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.
Dallas Smith, RD (she/her)
Virtual Assistant
Hi! I’m Dallas – A Canadian Registered Dietitian and long-time member of the Food Ease team. Over the years, I’ve supported our practice through marketing, social media, client outreach, and the creation of accessible nutrition resources that reflect our values of food freedom and inclusivity.
My passion for nutrition stems from my own journey learning to eat intuitively and nourish my body as an endurance athlete. I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to move away from rigid food rules and reconnect with trust and balance around eating.
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.
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!
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!
Rachel McLaughlin
Billing Administrator
I bring over 20 years of experience in corporate operations and more than a decade in healthcare, specializing in full revenue cycle management—from patient eligibility and scheduling through billing and collections. I’ve had the opportunity to manage and scale large teams in fast-paced environments, and I truly enjoy coaching and developing people to help them grow.
My passion for healthcare began over 20 years ago when my grandmother was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. That experience inspired me to build a career where I could make a positive impact on patients as they navigate their health, medical bills, and overall well-being.
In my free time, I love taking family vacations, doing HIIT workouts, spending time with our two dogs, and getting lost in a good book. One day, I hope to finish my degree with a focus in healthcare administration and nutrition and wellness coaching.
