As a Registered Dietitian, Stephen assists un’ina at the Dena’ina Wellness Center with Medical Nutrition Therapy, which includes managing weight loss, diabetes, IBS, weight gain, Celiac disease, and other conditions through an individualized nutrition plan.
Stephen’s interest in Medical Nutrition Therapy comes from his personal experience. As a toddler, he had epilepsy and had constant seizures. His parents took him to a Registered Dietitian, and after a few months on a specialized diet, the seizures stopped. After five years on his diet plan, he was declared to be epilepsy-free. His first-hand experience with the role that food can play in healing the body has inspired him to help others.
Stephen earned his bachelor of science degree in Nutrition in Foods from Appalachian State University in North Carolina and completed a dietetic internship.
Stephen felt drawn to Alaska and appreciates the opportunity to work one-on-one with un’ina, helping each person through their individual nutrition care process.
Some of Stephen’s personal highlights include earning his Eagle Scout award, running three marathons, and skydiving. When he’s not serving un’ina, Stephen enjoys hiking, playing with his dog, cooking, meeting new people, and working on his car.