Nice to Meet You!

My name is Emily, I also go by Em. I’m the human behind Brick by Brick Sports Nutrition. I am a sports and eating disorders dietitian, yoga instructor, and home bread-baker located in the Southtowns of Buffalo New York.

A little bit about me…

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 biopsychosocial 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 and live the fullest version of their life (which I firmly believe requires being fully and consistently fueled).

Athletically, I didn’t consider myself an “athlete” until I played (and fell in love with) the sport of rugby in high school. I went on to play D2 rugby at the University at Buffalo and continued in women’s club for several years. Through trying to find an edge, I entered the weight room where I came to love training with kettlebells and barbells, briefly competed in Powerlifting, and then eventually Olympic Weightlifting. I still feel most at home on the rugby field or with some iron in my hands! My only regret was not discovering the power of performance nutrition earlier.

In my personal life, I love to make bread, lock in on a good jigsaw puzzle, and drink fancy coffee. I also just learned to crochet so hopefully will finish my first granny square blanket soon.

About my “letters” aka credentials

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • I am working towards certification as an Intuitive Eating Counselor, though have completed 30+ CEUs in Intuitive Eating.

    I have also completed the Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training (MB-EAT)

    Intuitive Eating and Mindful Eating overlap, but both help us to re-write our stories around food and bodies and better use our internal cues like hunger, fullness, and satisfaction.

  • Most of my professional experience as a dietitian has been in the eating disorders field at both the PHP level of care and outpatient level of care. I am currently also employed at Eating Recovery Center in the virtual outpatient program.

    I am experienced with individuals with restrictive and loss of control eating disorders and those without diagnoses but are concerned about their eating behavior.

    I work with ARFID, binge eating disorder, anorexia/”atypical” anorexia, bulimia and purging disorders, and OSFED (otherwise specified feeding and eating disorders). I have worked with clients as young as 10 years old.

  • Have you been diagnosed with or suspect Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport or persistent low energy availability?

    I can help!

    I have completed the REDs Informed Provider Certification with Rebecca McConville, author of Finding Your Sweet Spot: How to Avoid RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) by Optimizing Energy in Sport.

    I also have worked with and presented to multidisciplinary groups including athlete providers and sports medicine regarding prevention and nutrition implications of REDs.

    Fun fact- did you know that in 2023, the IOC committee changed the terminology from RED-S to REDs so that it could be tagged more easily on social media (and so that people would start pronouncing in as Reds instead of Red S)?

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Additional Experience and Specialty Areas

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