Meet The Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals behind Food Ease. Our skilled dietitians bring a wealth of expertise and compassion, committed to helping you achieve peace with food and body.
Emily Edelson, MS, RD (she/her)
Founder of Food Ease
I’m Emily, a mid-size, neurodivergent, and queer registered dietitian and the founder of Food Ease Nutrition Counseling in Santa Cruz, CA. I specialize in weight-inclusive care, providing support for clients navigating eating disorders, body image struggles, and chronic conditions through a Health at Every Size® (HAES®) lens. My education includes a BS in Public Health from Tulane University (2015), an MS in Nutrition Interventions, Behavior Change, and Communications from Tufts University (2019), and I’m currently working toward my Eating Disorders Certificate at Lewis and Clark University.
My approach to nutrition is deeply rooted in creating a safe, non-judgmental space for all bodies. I focus on empowering clients to reconnect with their bodies, heal their relationship with food, and challenge the harmful effects of weight stigma. I incorporate self-talk reframing and body image distress strategies to support healing, especially for those who have been marginalized in healthcare. I believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, weight-inclusive care that recognizes their unique needs and identities.
As the founder of Food Ease Nutrition Counseling, I lead a team of dietitians with a focus on client-centered, collaborative care. I hold monthly supervision sessions to ensure my team is equipped with the tools and knowledge to practice weight-inclusive care in chronic condition management and eating disorder recovery. I’m passionate about increasing access to nutrition care for all and am dedicated to advocacy around weight stigma and creating inclusive spaces in healthcare.
Outside of work, I enjoy thrifting, road trips with my pups, Bubbie (my senior shorkie) and Siggy (my Aussie puppy), and exploring new ways to practice body acceptance through food, travel, and self-expression. I believe in embracing my own body’s journey and encourage others to do the same. I’m driven by the belief that everyone has the right to heal and thrive without judgment, and I’m committed to making that possible through my work and advocacy.
Let’s connect if you’re interested in learning more about my work or exploring how we can work together to create a more inclusive, compassionate healthcare environment for all bodies.
Alexandria Morgans
Virtual Assistant
Hi! I’m Alexandria, and I’m a nutritional sciences student, future dietitian, and former professional ballet dancer with a passion for storytelling, food freedom, and creating inclusive spaces where people feel safe and supported in their relationship with food.
My approach is rooted in a weight-inclusive, non-diet philosophy—centered on healing, not restriction. As someone who spent years immersed in a perfection-driven world that deeply impacted my body image and eating habits, I understand how difficult it can be to unlearn rigid food rules and reconnect with your body. That personal experience is what drives my work today: helping others feel less alone and more empowered in their own healing.
Through content, I aim to challenge toxic diet culture, normalize recovery, and make evidence-based, compassionate guidance feel relatable and real. I believe that social media can be more than just a scroll—it can be a tool for education, connection, and change.
When I’m not creating, you can find me lifting weights, curled up with a good book, or rewatching my favorite comfort TV shows.
Dallas Smith, RD (she/her)
Intake Coordinator
I am a Canadian Registered Dietitian with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. I have been part of the Food Ease team for several years and recently took on the role of Intake Coordinator. In this role, I have the pleasure of being your first point of contact on your health and wellness journey. My job is to gather information during your initial appointment to help the Food Ease dietitians best meet your unique needs. Throughout your journey, I will also assist you in making informed decisions about supports and resources in your community that may be beneficial to you.
Veronica Buacharern, MS, RD (she/her)
Hi, I’m so glad you’re here! As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I’ve historically found myself serving marginalized communities with the following intersected identities: BIPOC, neurodivergent, 2SLGBTQIA+, and what is clinically known as eating disorders and disordered eating. I strive to help clients rediscover their inner body wisdom through client-led, embodied approaches to collaboratively lean into the different ways to heal. Since we know eating disorders do not discriminate, I work from an identity-affirming, weight-inclusive, harm reduction, and anti-oppressive framework, for ALL bodies and ALL embodied experiences. There’s healing in community, and I look forward to being a part of yours.
Allison D'Sylva, MPH, RDN
Hi, I’m Allie! I’m a Registered Dietitian with my Masters in Public Health and Nutrition from UNC Chapel Hill and my Bachelors degree in Human Biology and Society from UCLA. I am a former D1 collegiate athlete from UCLA and saw many of my close friends struggle with disordered eating amongst the pressures of competition and appearance. I am passionate about helping others navigate body image and eating habits to achieve personal health goals and pursue a positive relationship with food. I also am excited for the opportunity to provide you with the knowledge to discern nutrition advice amongst the overwhelming amount of information flooding social media. I am honored to be considered for your health journey and look forward to building a relationship with you!
Karin Loomis, MS, RDN (she/her)
Hello and welcome! I’m Karin! Through my experiences as a Registered Dietitian, I understand
that everyone is on their own timeline, has different needs, and has a unique relationship with
food and their body. I prioritize and value personalized care, meeting each person where they
are at, and ensuring goals are sustainable and attainable. I have primarily worked in the mental
health field supporting individuals with eating disorders and disordered eating in all levels of
care. I hope to work with clients collaboratively to encourage the practice of self-care through
nutrition, utilizing a non-diet and weight-inclusive lens.
Sydney McCune, PhD, RDN (she/her)
Hi, I’m Sydney! I’m a queer registered dietitian with a PhD in Nutrition. I take a weight-inclusive, Health at Every Size® (HAES®) approach, helping people build a sustainable, positive relationship with food. I believe nutrition should feel accessible, empowering, and free from guilt. My goal is to create a compassionate, supportive space where you feel heard and valued. My approach is all about meeting you where you are—focusing on evidence-based, realistic changes that fit your lifestyle and align with your needs and values. I’d love to be part of your journey!
Madison Morris, MS, RDN
Between her professional backgrounds in both the arts and sciences and her own health journey as a thyroid cancer survivor, Madison brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to the proverbial table. As a professional ballerina and dance educator, she knows firsthand the importance of nutrition for optimizing performance, recovery, and healing. She aims to encourage, empower, and equip individuals to be active and proactive participants in their health journeys while also promoting a healthy relationship with food, body image, physical activity, and rest. Madison believes health is more than physical and more than the absence of disease, injury, and infirmity. She maintains a comprehensive outlook on health and this informs her recommendations and approach.
Madison obtained an MS in Nutrition and a Dietetic Internship Graduate Certificate at Illinois State University. At Kansas State University she received a BS in Dietetics, BS in Health and Nutrition, Minor in Gerontology, and a Health Coach Certificate (Honors: summa cum laude; Outstanding Senior Award). While on the Performance Nutrition team at UCLA Athletics, she also gained valuable sports nutrition insights and experience. Whether you are looking to optimize performance, healing, or your relationship with food, Madison offers sound support, personalized care, and a gentle yet targeted approach.
Mackenzie Sweeley, MS, RDN (she/her)
I have experience supporting clients with eating disorders and disordered eating across a variety of treatment settings. I practice through an anti-diet, weight-inclusive lens, and am committed to fostering a safe, nonjudgmental space where healing and nourishment can take place.
Outside of work I enjoy going to sporting events, spending time with my partner and our dogs, reading, being a foodie, spending time with friends, and being outside.
I look forward to meeting you!
Kelsey Norby, MS, RD
Hi, I’m Kelsey! My work is rooted in self-love, compassion, and helping others build a positive, more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies.
I’ve always been drawn to movement—I spent my childhood as an athlete, playing everything from T-ball and volleyball to swimming and cheerleading. While I understood the value of being active, I didn’t always know how to fuel my body in a way that truly supported my health. That curiosity grew when I started college at San Diego State University and transitioned into a less active lifestyle. Like many, I experimented with quick fixes and unsustainable habits, until I began to shift my focus from trying to change my body to learning how to care for it. That shift led me to pursue a deeper education in nutrition. I earned my Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology with a focus on Sports Nutrition from Concordia University Chicago and went on to complete my dietetic internship at Iowa State University. Shortly after, I passed the board exam to officially become a registered dietitian. But more than that, I learned to see food not just as fuel—but as something deeply emotional and personal. It can bring joy, connection, stress, or even fear. And I’m here to help people navigate all of that.
Whether you’re working through a health diagnosis or just trying to feel more confident in your choices, my goal is to meet you where you are using a weight-inclusive approach. I offer a supportive space to explore your relationship with food, your body, and what it means to nourish yourself in a way that’s sustainable and empowering.
I’ve worked with clients of all ages and backgrounds—from kids and teens to adults managing conditions like NAFLD, PCOS, diabetes, IBS, celiac disease, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and more. No matter your story, you’re not alone—and I’m here to help you move forward with confidence and care.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active with indoor cycling, Pilates, and barre classes. When I’m not moving, you might find me binge-watching the latest Netflix shows, trying new restaurants, or taking my sassy, yet loving Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on an adventure!
Christina Pascual Vang, RDN
I strive to create a supportive, affirming space for anyone navigating challenges with food and body image—including those in eating disorder recovery—as well as queer and neurodivergent folks. My approach is rooted in curiosity, cultural humility, and deep respect for the many factors that shape how we relate to food and our bodies.
I celebrate food from all cultures and create space for clients to explore nourishment without guilt or shame. I believe healing happens through connection, and I’m committed to developing an environment where everyone is treated with dignity, care, and compassion.
I earned my degree in dietetics from San Francisco State University in 2017 and completed my dietetic internship at Bluffton University in 2022. My background is in community-based care, supporting older adults through PACE Programs and Meals on Wheels. I’m thrilled to be joining a team that centers holistic healing and sees each client as a whole person—not just a diagnosis.
When I’m not working, you can find me spending time with my husband, sister, and our pupperoni Mika, playing board games and video games, reading, or exploring local food festivals.
Shelly Rivera
Business Manager
I bring my background in content, wellness, and brand storytelling to my role at Food Ease. With professional roots in the fitness and lifestyle space, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of building community around body positivity, age inclusivity, and meeting people where they are in their wellness journey.
My approach is centered on celebrating all bodies and all paths to health. Drawing on my expertise in digital media and community engagement, I help amplify Food Ease’s mission of creating supportive, non-diet spaces where clients can feel encouraged and understood. I’m passionate about aligning my work with values of empowerment, representation, and accessibility, and I strive to create an environment where every person feels seen, supported, and valued in their relationship with food and body.
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