About


Growing up in beautiful Marin County, California gave Ginny an appreciation of nature and natural foods. Her mother, a longtime healthcare professional, taught Ginny the importance of a good diet and living a balanced lifestyle. Sadly, Ginny's father and older sister struggled with weight issues and poor lifestyle choices, which eventually lead to health complications from type II diabetes and heart disease. Both died at young ages from those diseases. Ginny's goal in life then became to help as many people as she could commit to enjoy living a balanced lifestyle. No matter where you are starting on your wellness journey, knowing you have a competent, caring, wellness coach collaborating with you who will provide the support and encouragement you need.  She truly walks the talk,  and helps others to motivate, and coach themselves to practice preventative health-care and self-care.

Background

For over twenty years, Ginny has been deeply immersed in the science and practice of integrative wellness. She counsels and coaches individuals and organizations on optimal healthy living. Ginny is an expert in nutrition and  behavior coaching; having helped thousands make a comfortable step-by-step transition to healthy eating and balanced living. She continues to update her wellness counseling skills  by attending continuing education workshops by leaders in the field of nutrition and behavior modification, such as Molly Kellogg, Carolyn Costin and Ellen R. Glovsky PhD. She also practices and teaches the methods of "Mindful Eating and Living" and "Motivational Interviewing". Her clients state that Ginny's approach to nutrition and wellness is a non-judging, compassionate, and kind way of supporting them through their personal wellness journey.

As a wellness consultant, and wellness program designer, Ginny has practiced and presented all over the country including Chicago IL, Boca Raton FL, Aspen, CO, Auckland, NZ and now Marin County California. She has worked with the Institute of Human Performance providing nutrition and culinary education to elite, college, as well as aging athletes. She was an adjunct culinary- nutrition instructor at Kendall College in Chicago. She is the Nutrition Ambassador to Northern California District 2, and is the Nutrition Director at the Institute of Health Management. She provided nutrition and fitness programs to Marin Health Medical Center for Integrative Health and Wellness, Braden Diabetes Clinic, and Sunflower Wellness as a Cancer Exercise Specialist. In addition, she has facilitated lifestyle research at Stanford Medical in Palo Alto, CA. She also provides virtual fitness classes and nutrition coaching for people of all ages and health conditions.

Education

Ginny received her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Science and Dietetics from the University of Illinois at Chicago and her Master’s in Nutrition Communications and Marketing from Roosevelt University in Chicago. She practiced clinical dietetics at the University of Chicago Hospital Wellness and Obesity Research Center, and then went on to corporate wellness working with Goldman Sachs and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. She then explored other opportunities in nutrition and fitness which lead her to work in nutrition communications , public relations, and new product development for Stonyfield Farms, Kashi, and gym equipment. She was one of the first of 100 dietitians to be certified in Adult Weight Weight Management. She is also a Certified Health Coach. Ginny has been transitioning into older adult care over the past ten years. She says, as we age, our nutritional needs change, and our bodies may require different types and amounts of nutrients. Older adults may encounter unique health challenges that require specific strategies to address their individual health needs.

Ginny has written nutrition and fitness articles for several local and national publications, including the Chicago Tribune and On-Health magazine. She contributes to a weekly syndicated wellness/lifestyle column called Food Wise. She co-authored a children's healthy eating and cook book entitled “What Color is a Pickle Pie?,” which is used in early childhood nutrition education classes. Ginny is frequently sought out for her professional insights and opinions on health and fitness trends. She considers herself a consumer advocate in the loosely regulated nutrition and wellness industry. She has appeared on NBC Chicago’s "Taste,” “I-Village In-the-Loop,” and in South Florida local television markets and is called upon for local restaurant and food product reviews.

Ginny is ACE (American Council on Exercise) accredited to teach Mindful Eating Concepts to personal trainers and corporate wellness.

Memberships and Certifications

  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)

  • Certified Health Coach (CHC)

  • Certified Diabetes Educator (in-progress)

  • Certified in Adult Weight Management

  • California Dietetics Association

  • Certified Personal Trainer (ACE)

  • Certified Pilates Instructor (Power Pilates)

  • Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist (CES)

  • Certified in Functional Fitness for Sport and Rehab (CHEK)

  • ServSafe Food Safety Manager

  • Food & Culinary Dietetic Practice Group

  • Sports, Cardiovascular & Wellness Dietetic Practice Group

  • Weight Management Dietary Practice Group