recipes, sharing food with others, and finds deep satisfaction in baking—especially crafting crusty sourdough bread with her trusty starter, Dough-ra.

Paige Thomsen BSc, RD Registered Dietitian & Online Nutritionist 
Specialty: Women’s Health, Weight Concerns, Emotional Eating, IBS & Digestive Health, Disordered Eating, Mental Health, ADHD, Heart Health, Diabetes, Indigenous Health, Sports Nutrition, Chronic Disease

Pronouns: She/Her

Born and raised in Calgary, Paige started her career as a Registered Dietitian after completing her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and dietetic internship through the University of Alberta. Paige is a regulated member of the College of Dietitians of Alberta, College of Dietitians of British Columbia, and Dietitians of Canada.

Paige specializes in meal planning, women’s health, emotional eating, diabetes, heart health, digestive health, sports nutrition, eating disorders and mental health. She empowers long term habit change by helping her clients create routines that respect their own unique definition of health, values, and preferences (rather than unrealistic regimes fueled by fear, guilt and will power). She has supported many adolescents, athletes, and caregivers to alleviate chaotic eating patterns tied to their disordered thoughts about food and their body.

She has completed the Mental Health First Aid Course and ASIST Applied Suicide Intervention Skills in addition to a 1-year eating disorder education program for Registered Dietitians to further increase her understanding of mental health and open up space for difficult conversations around food. Paige’s approach incorporates mindful eating, intuitive eating, interactive meal support, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She is also a Certified Craving ChangeTM Facilitator specializing in strategies for problematic and emotional eating.

Though Paige has worked in a variety of care settings from outpatient counseling to inpatient clinical hospital programs, she has had an extensive focus in First Nation communities. Working with the communities has broadened her expertise in chronic disease management, community health programming, and food sovereignty. Recognizing how each client’s identity and experiences impact their health behaviours, Paige is committed to decreasing the stigmatization of marginalized identities across the nutrition field in the pursuit of health equity.

Outside of work, Paige enjoys being very active. She enjoys running short distances locally, the challenge of a half marathon, and trail running in the mountains recreationally. In addition to hiking, rollerblading, and rock climbing, she relaxes with portrait drawing celebrities (a new hobby she picked up when she broke her wrist snowboarding!). Above all else, you will recognize she has a deep passion for new food and sandwiches. You will struggle to convince her that there is a better sandwich than a Reuben on toasted marble rye bread.

Maryke Schouten BSc, RD Registered Dietitian & Online Nutritionist 
Specialty: Women’s Health, Menopause, Weight Concerns, Emotional Eating, Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Heart Health, Diabetes, Chronic Disease, Family Meal Planning, Geriatrics/Seniors Health, Dysphagia/Swallowing Issues, Plant-based & Sustainable Eating

Pronouns: She/Her

Maryke is a natural connector – you will feel her presence right when you meet her!  She has a genuine interest in other people, their story and finds creative ways to weave healthy living into anyone’s life.

She was an ‘expat brat’ growing up in far-flung places such as Barbados, Indonesia and Hong Kong until moving to Calgary in her early teens. Maryke moved to Vancouver in her early 20’s, travelled, completed a diploma in Asian Studies and then went to the University of British Columbia (after some more travelling) where she discovered there was such a thing as a science-based nutrition program called dietetics! She completed a Bachelor’s of Science in Dietetics with Honours from the Faculty of Food and Nutrition from the University of British Columbia and Internship at the Vancouver Hospital.

Maryke spent the first twenty years as a Dietitian working in the whole gamut of life for seniors in long term care – from the kitchen to clients themselves – for Maryke it was all about how to spark joy with food for those people living with so many conditions and few choices. She eventually worked as a consultant supporting care homes in three different provinces. Her work in advocacy led to her earning the Dietitians of Canada Marie Taylor Award for Excellence in Long Term Care.

Following that, Maryke took a break from practicing nutrition to pursue her first passion of creative writing and published her debut novel The Beckoning Sky in 2021. At the same time, she had the honour of being reconnected with seniors through the StoryShare Project in which she captured local elders’ lived history in video with the not-for-profit Storytelling Alberta.

Public health education was Maryke’s next undertaking in dietetics. She started working with a large grocery retailer where she has provided countless virtual and in person grocery tours for all ages, on a variety of topics, using her love of creativity and storytelling to engage people in the delight of eating to be healthy and happy. She started to miss one-on-one connections with people so following building her knowledge and skills in counselling, was reconnected with people as a nutrition counsellor specializing in employee health, chronic disease, weight concerns, seniors health, menopause, women’s health, plant-based/sustainability and family meal planning.

Maryke is registered with the Colleges of Dietitians of Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia as well as a member of Dietitians of Canada.

She is an avid gardener and is part of a local not-for-profit urban farm collective in which ‘we grow food as a community for the community.’ She has a keen interest in where food comes from, the sustainability of the food system and the environmental impacts of the food we eat.

These days, Maryke balances nutrition, wellness and her creative pursuits equally, providing nutrition counselling, and grocery store tours as well as working on her second novel and co-hosting writing and creativity retreats. She still has a love of travel and other cultures, including the food (of course!), and loves to experiment with recipes from around the world with a lens to locally grown and sustainable choices. She is a happy partner and mother of a male teen athlete (who is eating us out of house and home!), enjoys long walks in nature with her big black dog, Rocky, while Michelin the cat rests in his cozy bed.

Dawn Peacock BSc, RD Registered Dietitian & Online Nutritionist 
Specialty: Women’s Health, Weight Concerns, Emotional Eating, Menopause, Celiac Disease, Disordered Eating, Mental Health, ADHD, Autism, Bone Health, Meal Planning

Pronouns: She/Her

Warm, genuine, and down-to-earth, Dawn Peacock is a Registered Dietitian with over 20 years of experience helping clients simplify nutrition, reduce food stress, and build confidence in their eating habits. Known for her practical, compassionate approach, Dawn helps clients cut through the noise around food and find realistic strategies that work in everyday life. She’s recognized for her ability to turn complex nutrition science into practical, doable steps and for creating a safe, judgment-free space where clients feel supported and empowered to make lasting change.

Dawn grew up in Lethbridge, Alberta and began her career as a Registered Dietitian after completing her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship through the University of Alberta. She is a regulated member of the College of Dietitians of Alberta, College of Dietitians of Ontario, and Dietitians of Canada.

She began her career in women’s health, supporting clients through pregnancy, postpartum, menopause and chronic disease through one-on-one counselling, group sessions, and educational resources. This early experience laid the foundation for her deep understanding that nutrition isn’t just about food groups or portion sizes — it’s about how we feel, think, and live.

Dawn went on to work in a weight management and bariatric surgery program in public health.  This experience provided her with a passion to help people move away from all-or-nothing eating patterns and build a more peaceful, flexible relationship with food. Her non-diet, weight-inclusive approach is grounded in empathy, curiosity, and practicality to meet clients where they are and help them create lasting, sustainable change.

She later joined a public health osteoporosis centre, providing specialized nutrition counselling focused on optimizing bone health while managing complex health conditions. These years of clinical experience gave Dawn a well-rounded perspective on how nutrition impacts every stage of life — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

As a mom of two active boys — one with ADHD and celiac disease — Dawn also brings a real-life understanding of the challenges families face around food. She knows how demanding it can be to juggle food restrictions, busy schedules, and the never-ending “what’s for dinner?” loop while still trying to feed yourself well.

Dawn blends the science of nutrition with the psychology of eating, helping clients understand not just what they eat, but why. She’s deeply passionate and endlessly curious about the habits and thought patterns that shape our relationship with food. She lives for the “ah-ha” moments when clients start to see food, their bodies, or themselves in a kinder, more compassionate way.

A lifelong learner, Dawn continues to expand her training in eating disorders, body image, trauma-informed care, ADHD nutrition, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. She has been featured as a nutrition expert on CTV, CBC, in Chatelaine, Canadian Health Magazine, and the Calgary Herald, where she shares her grounded, realistic take on making food less stressful and more enjoyable.

Outside of work, Dawn enjoys staying active, creative projects, and cheering on her sons at the hockey rink or baseball diamond. She loves long walks with a latte and a good podcast, hopping on her Peloton (where she admits her competitive streak shines), and making jewelry – even trying her hand at welding to bring her ideas to life. She starts every morning with a latte and a square of chocolate – a daily ritual that perfectly captures her balanced philosophy.

Dawn’s approach is simple: life’s too short to stress over food. She believes all foods can fit, and that nutrition doesn’t have to be perfect or complicated to make a difference.

Erin Hamilton BSc, RD
Specialty: Sports Nutrition, Digestive Health, Celiac Disease, Chronic Disease, Women’s Health, Weight Concerns, Emotional Eating, Disordered Eating, Meal Planning

Pronouns: She/Her

Erin is a Calgary-born and raised Registered Dietitian known for her approachable, practical style and her passion for helping people fuel their bodies with confidence. Whether working with competitive athletes or everyday clients, Erin focuses on realistic strategies that support performance, health, and enjoyment of eating.

Erin’s journey with sport and food started long before she pursued nutrition professionally. Growing up playing ringette and field hockey, sport was always part of her story – fueling her interest in how nutrition supports performance, recovery, and overall health. Her interest in nutrition was further sparked during international travel when she lived in Switzerland with a billet who was a chef. Experiencing a culture deeply connected to food inspired her curiosity about the role food plays in both health and performance.

Erin completed her nutrition degree in Nova Scotia at St. Francis Xavier University, where she also completed an integrated dietetic internship with training across clinical, community health, and sport nutrition settings.

Since starting her career as a Registered Dietitian, Erin has worked across a range of high-performance sport environments. Through her work with the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta, she currently supports national-level athletes, including Canada’s 3×3 basketball and fencing teams. She also works with the Calgary Flames development program, supporting athletes from junior and collegiate levels through to the NHL, and has served as the team dietitian for the Calgary Hitmen.

At the university level, Erin is the lead performance dietitian at Mount Royal University, working with all varsity teams, and consults with Dinos Football at the University of Calgary. Across these roles, she supports athletes in navigating the complex balance between training demands, recovery, and everyday life.

While Erin has a strong background in performance nutrition, she also works with clients navigating a wide range of nutrition concerns including eating disorders, GI conditions such as Celiac disease and IBS, and general nutrition concerns such as chronic disease management, weight concerns, and improving overall eating habits. Having lived experience with Celiac disease, Erin has an in-depth understanding of how to live soulfully while following a gluten-free diet. Erin is especially passionate about helping clients rebuild trust with food and their bodies while finding sustainable ways to nourish themselves.

Erin has earned her Level 1 ISAK certification, an international qualification in body composition assessment. She has also completed Mental Health First Aid training and is currently completing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Diploma in Sports Nutrition, a comprehensive global program designed to advance expertise in fueling elite and high-performance athletes. Erin is a lifelong learner, frequently participating in short courses and self-directed projects to further her understanding of nutrition.

Outside of work, Erin is often found at the golf course squeezing in 9 holes with her husband. Most of their travels include golf and good wine. Through the cold months, Erin enjoys downhill skiing and spending time outside with her puppy, Frank. Soup is the first food that comes to mind when Erin hears “soulful.” Soup Sunday is a weekly event in her house, and not many days pass by where soup isn’t on the menu as either a snack or the main meal.

With an Italian-Ukrainian family background, food is at the centre of all family gatherings. From making homemade sausages to pierogies, there is never a shortage of good home-cooked meals.

Hibba Nawaz BSc, RD
Specialty: Weight Concerns, Oncology Nutrition, Women’s Health, Chronic Disease, Digestive Health, Diabetes, Heart Health, Healthy Aging, Geriatrics, Meal Planning, Culturally Inclusive Nutrition, South Asian Cuisine

Pronouns: She/Her

Hibba’s passion for nutrition began long before becoming a Registered Dietitian. Growing up in a South Asian family, she was inspired by her grandmother’s belief that food has the power to nourish, comfort, and heal. Those early experiences shaped the way she views nutrition today not as a list of rules, but as something deeply connected to culture, family, and joy.

A Western University graduate, Hibba combined those lifelong values with evidence-based nutrition to build a career dedicated to helping people feel healthier without losing the foods and traditions they love.

Hibba believes variety is the spice of life and enjoys working with a wide range of clients, and seeks out longer term relational work as she has a genuine interest in getting to know her clients over time. She has experience in clinical and outpatient hospital settings with a particular passion for oncology nutrition. She supports individuals before, during, and after cancer treatment, helping them maintain strength, manage treatment side effects, and optimize their nutrition throughout their journey. She has also worked in long-term care and rehabilitation with clients recovering from motor vehicle accidents. She works with clients living with digestive concerns, chronic disease, and women’s health conditions. She continues to deepen her knowledge in these areas alongside disordered eating and behaviour change psychology.

Her philosophy is simple: food should never become something to fear. While nutrition has a profound impact on health, Hibba believes eating should still be enjoyable, flexible, and sustainable. She helps clients move away from all-or-nothing thinking and instead build realistic habits that fit their lifestyle, culture, and personal goals. Rather than focusing on perfection, she empowers clients with practical, evidence-based strategies that make healthy eating feel achievable.

As someone who has experienced life across different cultures, Hibba understands that there isn’t one “right” way to eat. She loves helping clients adapt traditional meals and favourite foods in ways that support their health, because nourishing your body shouldn’t mean giving up the meals that bring you comfort and connection.

Hibba speaks Urdu and Punjabi and loves to travel. Her favourite thing to do in a new country is wander the grocery stores and local markets to see how people actually eat. In her words, food is joy. True to that belief, her go-to soulful food chosen purely for taste and enjoyment is an elote or basically corn on the cob made any way.

Outside of work, Hibba enjoys experimenting with new recipes, exploring local cafés and farmers’ markets, staying active through strength training/yoga and hiking, spending time in nature, and trying creative hobbies; from pottery painting to seasonal DIY projects. She’s a proud (and realistic!) plant mom who believes low-maintenance plants deserve more appreciation, and she’s always on the hunt for her next great shopping find. Above all, she believes that life’s best moments are often shared around a table with good food and even better company.