Featured Contributors

Completing her studies at Bastyr University, Karina developed a deep love for research into how the body works and its ability to heal itself from the inside out. As one of the first nutritionists to join Persona, she was instrumental in building the foundation of our research.

Leah's passion for healthy baking is what led her into this career. Getting a scholarship for her innovative thinking around childhood obesity, she continued her passion to help others eat healthier by studying nutrition and food science at Central Washington University.

Courtney hails from Bastyr University, having extensive knowledge of holistic healing and whole foods. Prior to joining Persona, she worked as a wellness coach and nutrition consultant, helping people succeed in their various health endeavors.

Julia studied nutrition and food science at Central Washington University. Prior to joining Persona, she worked as a nutrition consultant focused on weight loss coaching, community education, and formulating nutrition assessments.

Brandi's advanced pharmacy practice experiences include internal medicine, critical care medicine, infectious disease, and independent community pharmacy, with a passion for patient interaction and patient education.

Allie got her master's in nutrition at Framingham State University, working as a personal trainer and health coach, conducting research on improving access to healthful foods for low income individuals.

After getting her nutrition degree from Bastyr University, JoAnne worked in a supplement company for years, providing her with vast knowledge of supplements, herbs, and dietary protocols.

After getting her B.S. in nutrition and food science, Gabby worked at a mental health clinic providing nutrition education and counseling to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and support patients in their recovery from eating disorders and chemical dependency.

Carielle is a registered dietitian with over 1,200 hours of clinical experience counseling patients and clients using evidence-based research and tools to treat disease and promote health and wellbeing. She's been using that expertise to help us develop nutritional product innovations.

After completing her dietetic internship in Seattle, Yaquelin counseled hundreds of patients from various backgrounds in different settings. She’s also taught a number of classes in the community, inspiring us to continue learning as she’s committed to ongoing research.

Becoming a nutritionist combined Claire’s passions for nutrition and people. She enjoys staying up to date on nutrition-related matters such as food waste and the environmental impact of food, having minored in environmental and sustainability studies.

Kimberly loves learning how food and nutrients are utilized by the body, and how food can be used as medicine. She’s been working as a registered dietitian for eight years, still teaching, learning, and researching in her role here at Persona.

Dr. Robin West is the chairman of Inova Sports Medicine in Northern Virginia, where she directs the program’s clinical, strategic, administrative and academic affairs. She also serves as a physician for the Washington Nationals and the Washington Redskins.

A practicing physician since 1983, Dr. Harry Oken has a private practice in Columbia, Maryland. He is an adjunct professor of medicine at the University Maryland Medical School and is the medical director of the Columbia Association.

Michael Roizen, MD has more than 40 years of experience as a medical doctor. He is the Chief Wellness Officer, Emeritus, of the Wellness Institute of the Cleveland Clinic. The Cleveland Clinic is rated one of the top five hospitals in America, seeing over 4 million patients per year.

A medical doctor with more than 40 years of experience, Dr. Barry Lance is board-certified in internal medicine, as well as endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism.

Elizabeth is a registered dietitian who leans on more than 35 years of experience as a leading nutritional health expert. She’s also an accomplished author and a frequent guest on many popular television programs, such as The View, The Today Show, and The Dr. Oz Show.