About Me
I started Integrating Nutrition to follow my interest in helping people make the diet and lifestyle changes recommended by research. I have worked in clinical nutrition in hospitals and cancer centers for over twelve years. From 2017-2021, I served as a member of the leadership team for the Oncology Nutrition dietetic practice group and continue to be a frequent speaker in the area of oncology nutrition. I love the opportunity to empower people with a better understanding of nutrition.
Over the years, I have expanded my expertise to include many other chronic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and gastrointestinal issues. My goal is to help translate the science into the foods that best nourish your body and taste.
I continue to expand my own knowledge base with professional certifications including training in mindful eating, ketogenic diets and over twelve years of study in the area of integrative medicine. I also read and review the research. Our understanding of this field continues to evolve and that’s what keeps nutrition so exciting!
Every chance I get, I’m trying new dishes, testing recipes, and finding comfort in the old favorites. The kitchen is my happy place! In my free time I love being outdoors with my husband, our teenagers and dogs.
Education & Certifications
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MS Nutrition || Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA
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Internship in Dietetics, Washington State University
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BA Art || Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR
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Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
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Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition since 2010
Affiliations
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Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
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Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group
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Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Research Dietitian, Public Health
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Cook for Your Life
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Orion Center for Natural Medicine
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Clearity Foundation
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The Center for Mindful Eating
Publications
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Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice, 2nd edition || Gynecologic Cancer
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Making the Business Case for Hiring a Dietitian Nutritionist. Association of Community Cancer Centers
Gretchen’s Approach
My life was changed forever through the experience of watching someone very dear to me go through cancer treatment. I watched her love of food diminish as she struggled to eat enough to get through infusions and surgery.
As a result of this intense treatment and the eating challenges, her energy was low as was her quality of life.
Soon after this, I started working towards my Masters in Nutrition. I knew her experience was not unique and I wanted to learn everything I could to help others who were experiencing these same challenges. After finishing my degree, I had the opportunity to work at a top cancer center during my dietetic internship, I jumped at the opportunity and have never looked back.
When someone gets a chronic disease diagnosis, it’s life changing. While there may not be many choices along the journey, what you eat is in your control. However, with an abundance of conflicting information, making food choices for your diagnosis can be overwhelming and frustrating. This can turn the experience of enjoying our food into the stress of nourishing our bodies with what we perceive as the “right” food. This doesn't have to be the case.
I will guide you on your path to wellness and find what feels right for you. My goal is to help you improve your energy and digestive health through food choices that fuel your body leading to an improved energy and quality of life.