I started my career in many restaurants and ultimately graduated with an AAS in culinary arts. Shortly after I continued my education in culinary nutrition, which facilitated a significant change in my personal philosophies - I lost over 200 lbs. With a concentration in nutrition research I began to work in a local hospital to educate patients on culinary techniques to assist in managing their diabetes. I also developed a recipe book/guide that helped young teens navigate Northeastern High School cafeterias to facilitate healthier eating choices. Early in 2003 I relocated to the greater Philadelphia are where I began work as an online weight loss counselor with NutriSystem, Inc. Within a year of working I transferred to the Research & Development department, under the Vice President Dr. Jay Satz, where the focus was to continually innovate and create new programs and food products. In 2006 I was promoted to Director and have continued in the overall consumer-centric efforts to innovate cutting edge programs that facilitated healthy weight loss and proper nutrition.Having lost and maintained over a 200 lb weight loss, I am a passionate individual specializing in the health & wellness sector of the Food & Nutrition industry. I have a demonstrated ability to innovate and create products (food and non-food related), which substantially help people take control of their lives. Whether it be losing weight, increasing physical activity or managing health conditions such as diabetes through proper nutrition, striving to achieve a cross-functional approach to healthful living is a life goal; one that will never go away.Specialties: Food Science, Product Development, Nutrition & Dietary Research, Fitness Education, Research Methods, Clinical Research. Keen understanding of statistics and mathematical modeling. Proficient in Microsoft applications, Genesis SQL, ESHA.