Meet the Nutrition for Living Team
Our team is comprised of highly experienced dietitians who understand that change takes time. We use proven strategies to help you take control of your health. We provide the accountability and expert support you need to succeed.
– Nutrition for Living
Sharon Howard
Owner
RDN, MS, CDCES, LDN, FAND, CHWC
Sharon O’Melia Howard R.D., M.S., C.D.C.E.S., L.D.N., F.A.N.D., the owner of Nutrition for Living, is a registered dietitian with more than 30 years of experience counseling individuals with nutrition issues such as diabetes, weight loss, eating disorders, lipid disorders, celiac disease, renal disease, sports medicine, bariatric nutrition, childhood obesity and improving family health. As a Charter Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association), she is certified by the C.D.R in Adult and Childhood Weight Management, and is a Certified Diabetes Educator by the AADE. Sharon is committed to helping people change their eating behaviors to improve their health with practical, accurate nutrition information.
My Nutrition Approach:
I think as myself as a “facilitator of nutrition change”. Clients come to my practice seeking information, and help with improving their health. Making lifestyle changes is not easy: I have been trained in nutrition counseling because I wanted the skills to help people put their goals into action. We at Nutrition for Living are “Health coaches” by profession. We know it takes support, accountability and time to achieve a better weight, better blood sugars, better health. I strive to be well-informed in evidenced-based nutrition while being skillful in helping people make lifestyle changes.
My Life in the World of Nutrition:
I started Nutrition for Living in 1982 because I realized that people had no access to nutrition professionals in a “wellness setting”. Outpatient nutrition clinics were rare—I even started one at the old Coatesville Hospital before I left to have children. That experience led me to think about bringing nutrition services to the public. I found that people were willing to sit in a pleasant, non-hospital-type environment and ask questions, receive guidance, and make changes when connected with a professional, and pay out of pocket! My clients did well and the Chester County community (former clients, doctor, and therapists) learned of our success and continue to refer. Insurance companies now see the value that nutrition play in health and prevention of illness, and some insurance companies cover our services for free! See information about fees and insurance coverage.
Through the years, I have worked in a variety of environments as I continued growing the private practice. I have added other registered dietitians to the practice who share my vision and add a broader range of experience. We try to match your nutrition needs to the dietitian who could best serve you. Personally, I have lived through divorce, remarried, raised 5 daughters ( 2 of mine 3 of his) and have been a working mom throughout. These experiences also prepare me to understand my clients lives, and how food issues are part of coping.
Present and Past Professional Experiences:
- Diabetes Nutrition Writer—www.diabetescare.net
- Christiana Care Weight Management Program: Nutrition Counseling, Weight Loss Surgery education, diabetes teaching.
- Nemours; Co-authored Growing Healthy Kids—a group based weight loss program for kids
- Robard S.T.A.R. Program—Authored a Weight Maintenance program “Steps to Arrest Regain”
- Adjunct professor at St Joseph’s University (Nutrition Entrepreneurism),
- Immaculata, Neuman and Chester County Nursing Schools Faculty
Also:
- Corporate Weight Loss Programs,
- Supermarket tours,
- Videos,
- Cooking Classes,
- Newspaper and website writing (Dr.Koop website),
- educational materials.
Jamie MacGibbon
RDN, LDN
Professional Background:
I attended the University of Delaware, Majoring in Dietetics. I did my dietetic internship at Edward Hines VA Hospital outside of Chicago. During my internship, HIV was a newer condition, and I was able to gain experience helping patients with getting enough nutrition during their illness. I also completed nutrition research on weight loss in AIDS patients and the incidence of opportunistic infections.
After completing my internship, I worked as a clinical dietitian for several years. Upon having my children, I opted to stay at home, raising my three, now adult, children. During that time, I focused my continuing education on child and adolescent weight management. In 2010, I began my own practice called “CANE”- Child and Adolescent Nutrition Education with a primary goal of helping families implement healthy eating habits to help prevent childhood obesity.
Eventually, I began seeing adult patients as I also have a strong passion for heart disease prevention. A personal reason precipitated my interest as my father passed away at 53 years of age of a heart attack. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in this country, with several risk factors. Some of these are avoidable. If we can get our young people to develop good eating habits, hopefully, we can decrease the rate of heart disease.
After completing a health coaching program, I began working as an outpatient dietitian. That gave me more opportunity to spend time coaching patients and helping them work towards their nutrition goals. I also counseled individuals with a variety of disease entities including but not limited to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and gastrointestinal disorders.
My Philosophy:
When we eat well, we feel well. I feel passionate about starting early with healthy nutrition behaviors. Through health coaching, I work with individuals, adults, and children, to help them make small, sustainable changes eventually leading to their set goals. I am dedicating to promoting young people to have a good relationship with food. Prevention is really the key but it’s never too late! Good nutrition begins with YOUth!
Lindsey Brice
BS
Office Manager:
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from West Chester University. I have been working to help schedule clients with the right dietitian for the last 16years. I am also the person to talk to about insurance coverage. I am here to help.
Personal:
I know firsthand the struggles with digestive troubles. At the age of 16, I was diagnosed with IBS. I struggled for years just dealing with symptoms such as hypoglycemia, joint pain and anxiety. After being very sick for 10 years. Sharon (my mom) pushed me to have my doctor test me for Celiac disease. I had to convince them that it was needed. Low and behold, I do have Celiac Disease. To say that my life has changed is an understatement. I live a Gluten Free lifestyle and many of my other health issues have resolved. I did struggle with an autoimmune form of hypothyroid when I had my 2 children. My childern have also been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I know how diet can change your life.