Nice to Meet You!
My name is Emily, I also go by Em. I’m the human behind the scenes here helping you take your nutrition, recovery, and game to the next level.
A few things about me…
I am the founder of Brick by Brick Sports Nutrition and MM Well, a massage studio-turned-movement company.
I started my career as a fitness instructor and massage therapist, earning a B.S. in Exercise Science from the University at Buffalo in 2016 and Massage Therapy Instruction Certification from the NY Institute of Massage in 2017. I also completed my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2020 where I learned to facilitate group classes focused around breath in vinyasa-style classes. From my experience as a massage therapist, I bring my understanding and appreciation of the nervous system and bio-psycho-social model into both my movement classes and my work as a nutritionist.
In 2018, I returned to school to round out my education in nutrition and behavior change, completing my training as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) just 3.5 short years later! I officially “retired” from massage therapy in 2023. My experiences as a registered dietitian vary widely from eating disorders treatment to elite sport. I aim to meet clients where they’re at, without shame, and help them to get where they want to go.
I am influenced by many brilliant providers in the nutrition and mental health field and incorporate an eclectic mix of theories and practices into my work and personal life, including: mindfulness, somatics and body attunement, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Intuitive Eating, HAES/weight inclusivity, Interpersonal Neurobiology, and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy.
About my “letters” aka credentials
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Registered Dietitian (Nutritionist) is a nationally regulated and recognized term.
This means I have met all requirements to practice as a dietitian which includes offering medical nutrition therapy for medical and health conditions. I graduated from Buffalo State University’s combined program in dietetics in 2022.
Not all nutritionists are created equally!
Scope of practice is also based on specific training.
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The Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics designation is an advanced board certification through the CDR (also regulates dietetic licensure)
To be a CSSD, you must have 2000 hours of specialty practice in sports as well as pass a board examination every 5 years.
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Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
This means I am qualified to program and lead exercise interventions in the group setting, and is highly sought after in the strength and conditioning field. I used to have a personal training certification but allowed it to lapse.
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Registered Yoga Teacher with a 200 hour teacher training certificate.
I completed my Yoga Teacher Training through Love in Motion Yoga (now defunct) in Buffalo, NY. My certification was offered through a trauma-informed lens.
Since then, I have completed multiple continuing educations including:
Functional Range Conditioning & Kinstretch through Functional Range Systems
Yoga Detour Method Online with Cecily Milne
Breath and Bliss Immersion @ Tune Up Fitness with Jill Miller
Accesible Yoga for All @ The Branches Yoga with Carly Stong
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I have completed the Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training and meet qualifications to incorporate concepts from this evidence-based Mindful Eating framework into my work with individuals and groups.
MB-EAT utilizes mindfulness techniques and concepts such as self-compassion and acceptance into eating. It is a non-diet approach to nourishment.
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Though I am retired as a licensed massage therapist, my registration is valid in NYS until 2026!
Just for fun, this program requires completion of 1000 hours of education and hands on learning.
Through my 6 years as a practicing massage therapist, I learned a LOT about holding space for others, the experience of chronic pain and illness, and creating an environment of safety. I am honored to have been a part in others’ healing journey.
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I have extensive experience working with all eating disorders including Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, ARFID, and OSFED.
I also work with individuals struggling with emotional eating, chronic dieting, and chaotic eating.
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I completed EDRDPro's FBT-informed training for dietitians, as well as have experience working at a program that is FBT based.
If you're unfamiliar with FBT, this is considered the first line treatment for kids and adolescents with eating disorders-- but even without a diagnosed eating disorder, parents, caregivers, and families are an incredible resource to help support kid's eating. I've worked with kids as young as 10.
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B.S. Exercise and Nutrition Science
I also currently work as a contract dietitian with USA Hockey and have travelled internationally with the U18 Women's National Team.
I have experience working mainly with field sports, football, strength sports, and weight class sports.
In 2024 I also completed the IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition to deepen my understanding of sports nutrition literature.
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I am well-versed in presentations of ADHD and neurodivergence such as ASD and OCD. I am neurodivergent-affirming based on my current knowledge of the topic with room to grow.
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I have specialized training and experience in both return to sport and reintegration of exercise following the Safe Exercise at Every Stage Guidelines.
I have worked with individuals struggling with dysfunctional exercise, overexercise, and disconnected and/or compulsive movement to reconnect with their bodies and move towards more attuned and embodied movement or exercise.