Meet Kathryn Ayres MA, RD, LD/N
Kathryn unknowingly began her journey to becoming a nutritional expert in an attempt to prolong her aging horse, Piaget's ability to show competitively and improve his over all well being. By working with her veterinarian and through independent research Kathryn witnessed a significant improvement in her horses' health and athletic performance after implementing dietary changes. At his final show, at the age of twenty-five, Piaget received the high point award and placed first in all of his upper level classes. This personal experience set the stage for Kathryn's educational path and belief in attaining optimal health through nutrition. Her formal training began at Western Michigan University, where she quickly developed a love for biochemistry. After graduating with her bachelor's degree in biomedical science, she attended Wayne State University's Masters in Nutrition and Food Science Program as well as the Dietetics Program. With her sound background in biology and chemistry, Kathryn began to understand the interconnectedness of biochemistry, nutrition, and optimal health during her time at Wayne State. After completing her internship, Kathryn became a professor in Dietetics in the South Florida area. Over the last two years, she has taught and developed curriculum for courses such as Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism, Food Science, Nutrition Education, Exercise and Sports Nutrition, Nutrition and Health Issues, and Research Methods. Kathryn's beliefs and passion began to solidify as she shifted into her role as a professional and as an educator. It was alongside her students and several talented co-workers that she found her place in the nutrition community and discovered her power to inspire learning through her love for biochemistry, nutrition, and disease prevention. Kathryn's decision to leave the classroom and begin her private practice as a nutrition consultant was difficult. She contributes much of her success and knowledge base to her students and the time they spent together. However, while in the classroom, it became evident to her that there is a great need in the community for nutrition educators who hold the appropriate degrees and formal training. Diet is the greatest contributing factor to health, and it is crucial that registered dietitians be leaders in nutrition education. With her strong background in biomedical science, Kathryn has a concrete understanding of the cellular pathways responsible for maintaining optimal health and fighting disease. As a practicing registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist, she also has the knowledge to achieve highest efficiency of these pathways through the food we eat. Kathryn views herself as a liaison between the complexity of the body and educating individuals about disease fighting foods. It is Kathryn's goal to educate the public on how to use food to prevent disease through an evidence-based practice.
