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Zia Work, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Professional Chef
How I started:
My journey started when I was about 12, and realized that I had a passion for cooking. Growing up, my parents used to pay me to make them dinners each night, and I did most of the grocery shopping once I could drive. My love of food and cooking led me to attend culinary school, and I began working in kitchens. I realized that while I loved cooking, my goal was to combine my skills in the kitchen with my growing interest in nutrition.
My goal is to help people understand the connection between food and health, and encourage others to think differently about food. Food is not only a source of nutrition, but it can also be a way to create memories and connect with other cultures.
I have experience and expanded training in working with women whom have hormone challenges and skin disturbances. I also have a passion to help teens/adults who struggle with selective eating patterns and/or disordered eating by way of utilizing a hands on approach in the kitchen. Lastly, getting to the root of digestive disorders with specialized testing and utilizing nutrition as medicine has been a passion of mine.
My experience:
I earned an Associate’s in Culinary Arts from Brookdale Community College, a Bachelor’s of Science in Culinary Nutrition from Johnson and Wales University, and a Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics from Union Institute and University. I completed my undergraduate internship under Erin Falco, RD and my graduate internships at various clinical and community settings. Village Point Rehabilitation and Healthcare and Interfaith neighbors was where I worked alongside one of the founders of the Community Food Connection to help bring locally grown, organic produce to food pantries in the area.
About me:
In my free time I am often in the kitchen cooking or baking. I love being active; you can find me walking my 2 golden retrievers, rock climbing, or spending time outside. I also thoroughly enjoy a good farmer’s market, picking up seasonal produce or local honey!