Credentials: MS, CCN, CNS, LDN

Member: American College of Nutrition, American Nutrition Association 

About: 

Marla is an experienced Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) and Board Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), holding a M.S in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, and a B.S in Exercise Physiology/Kinesiology with a cognate in nutrition from Michigan State University. Marla focuses in helping clients make diet and lifestyle changes to improve health and vitality, inflammatory conditions, hypertension, diabetes, digestive conditions, fibromyalgia, food sensitivities, metabolic syndrome, and fatigue. She studied and worked at the Wingate Institute in Israel, one of the world’s leading facilities for exercise science and research. Marla specializes in nutritional testing such as Organic acids, Micro nutrient testing, Digestive Stools Analysis, Adrenal, and Neurotransmitters, Metals, Mold Mycotoxins, and much more. Marla enjoys working with families and parents to educate them about eating and living well for good health.

What is a a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist/Clinical Nutritionist?

I am a board Certified Nutrition Specialist practitioner and board Certified Clinical Nutritionist.  The requirements include earning Masters of Science in Nutrition, having at least 1,000 clinical hours and passing a board exam.  My qualifications allow me to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, Evaluation, and Nutrition Counseling for an array of health conditions. 

 

What’s the Difference Between a Certified Nutrition Specialist, a Registered Dietitian and a Health Coach?

These terms are often used interchangeably and their meaning can vary depending on what state you live in.

  • A Board Certified Nutrition Specialist practitioner (CNS). The requirements include earning Masters of Science in Nutrition, having at least 1,000 clinical hours and passing a board exam.  Qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy for health conditions. 

  • A Registered Dietitian is also qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy for health conditions.  They are required to have a nutrition-related Bachelor’s degree, or in Food Service Management, and complete an internship.  They are not required to have a Masters Degree, although some do. 

  • Health coaches can educate on healthy eating in general or educate on specific diets applicable to the general population.  They can not give any advice on dietary changes for specific medical conditions, any supplementation, or provide individualized nutrition plans .  

  • In some states anyone can offer nutrition advice and use of the term "Nutritionist" without having appropriate education or credentials. This is not a protected title, and often times given from a short-term certificate program.  It’s up to the consumer to do their due diligence to determine the level of education, qualifications, board certifications, experience, etc.