• How do you meet with clients online?

I (Corissa) use the Practice Better app, an electronic medical records provider that securely hosts all client information. I chose Practice Better because it is a client portal. It is free for clients to set up their portal. Initially, clients get an email to create a portal account, and all communication occurs within their portal. All messaging and information shared, like protocols, recipes, chat messaging, and sharing initial forms, are in a HIPAA-compliant platform. Clients can electronically sign your client agreement; consent to treatment; telehealth consent; financial agreement, cancellation policy, and credit card agreement. No more printing and signing and scanning or taking a picture back. It's much more user-friendly. You will sign within their portal with a few clicks. They can also fill out their intake form in their portal.

• What are your credentials?

My credentials include:

• MS in Nutrition and Integrative Health (MSNIH) from Maryland University of Integrative Health, with a concentration in Human Clinical Nutrition.

• The Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®), a prestigious certification that recognizes advanced expertise in personalized, evidence-based nutrition.

• MA in Health and Wellness Coaching (MAHWC) also from Maryland University of Integrative Health.

• National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).

• BS in Family and Consumer Science (BSFC) from the University of Wyoming with a concentration in Human Nutrition and Food Science and a minor in Sociology.

These credentials reflect my commitment to providing a holistic, integrative approach to nutrition and wellness, helping clients achieve their health goals through personalized support and evidence-based strategies.

• What type of nutritionist are you?

I’m Corissa, a Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®) and clinical integrative nutritionist. As an integrative nutritionist, I take a whole-person approach to health, considering not just physical factors but also mental, social, and emotional well-being. This biopsychosocial approach allows me to ask in-depth questions about your food intake, sleep patterns, movement habits, and lifestyle to create a comprehensive picture of your health.

As a clinical nutritionist, my focus is on disease prevention and management. I conduct thorough nutrition assessments and provide nutrition diagnoses (distinct from medical diagnoses) to help you better understand how nutrition can impact your health. My goal is to empower you to make meaningful, lasting changes through personalized nutrition strategies.

I earned my first master’s degree in Nutrition and Integrative Health (MSNIH) from the Maryland University of Integrative Health, specializing in human clinical nutrition. Now, with my CNS® certification, I have the advanced expertise to offer even deeper insights and support in helping clients transform their health. Read more about my work as a nutritionist by clicking here!

• What is a Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)?

The Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®) is an advanced certification for nutrition professionals who specialize in personalized, evidence-based nutrition therapy. It represents the highest standard in the field of clinical nutrition, focusing on disease prevention, management, and the promotion of optimal health through tailored dietary strategies.

To earn the CNS®, individuals must complete rigorous academic coursework, typically a master's or doctoral degree in nutrition or a related field, complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, and pass a proctored and challenging 200 multiple-choice board exam. The CNS® credential is recognized for its emphasis on integrative and functional nutrition, enabling professionals to provide nutrition assessments, develop nutrition diagnoses, and create individualized plans to address a wide range of health conditions.

CNS practitioners are qualified to work with clients on complex health issues such as digestive disorders, metabolic health, autoimmune diseases, and more. The certification ensures that professionals have the skills and knowledge to guide clients toward long-term, sustainable health outcomes through personalized nutrition strategies.

• What is medical nutrition therapy (MNT)?

Medical Nutrition Therapy is a therapeutic approach to treating medical conditions that includes personalized nutrition assessments, including nutrition diagnosis, nutrition counseling, and nutrition and lifestyle recommendations like in a protocol, and includes the care clients receive from nutritionists and dietitians. 

Key aspects include:

1. Individualized Assessment: Evaluating the patient's nutritional status, medical history, lifestyle, and dietary habits.

2. Personalized Nutrition Plan: Developing a custom diet to address specific medical conditions and nutritional needs.

3. Therapeutic Food And Meal: Implementing dietary modifications to support health and medical treatment.

4. Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to adjust the nutrition plan and ensure effectiveness.

5. Patient Education: Teaching patients about their dietary needs and providing practical guidance for sustainable lifestyle changes.

MNT is used to manage various medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease, and obesity, aiming to improve health outcomes and quality of life.

• What is health and wellness coaching?

Health and wellness coaching is a client-centered process where I (Corissa) partner with individuals to help them achieve their personal health and wellness goals. As a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), my role is to guide and support clients in making sustainable lifestyle changes that improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Rather than simply providing advice, I help clients clarify their goals, explore their motivation, identify potential obstacles, and create realistic, actionable plans. The coaching process is collaborative and tailored to each person’s unique needs, whether it's improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, managing stress, enhancing sleep, or finding balance in their lives.

At its core, health and wellness coaching is about empowering clients to take ownership of their health journey, while providing the support and accountability needed to make lasting changes. It's not about quick fixes—it's about building healthy habits that align with their values and lead to a more vibrant, meaningful life. Read more about my approach to health and wellness coaching by clicking here!

• What is the benefit of health and wellness coaching?

The benefit of health and wellness coaching lies in its ability to help individuals achieve lasting, positive changes in their overall well-being. As a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), I (Corissa) provide guidance and support that goes beyond just giving advice. Here are some key benefits:

1. Personalized Support: Health and wellness coaching offers tailored guidance based on each person’s unique goals, challenges, and lifestyle. This individualized approach ensures the plan is realistic and achievable.

2. Accountability: Having a coach provides a sense of accountability, making it easier to stay on track and maintain motivation over time. Regular check-ins and support keep clients focused and committed to their goals.

3. Behavior Change: Coaches help clients break down large goals into manageable steps, using evidence-based strategies to create sustainable habits. This process fosters long-term change rather than temporary fixes.

4. Increased Self-Awareness: Health and wellness coaching encourages self-reflection and helps clients understand their behaviors, thought patterns, and triggers. This increased awareness empowers individuals to make informed decisions.

5. Goal Clarity: Coaching helps clients clarify their health and wellness goals, prioritize what matters most, and identify potential obstacles. This leads to more focused, effective action steps.

6. Holistic Approach: Health and wellness coaching takes a holistic view of well-being, addressing not just physical health but also emotional, mental, and social factors. This comprehensive approach enhances the overall quality of life.

7. Empowerment: Ultimately, health and wellness coaching empowers clients to take control of their health journey, build confidence, and cultivate lasting habits that align with their values and vision for their lives.

In summary, health and wellness coaching provides the tools, support, and accountability needed to create meaningful, lasting change, leading to improved well-being and a more fulfilling life. Read more about the benefits of health and wellness coaching with me by clicking here!

• What is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)?

The National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) is a professional certification awarded to health and wellness coaches who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to effectively guide clients in making sustainable, positive health behavior changes. The certification is issued by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) in partnership with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).

Key Aspects of NBC-HWC Certification:

1. Education and Training: Candidates must complete a NBHWC-approved coaching program that covers core competencies in health and wellness coaching, behavior change theory, motivational interviewing, goal-setting, and accountability.

2. Exam: After completing the required training, candidates must pass a rigorous board exam, which evaluates their ability to apply coaching techniques, facilitate behavior change, and help clients achieve their wellness goals.

3. Scope of Practice: NBC-HWCs work with clients to address various aspects of health and wellness, such as nutrition, movement, stress management, sleep, and overall lifestyle habits. They help clients clarify their goals, identify obstacles, and create actionable strategies to improve well-being.

4. Evidence-Based Practice: NBC-HWCs use evidence-based coaching methods and draw on the latest health and wellness research to support their clients in making meaningful changes that lead to better physical, mental, and emotional health.

5. Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: NBC-HWCs often work alongside healthcare professionals to offer a holistic approach to client care, helping to bridge the gap between medical advice and actionable, client-driven lifestyle changes.

In summary, the NBC-HWC credential demonstrates a high level of expertise in health and wellness coaching, ensuring coaches can effectively support clients in achieving long-term health and wellness outcomes.

How do you maintain your credentials?

To maintain my credentials as a Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®) and National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), I (Corissa) prioritize ongoing professional development and continuing education.

For my CNS® credential, I complete 75 continuing education units (CEUs) every five years, focusing on advanced clinical nutrition topics, functional medicine, and evidence-based practices to ensure I'm up to date with the latest research and strategies in personalized nutrition care.

For my NBC-HWC certification, I must complete 36 CEUs every three years. This helps me refine my coaching skills and learn new techniques to better support my clients in achieving sustainable behavior change.

I’m dedicated to continuous learning because it allows me to provide the highest level of care, empowering my clients to transform their health and well-being effectively.