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Ventures

THIS ISSUE INCLUDES A CPE ARTICLE!

WI NTER 2025 -2026 | VO LU M E LIV | N U M B ER 3

In This Issue: From Overwhelm to Ease: Creating Systems That Transform Your Practice ��2 Strategic by Design: Building an Aligned Business for Nutrition Entrepreneurs ��3 From Gut Instinct to Market Share: How Nutrition Entrepreneurs Are Redefining the Wellness Economy �� 4 Networking as a Nutrition Entrepreneur: Why It Matters, Even As An Introvert �� 5 Delegate’s Corner �� 6 Far From Replacing You, AI Can Be Your Partner to Help You Serve Your Patients Better ��7 What Insurance-Based Dietitians Should Know About Telehealth �� 8 CPE Article: Partnerships with Purpose: Collaborate Without Compromising Your Mission �� 9 Ventures Crossword ��13 Nutrition Entrepreneurs Spring Summit 2026 ��14

Tuned In: MASTERING THE BUSINESS OF NUTRITION

Spring Summit 2026 Speakers ��15 Upcoming Events ��16

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EDITOR Kimberly Marsh, MS, RD

INCOMING EDITOR Gloria Davis Browning, MEd, RDN, SNS

EDITORIAL BOARD 2025-2026 Leah Tsui, MS, RDN, LDN Sarah Whipkey, RDN/LD Lauri Egan, RDN, CPT Kimberly Marsh, MS, RDN Jessica Beardsley, MS, RD, LDN Gloria Davis Browning, MEd, RDN, SNS Shannon McMahon, MS, RDN, LDN The magazine pertains to the Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and reproduction rights are reserved. Publication of an advertisement in the Ventures Magazine should not be considered an endorsement of the product or advertiser by the DPG. Viewpoints and statements in this magazine do not necessarily reflect policies and/or positions of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. © 2025 Nutrition Entrepreneurs. All rights reserved.

WE WELCOME FEEDBACK FROM OUR MEMBERS. PLEASE CONTACT THE EDITOR: Kimberly Marsh, MS, RD ne@eatright.org

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS: Email ne@eatright.org

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From Overwhelm to Ease: Creating Systems That Transform Your Practice J E S S I CA B EA R DS L E Y MS, RD, LDN NE DPG CHAIR When I first stepped into private practice, I thought being “tuned in” to my business meant saying yes to every opportunity and working hard to wear all the hats. I eventually realized that trying to “do all the things” left me exhausted and pulled me away from what I love most—showing up fully for my clients as a dietitian. This led me to build systems that support both my clients and me. Systems are the quiet, behind-the-scenes structures that create consistency, reduce overwhelm, and ultimately help your business run with far less effort. Systems aren’t just software or technology; they’re repeatable processes that eliminate decision fatigue. Yes, an EMR or automation tool can help—but the system itself begins with intention. It’s noticing what is taking too long, what feels clunky, or what clients stumble over, and designing a workflow that solves the problem. One of my earliest (and biggest) friction points was scheduling discovery calls. Without an automated process, I spent far too much time exchanging emails with prospective clients: “Does Tuesday at 10 work? No? How about Wednesday?” It was inefficient for me and inconvenient for them. Eventually, I created a simple scheduling workflow on my website that lets clients view available times and book a call that fits their schedules. Now, all I do is “confirm” the appointment inside Practice Better and show up prepared. It seems like a small change, but it freed up so much time and improved the client experience. Another area that transformed my practice was onboarding new clients. Early on, I used to manually send every form myself— intake questionnaires, consent forms, payment policy, you name it. I kept mental checklists of what needed to go out and what I needed to follow up on. Not only was it time-consuming, but it also took up far too much cognitive space. Today, my EMR automatically sends the necessary forms as soon as I schedule a client's initial visit. Clients also receive automated reminders with all the details they need before our session. Even better, parts of my initial note now pre-populate based on their intake form, eliminating redundant typing and helping me prepare more efficiently.

These experiences taught me an important lesson: systems are not about becoming more rigid—they’re about creating ease. If you're unsure where to begin, start by noticing where things feel chaotic or repetitive. Imagine how the process feels from the client’s perspective. Implement the simplest tool that supports both of you. And remember: automate only after the system works manually. Staying tuned in to your business means noticing what consistently drains your time and energy—and creating a process to support it. Even simple systems, like automated scheduling or pre-populated notes, can completely reshape your workflow. Start with one, then continue refining and expanding your systems as your business evolves.

Jessica Beardsley, MS, RD, LDN, is a weightinclusive nutrition counselor with a private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She loves to peruse cookbooks but rarely follows a recipe. Jessica is passionate about helping clients live their best life with intuitive eating. When Jessica is not cooking food or talking about it, you’ll find her running, climbing rocks or dancing in the kitchen with her kids.

Strategic by Design: Building an Aligned Business for Nutrition Entrepreneurs K I M B E R LY M A RS H MS, RDN, LD MAGAZINE EDITOR

I highly recommend the book The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington. They suggest that you break your goals down into 12-week segments or quarters of the year. This is a much more manageable timeframe to keep yourself on track. Here is an example:

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” RO B E RT CO L L I E R

Many of us have read James Clear's book Atomic Habits. It includes the inspiring story of how the British cycling team overcame 100+ years of poor performance to become one of the world's best cycling teams. Their success has been pinned on the idea of improving 1% every day. Now is a great time to reset and refocus your strategic plan for 2026. But even a year can feel really long and daunting. Figuring out how to be 1% better at something for 365 days is difficult to visualize. You need to have a plan with a strategy behind it to reach those goals. I’ll admit, the words “strategic plan” remind me of long, boring orientation meetings with human resources at new jobs. I usually couldn’t care less about the company’s mission, vision, values, or strategic plan. I just wanted to get to work, seeing patients and doing my job. Anyone else? But now that I have a business of my own, I am realizing the importance of having that strategic plan. All that really means is I have a roadmap of where I want my business to go and how I’m going to get there. To develop this roadmap, I need to think about my values, which is in line with our theme this year of attuNE. In the entrepreneur space, I have found myself getting “shiny object syndrome.” I’ll start a blog. I’ll pivot to functional nutrition. I’ll teach classes. I’ll market myself to gyms. I’ll be cash-pay only. I’ll take insurance. It’s like throwing spaghetti at a wall and seeing what sticks. And then I’m frustrated when nothing seems to stick when I have been inconsistent in all my efforts.

 By the end of the second month, decide on the format and design for the emails, including branding and logo.  By the end of the third month, have all emails written and programmed in the email marketing system.

business to accomplish in 2026. Be concrete in as many metrics as you can. But don’t forget some of the intangible parts of business ownership - stress level, enjoyment, etc. Try to pick three overarching pillars for your plan. For example:

It’s essential to then check in at the end of each quarter, see what you have accomplished, what needs more work, and what the next steps are. I have seen these tools work in both my own personal and professional life. While nothing was necessarily “broken” to begin with, having a plan has helped me find work-life balance, more success, and reduced burnout.

 Earn $X in 2026.

Here’s to a great 2026!

y Set a plan for what you want your

 Develop an email system that consistently generates leads.  Expand offerings to include online courses.

y Now look at each of those three

overarching pillars of your plan and break each down into four consecutive steps that will lead to success. If you can’t think of four, that is ok. The first step is the most important. Each of these steps should be something you can accomplish over a 12-week timeframe. For example, from my email example above:  Quarter 1: Set up an onboarding email sequence.  Quarter 2: Create three different freebies to offer throughout the year to get more people on an email list.

Kimberly Marsh, MS, RD, is a private practice owner and consultant in senior living. She loves to be outdoors, just not camping. When not serving as chauffeur in chief for her 4 young kids or cheering at their sports games, she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, skiing, paddleboarding, and in general appreciating our beautiful world. Luckily, her home in Colorado affords ample opportunities for these activities.

 Quarter 3: Build out email sequence to include regular newsletter emails and periodic offers.  Quarter 4: Create content on blog and social media that will include opt-ins for an email list.

y Take a step back. Are you still focused on your strategic plan? If not, re-evaluate.

y When you see a distracting idea, remind

yourself you can tackle that next quarter.

y Dive in deeper on your first step in each pillar. Can you create action items and deadlines within the first quarter to keep you on track? Be realistic but also push yourself. Continuing my example:

 In the first two weeks, research and purchase an email marketing system.  By the end of the first month, determine how many emails to have in onboarding sequence. Use prompts for each email in an AI tool to generate outlines or drafts.

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From Gut Instinct to Market Share: How Nutrition Entrepreneurs Are Redefining the Wellness Economy M A R I A M O RGA N - BAT H K E MBA, PhD, RD, CD, LD, FAND WEBSITE COORDINATOR In an era where wellness is both a personal mission and a trillion-dollar global industry, nutrition entrepreneurs are shaping the next frontier of health innovation. They’re no longer just formulating supplements or launching functional foods—they’re reframing how consumers think about nourishment, longevity, and holistic well-being. But in a market driven by both scientific credibility and emotional appeal, finding the balance between gut instinct and evidence-based innovation is the new challenge.

THE NEW WELLNESS VANGUARD Today’s consumers are savvier, more skeptical, and better informed than ever before. They expect their protein bar, probiotic, or adaptogenic tonic to not only taste good but also do good for their bodies, their communities, and the planet. Entrepreneurs entering the nutrition space are tapping into this shift with products and platforms that promise personalization, sustainability, and transparency. From microbiome testing startups to AI-powered nutrition coaching and regenerative food systems, the wellness economy is expanding in ways that blend tech innovation with age-old principles of nourishment.

These innovators aren’t waiting for permission from legacy food corporations. They’re listening to their audiences, applying rapid prototyping, and often relying on a combination of scientific insight and entrepreneurial “gut instinct” to identify emerging opportunities before the data catches up.

BALANCING SCIENCE AND SALES: CREDIBILITY VS. MARKETABILITY One of the toughest balancing acts in the wellness industry lies between scientific credibility and market appeal. Consumers want products that are evidence-based— but they also crave simplicity, storytelling, and emotional resonance. For nutrition entrepreneurs, this often means navigating a gray zone:

y Lean too far toward science, and your message may get lost in technical jargon or overly cautious claims.

y Lean too far toward marketing, and you risk being dismissed as hypedriven or “wellness-washing.”

The sweet spot lies in integrating credible, accessible education with authentic brand storytelling. Transparency about what is known versus what is emerging helps build trust. Many successful founders—especially those with backgrounds in nutrition, dietetics, or health sciences—use their professional credibility to translate complex research into consumer-friendly insights.

THE RISE OF THE EVIDENCEINFORMED BRAND Unlike the “superfood” craze of the early 2010s, today’s wellness consumers want more than buzzwords. They’re looking for data-backed results, clinical trials, and transparency in sourcing and formulation. Nutrition entrepreneurs are responding by investing in third-party testing (for example, outside peers assessing products and providing validation), publishing white papers, and forming advisory boards with credentialed experts. At the same time, they understand that emotional resonance drives purchasing behavior. Brands, such as Patagonia or Girlfriend Collective, that combine purpose with proof—such as emphasizing sustainability, inclusion, and cultural authenticity—tend to gain lasting loyalty.

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FROM PERSONAL PASSION TO MARKET POWER Many of today’s leading nutrition startups were born out of personal health journeys. Founders who turned their struggles with digestive health, metabolic challenges, or burnout into innovation stories often resonate deeply with consumers. This blend of personal narrative plus scientific validation has become a hallmark of modern wellness branding. Digital platforms and social media amplify this authenticity, allowing entrepreneurs to build communities around shared values—gut health, hormone balance, brain nutrition, or longevity—while maintaining a direct dialogue with customers.

WHAT’S NEXT: THE CONVERGENCE OF SCIENCE, TECH, AND TRUST Looking ahead, the most successful nutrition entrepreneurs will be those who embrace a hybrid mindset—equal parts scientist, storyteller, and strategist. The future of the wellness economy depends on those who can integrate validated science with consumer intuition, evolving evidence with empathy, and marketability with integrity. As the line between health professional and entrepreneur continues to blur, credibility will remain the cornerstone of sustainable success. After all, in the wellness world, trust is the ultimate nutrient.

“In the wellness world, trust is the ultimate nutrient.”

Maria MorganBathke, MBA, PhD, RD, CD, LD, FAND, received a B.S. in dietetics with a minor in Spanish from University of Wisconsin-Stout in May 2009. She received her Ph.D. in nutritional sciences with a minor in cancer biology from the University of Arizona in July 2013 and her MBA with an emphasis in health care management from Viterbo University in 2020. Maria also recently started her own business.

Networking as a Nutrition Entrepreneur: Why It Matters, Even As An Introvert WA N N A C H U N MPH, RDN, CPT, CDCES PR & MARKETING COORDINATOR Networking is essential for building a successful nutrition business. Authentic connections can create opportunities and foster growth, even when meeting new people at crowded events feels overwhelming. Many successful entrepreneurs leverage their strengths, such as listening skills and attention to detail, to develop deeper relationships. However, individuals like me who identify as introverts may find networking intimidating.

THE STRENGTHS INTROVERTS BRING TO NETWORKING Introverts bring valuable traits to entrepreneurship. They take the time to understand the needs of clients, peers, and partners beyond surface-level interactions. Their ability to observe and empathize helps in cultivating lasting partnerships. I’ve learned that effective networking involves prioritizing the depth of conversations, focusing on meaningful exchanges, and aiming to learn from or support others, rather than simply collecting contacts.

STRATEGIES FOR MEANINGFUL NETWORKING Rather than forcing yourself into large crowds, it’s important to head into each networking opportunity with a strategy. Decide in advance what you hope to gain from networking, whether that is collaboration, new clients, mentorship, or business partnerships. Find events or groups that align with your goals. From personal experience, attending smaller gatherings like peer forums and intimate webinars has led to some of the most valuable relationships in my career. For example, attending monthly Nutrition Entrepreneur Masterminds, Webinars, or Halfie Hours provides a better environment for genuine conversations compared to big mixers. I’ve learned that preparing some questions in advance reduces anxiety. Learn about the people attending and create a few relevant questions based on their recent work or business challenges. Asking what inspired someone's launch or how that person solved an operational issue opens doors without the pressure to perform.

LEADING WITH VALUE BUILDS TRUST Making connections that last starts with leading with value. I’ve found that offering

support before asking for anything in return creates a foundation of trust that’s hard to replicate. For example, after connecting with someone at a virtual event, I shared a resource I thought might be helpful based on our conversation. The person appreciated the gesture and later reached out, which led to an ongoing exchange of ideas and eventually to a collaborative project. Sharing insights, making introductions, or giving honest feedback on a new project can open doors in ways you might not anticipate. Generosity in networking isn’t just about being kind; it’s about building relationships that feel real and reciprocal. The most meaningful connections often grow after the first meeting. I also try to send a quick note referencing something we discussed, maybe sharing a resource or suggesting a virtual coffee chat to continue the conversation. These thoughtful followups have led to some of my most rewarding collaborations.

MAKING NETWORKING SUSTAINABLE Making networking sustainable means staying organized and intentional. After each event, take time to reflect on the insights you’ve gained and identify which connections are worth nurturing. Setting simple quarterly goals, such as reaching out to three new professionals and sending thoughtful follow-ups, helps keep the process manageable and focused. Scheduling relaxed strategy sessions or informal online meetings creates space for open sharing and mutual support, making networking feel less like a chore and more like a natural part of professional growth.

FOSTERING LASTING PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS Whether you are introverted, extroverted, or a mix of both, networking is about forming authentic connections, building trust, and establishing a shared purpose. Essential components such as active listening, curiosity, and thoughtful follow-up help shape strong professional relationships. Start with small steps, progress at your own pace, and blend your business vision with empathy and clear intent. Each genuine conversation, thoughtful note, and collaborative gesture can build a network that supports your business's growth and lasting success.

Wan Na ("Wanna") Chun, MPH, RDN, owner of One Pot Wellness, is a homebody, Costco fanatic, self-proclaimed peanut butter aficionado, and loves to move her body through strengthtraining, running, or swimming. She lives in the midwest but is a born and raised New Yorker who loves the excitement of big cities and delicious ethnic foods of all kinds.

HOW TO FIND AUTHENTIC CONNECTIONS If you find certain situations to be draining or awkward, remember that many others feel the same way. Authentic communication, respect, and genuine interest are much more valuable than aiming for scripted perfection. When you volunteer for projects, join committees, or engage in group work, the shared achievements can foster meaningful bonds that last well beyond initial introductions. I've found that serving on the Nutrition Entrepreneurs Executive Committee has helped me build longer-lasting connections. We meet at least once a month, and I maintain regular communication with the other members. It’s essential to limit your commitments to high-value opportunities and give yourself permission to step back or take breaks during events.

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DELEGATE’S CORNER

An Update On the Work of the House of Delegates ELIZABETH REED MPH, RDN, LD ACADEMY DELEGATE, HOUSE OF DELEGATES Hello NE! As your Academy delegate, I'm here to be your voice and represent you in Academy matters. If you have any questions, concerns, or issues you want brought to the House of Delegates, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here for you! An update on the work of the House of Delegates ... Last year, I shared the Academy’s presentation The Power of Our Profession, which highlighted the many opportunities we have as RDNs to strengthen and enrich the field of nutrition and dietetics. This year, the House of Delegates is taking things a step further. We’re diving into the real issues our members are facing and seeking practical ways to offer support and resources—all with the goal of continuing to champion nutrition and dietetics as a strong, science-based profession. As a group, we’ll discuss the growing competition from people who may not have the same level of training or credentials, and we’ll also take a closer

look at why so many RDNs and NDTRs are dissatisfied with their jobs. To help focus our efforts, in June, the House of Delegates heard from the Council on Future Practice about the priorities that will guide our work in 2026. These priorities, essentially the big change-drivers, that are shaping our profession today, include: Artificial Intelligence and Learning, Changing Science, Higher Education, Changing Information Channels, Healthcare Disruption, Climate Change Mitigation, Declining Trust, Supporting Mental Health, Transparent Organizational Ethics, and Emerging Gen Z. In August, to further refine our work, the HOD heard presentations from the Academy’s Research and Policy Advocacy teams. After that, delegates broke into small groups—our House Leadership Teams (HLTs)—to take a closer look at the priorities before us. Once the HLTs' discussions wrapped up, a clear set of priorities emerged that will guide the HOD’s work for 2026:

y Declining Trust y Artificial Intelligence and Learning y Changing Science y Healthcare Disruption

Together, these priorities highlight both the challenges and opportunities before us as RDNs. Throughout the year, the HOD will keep meeting in their HLT groups to dive deeper into these priorities, then bring their ideas back to the full House for fine-tuning. In FY 2026, the final HOD position will be shared with the Academy Board of Directors to ensure these priorities align with the core of the Academy’s mission and the 2025–2030 strategic plan. The efforts of the HOD ensure that our members' voices guide the direction of our profession, helping the Academy stay responsive, forward-thinking, and focused on supporting RDNs in a rapidly changing world.

Elizabeth Reed, MPH, RDN, LD, has enjoyed diverse career roles of Clinical Nutrition Manager, Adjunct Professor, Analyst-Academy’s Evidence Analysis Library and Nutrition Consultant. There was a successful brief stop in the middle to create a gluten-free baking company as result of her daughter’s diagnosis of celiac disease. Currently Elizabeth is owner of Apple A Day Nutrition Consulting LLC that she has owned since 2004, where she provides medical nutrition therapy in private practice. Always on the lookout for healthy food Elizabeth can be found at the farmer's market or testing a GF recipe.

“The efforts of the HOD ensure that our members' voices guide the direction of our profession, helping the Academy stay responsive, forward-thinking, and focused on supporting RDNs in a rapidly changing world. ”

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Far From Replacing You, AI Can Be Your Partner to Help You Serve Your Patients Better KA R E N K E N N E DY MS, CN, IFNCP ANNUAL CONFERENCE DIRECTOR Let's address the elephant in the room: artificial intelligence (AI) feels scary because we're afraid it will replace us. But here's what I've discovered after integrating AI into my nutrition practice. It's not replacing my clinical expertise. It's handling the cognitive load that used to make my head spin so I can focus on what I do best— helping my patients. I'm going to share three specific ways AI serves as my behind-the-scenes partner.

TAMING THE DATA OVERWHELM I work with complex cases. A patient comes in with extensive lab work—conventional panels, functional labs, maybe some CGM data—plus a complicated medical history. I'm not a terrifically organized person, and honestly, this can make my head spin. Here's where AI helps. I dump all my notes, observations, and initial assessment into my AI assistant, and it spits out an organized bullet list in a consistent format. I've programmed it with optimal reference ranges for labs, and it acts as a safety net. When a presentation is particularly complex, AI can catch things I might have missed in the maze of data. This goes straight into my patient notes. The result? More thorough clinical documentation without the mental gymnastics of trying to organize everything myself.

SALES PAGES WITHOUT THE BURNOUT I use Practice Better and sell my services as packages. After a sales call with a potential client, I face a task that drains me: customizing the package sales page to reflect that person's specific needs. Here's my struggle. I'm focused on the clinical process and how I want to approach the client’s care. But sales pages need results-oriented language and clear roadmaps. I have the hardest time with that language—it's like code-switching from clinician to salesperson, and it's exhausting. Now I drop my call notes into AI. I've trained it to use results-oriented language and create client roadmaps while I stay focused on what I do best—the clinical approach. This saves me from the mental burnout of trying to think like a different person.

MAKING CLIENT NOTES ACCESSIBLE After a session, I need to send my client a lovely note. It should be clear and descriptive, with links and resources, and good instructions. That takes enough time. But then I have to format it and adjust my language to be supportive and friendly. More code-switching. UGH. I can drop my clinical instructions into AI, and it makes everything look and sound more accessible without my spending another 30 minutes trying to sound like a different person. It's kind of less me, but sometimes less me is better, if you know what I mean.

YOUR EXPERTISE REMAINS IRREPLACEABLE AI doesn't replace your clinical judgment, your patient relationships, or your expertise. It clears the cognitive clutter so you can focus on what makes you irreplaceable. Think about the tasks that drain your mental energy because they require you to codeswitch or organize information in ways that don't come naturally. Those are your prime candidates for AI assistance.

If you want to learn more about how to skillfully and safely use AI in both your marketing and clinical work, sign up for NE’s Spring Summit, a virtual conference in February. You’ll get valuable CPEs while learning pro-tips to level up your practice.

Karen Kennedy, MS, CN, IFNCP, has had her garden put on hold the past two years and is living vicariously through giving unsolicited advice to others. She loves having more time to cut out of work early all summer and head to the river with the dog to swim, suntan and pick berries. Her kids are older now and she is enjoying being a kid again herself. She has built a practice around using CGMs to "hack your blood sugar" and is having fun being the tech person.

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PAYMENT SPECIALIST CORNER

What Insurance-Based Dietitians Should Know About Telehealth AMY PLANO RD, MS, CDE, CDN NUTRITION SERVICES PAYMENT SPECIALIST I have been billing insurance since 2008. However, I still remember my very first telehealth week: a patient logged in from her car, her dog howling in the background. At the same time, I frantically tried to recall whether Medicare wanted modifier 95 or GT. Like many of you, I felt overwhelmed and entirely convinced every claim I submitted was headed straight for denial. And while telehealth has become more structured, the learning curve hasn’t disappeared; it has just changed shape. Telehealth has shifted from a pandemic workaround to a critical component of insurance-based nutrition practices. As patients increasingly prefer virtual sessions and payers formalize their telehealth rules, dietitians must understand the regulatory, billing, and reimbursement landscape to stay compliant and financially stable.

TELEHEALTH COVERAGE IS EXPANDING, BUT NOT UNIFORM Most commercial payers now cover medical nutrition therapy (MNT) delivered by credentialed dietitians via telehealth. However, coverage is not standardized. Some insurers require separate telehealth credentialing, others mandate specific modifiers, and several limit reimbursement based on place of service (POS). As a result, verifying benefits for every patient and reviewing payer contracts remains essential to avoid preventable denials.

PLACE OF SERVICE CODES DRIVE REIMBURSEMENT POS codes communicate where the patient is physically located during the visit and directly influence claim processing:

y POS 10 – Telehealth when the patient is at home

y POS 02 – Telehealth when the patient is not at home (1)

Incorrect POS coding is a leading cause of underpayment and requests for correction. I learned this firsthand when multiple weeks of my own telehealth claims were underpaid because my EHR defaulted to POS 02. Even though every patient was clearly sitting on the couch at home. One unnoticed dropdown error quickly became hours of rework.

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TELEHEALTH MODIFIERS: USE ONLY WHEN REQUIRED Payers vary in their telehealth billing requirements:

y Modifier 95 — most common for real-time telehealth

y Modifier GT — required by certain regional or legacy plans

y Modifier GQ — asynchronous services (rare for RDNs)

Using modifiers unnecessarily can delay claims, cause underpayments, or trigger audits. I still chuckle remembering the time I added a modifier “just in case,” only to get a denial that took me hours to figure out why. Of course, this delayed reimbursement for four weeks. Lesson learned.

WHY MEDICARE MATTERS IN 2026 Medicare continues to reimburse for telehealth MNT through January 30, 2026, including 97802, 97803, and G0270 under Part B (2).

virtually. Both kinds of parity are highly dependent on your state's telehealth laws. When I am in doubt about parity rules for a particular state, I refer to The Center for Connected Health Policy (3). On fee schedules, telehealth rates may appear as “NOF,” “NF,” or “telehealth/ non-office,” while in-office visits appear as “OFF.” Reviewing both ensures you understand what’s covered, how much you’ll be paid, and helps you capture all the revenue you’ve earned. Telehealth isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore. It’s basically your practice’s new best friend. Keep tabs on POS codes, modifiers, Medicare updates, payer rules, and licensure requirements. And you’ll be able to rock virtual visits like a pro, get paid, stay compliant, and keep your sanity intact.

REFERENCES:

As a national payer, Medicare continues to set the tone for broader telehealth policy. Key areas to watch include:

y Potential expiration of certain

COVID-era waivers, which may reinstate previous geographic or originating-site restrictions.

y Growing preference for POS 10, which may influence commercial payers.

y Continued RDN eligibility to bill MNT telehealth codes.

y Commercial payer alignment, as many

adopt Medicare’s policies as a baseline.

LICENSURE: STILL THE BIGGEST COMPLIANCE RISK Dietitians must be licensed (or exempt) in the state where the patient is physically located during the session. States are increasing enforcement, and insurers are following suit. Always review state licensure rules, temporary exemptions, and malpractice coverage before expanding telehealth services across state lines.

Amy Plano, The Reimbursement Dietitian, RD, MS, CDE, CDN, is a successful private practice dietitian passionate about helping dietitians create a profitable nutrition private practice using an insured-based model. Together with her husband, Marc Plano, she runs the profitable, The Plano Program, a health and wellness-based center in Orange, CT. Through her coaching programs, online resources, and seminars, she teaches dietitians exactly how to use health insurance to make money in their nutrition practices.

REIMBURSEMENT PARITY REMAINS COMMON Parity in telehealth comes in two forms: payment parity and service parity. Payment parity means telehealth visits are reimbursed at the same rate as in-person appointments. Service parity means the same types of services you provide in the office, initial visits, follow-ups, MNT, and diabetes education, can also be delivered

“Telehealth isn’t just a nice-tohave anymore. It’s basically your practice’s new best friend.”

CPE ARTICLE

Partnerships with Purpose: Collaborate Without Compromising Your Mission AMY GOODSON MS, RD, CSSD, LD

EVERY 'YES' SHAPES YOUR BRAND As a registered dietitian and entrepreneur, you’ll likely be offered many opportunities throughout your career—from media features and co-branded content to affiliate deals and brand sponsorships. While it’s exciting to have choices, not all offers are worth your time or align with your values. In fact, saying yes to the wrong opportunities can compromise your credibility and send confusing messages to your audience. I’ve experienced both ends of the spectrum. Early on when I was leaving my 11-year job, I received a generous offer to promote and work for a supplement company. Though the contract looked great on paper, the product didn’t align with my values or with where I wanted to go in my career. Turning it down was uncomfortable but necessary. A few months later, another company I truly believed in approached me with a brand partnership that was a perfect fit in my own business. That experience taught me a vital lesson: purposeful partnerships build your brand—misaligned ones, no matter how lucrative and appealing they may look, dilute it. In this article, we’ll explore how to define your authentic brand, evaluate partnership alignment, build meaningful collaborations, and confidently choose the opportunities that support your long-term vision.

ESTABLISHING YOUR AUTHENTIC BRAND FOUNDATION The first step to partnering with purpose is knowing what you stand for. Without a clear brand identity, it’s hard to determine whether a collaboration fits—or not.

Define Your Professional Identity Your brand is the promise you make to your audience. It’s not just what you do, but how and why you do it. Start by clarifying your niche, your audience, and your area of expertise. Are you a sports dietitian helping youth athletes improve performance? Do you specialize in women’s wellness and hormone health? Are you focused on workplace wellness programs? These answers shape the way you present yourself online and offline. They also help determine which partnerships will resonate with your audience and build trust.

Craft a Personal/Professional Calling Statement

y Does this support my long-term

One of the most powerful tools for staying grounded is a calling statement—a one- to two-sentence summary that describes who you serve, what transformation you offer, and how you uniquely deliver that transformation.

Being intentional at the front end can save time, energy, and potential regret down the road.

business goals or distract from them?

Recognize Red Flags

“I help [specific audience] achieve [specific outcome] through [your approach or expertise].”

While some opportunities may look great on the surface, they may raise concerns once you dig a little deeper. Warning signs include vague contracts, partnerships that conflict with your values, or brands that pressure you to compromise your message.

For example:

Other red flags include:

y “I help high school athletes fuel their

y Being asked to endorse a product you

Here’s a simple structure to try:

performance and recovery with practical, evidence-based nutrition strategies.”

y “I empower busy professionals to eat for energy and focus, using realistic habit-building tools and science-backed advice.”

When opportunities arise, this statement becomes your compass. If a partnership doesn’t support your mission or message, it’s likely not a fit.

Ensure Visual and Emotional Brand Consistency A cohesive brand goes beyond just your logo and colors. Your tone, messaging, personality, and partnerships all contribute to your brand’s emotional footprint. Before you sign on to a collaboration, ask yourself: Would my audience expect this from me? Would it feel consistent with my current content, messaging, and services? Consistency builds familiarity, and familiarity builds trust—an essential ingredient in long-term success.

haven’t had time to review thoroughly

y Partnerships that require you to remain

silent about compensation or sponsorship

y Pressure to adjust your

messaging in a way that feels off-brand or unprofessional

y Lack of communication or

responsiveness on the backend

y Unclear direction with the partnership or project goals and timelines

Your credibility as a registered dietitian is your most important asset. Protect it at all costs.

Develop a Brand Alignment Checklist To streamline your decision-making process, consider creating a “brand alignment checklist.” This tool will help you objectively evaluate opportunities. At the end of this article, you’ll find a ready-to-use checklist you can reference whenever a new partnership arises.

EVALUATING ALIGNMENT BEFORE YOU COLLABORATE Once you have a strong brand foundation, the next step is knowing how to evaluate incoming opportunities—or pitch your own— with clarity and confidence.

Ask the Right Questions When considering a potential collaboration, take a pause and reflect on a few essential questions:

y Does this align with my core values and professional philosophy?

y Will this elevate my brand’s credibility or confuse my audience?

y Is this product or partner one I genuinely

believe in—personally and professionally?

y Would I recommend this brand, company, service, etc., without compensation?

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Partnership Readiness Checklist Use this checklist before saying yes to a new collaboration or opportunity:

y Does this align with my calling statement and brand values?

y Is the product or partner ethical, professional, and reputable?

y Would I use or recommend this even if I wasn’t being paid?

y Does this opportunity serve my audience and support my business goals?

y Is the compensation fair for my

Whether it’s a co-hosted Instagram Live, a joint blog post, or a local event, small ideas often lead to big results.

including what worked and what did not, will inform what you should likely offer in your suite of services.

Explore Different Collaboration Formats

When forming these types of partnerships, the key is to learn as much as you can about the company and its needs, then align your services with its goals while maintaining the integrity of your evidence-based practice. For instance, you may be asked to support a “healthy eating month” initiative or provide educational materials to help reduce sick days or boost productivity. You become a bridge between science and practicality— turning nutrition into a strategic asset for the business.

There are countless ways to partner, and each offers different benefits:

y Joint Ventures: Co-host a webinar,

co-create a downloadable guide, or offer a bundled service package

y Brand Collaborations: Serve as a product ambassador, contribute to a sponsored campaign, or develop recipes or content

y Content Partnerships: Guest blog

time, expertise, and deliverables?

posts, podcast interviews, or social media series with other professionals

y Do I have the capacity to deliver

y Affiliate Relationships: Promote tools

high-quality work right now?

y Is there a written agreement outlining terms, usage, and payment?

y Will I be proud to showcase this in my portfolio?

y Does this partnership move me

forward—or just keep me busy?

If most of your answers are “yes,” you may have found a purpose-aligned opportunity worth pursuing.

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS WITH PURPOSE Now that you’ve established your brand and evaluation criteria, let’s talk about how to build collaborations that enhance your message, expand your reach, and support your business.

Begin with Shared Values The most successful partnerships are born out of mutual respect and shared vision. Before diving into any project, research the person or brand you’re considering partnering with. Do they serve a similar audience? Do they have a mission that complements yours? Are they known for professionalism and ethical practices? Shared values create a strong foundation for trust, creativity, and longevity.

Be Proactive, Not Just Reactive While it’s exciting to be approached for partnerships, don’t wait to be discovered. Take a proactive role in seeking collaborators who align with your goals. Start by identifying three to five potential partners—whether brands, fellow RDs, or platforms—and engage with them authentically on social media by commenting on their content and getting to know their voice. Then, reach out with a simple message of appreciation and a thoughtful collaboration idea.

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or products you already love and use in exchange for commission

The key is choosing a format that aligns with your current goals, audience, and bandwidth.

Partnerships in Corporate Nutrition: Becoming the Nutrition Provider for a Business One of the most lucrative and impactful partnership opportunities for registered dietitians is to align with a company or corporation as its go-to provider of nutrition services. Whether it's a corporate wellness program, a health-focused startup, a food brand, or a fitness facility, many businesses are seeking credible experts to offer nutrition education and engagement as part of their employee or customer offerings. In these cases, the registered dietitian (and/ or the RD’s business) becomes the subject matter expert, contracted to deliver a suite of services that benefit both the business and its target population. These services may include:

y One-on-one virtual or in-person

nutrition counseling for employees, athletes, or customers

y Lunch-and-learn presentations,

webinars, or workshop series tailored to workplace wellness goals

y Content development, such as

blogs, social media posts, handouts, toolkits, or newsletter contributions

y Menu or product review and analysis,

including nutrient breakdowns, health claims, and food label accuracy

y On-site activations, such as

cooking demonstrations, wellness fairs, or grocery store tours

Before crafting a proposal with services, it’s crucial to have a discovery call or meeting to understand the company’s needs, issues, and gaps. Asking questions and learning what the company has done in the past,

What to Keep in Mind: y Clearly define deliverables. Are you

providing 10 hours of counseling per month? One blog per week? A quarterly webinar? Spell it out and have a plan for what happens when there are additional requests, meetings, research that needs to be done, etc. Having an agreed-upon a-la-carte fee for extra hours of work will minimize future issues.

y Protect your time and intellectual

property. If you're developing original materials, specify how they can be used and whether the company retains rights to reuse or distribute them. It’s also extremely important to indicate who owns the content versus the “pieces of work” (videos, webinar recordings, fact sheets, blogs, etc.).

y Know your worth. You are offering

a specialized, credentialed service— price accordingly based on value, which includes a combination of time, customization, the size of the audience, the results you will deliver through your services, and more.

y Set boundaries and maintain

ethics. Just because a company pays doesn’t mean you promote products or services that contradict your values or nutrition science.

These partnerships can become long-term revenue streams, expand your visibility, and position you as a leader in your niche. Whether you’re helping a startup launch a meal program or educating hundreds of employees at a healthcare system, your role as a partner—not just a provider—is essential to long-term impact.

CHOOSING YOUR BEST 'YES' Every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else—your time, your energy, or even future opportunities. That’s why it’s essential to choose your best yes.

Discern Good Opportunities from the Right Ones

course). These small steps will help you get a feel for collaboration dynamics and build confidence for larger partnerships later.

y Creating independent contractor

Protect Yourself with Clarity and Contracts

y Developing terms and conditions,

Every professional partnership—big or small—should be supported by clear communication and a written agreement. This protects both parties and ensures a smooth experience. Do not work without a contract or agreement. Make sure your contracts include:

y Scope of work and deliverables y Timeline and deadlines

A “good” opportunity might be interesting, well-compensated, or offer some visibility. But a “right”, or best, opportunity fits your mission like a glove. It resonates with your audience, supports your long-term business goals, and feels authentic to who you are.

y Payment terms and compensation

When evaluating offers, consider:

When you’re ready to pitch a partnership, keep it focused and value-driven. Your outreach should highlight the mutual benefit of the collaboration, why you’re a good fit, and a clear next step.

y Does this move me closer to my vision? y Will I be proud to showcase this in my portfolio?

y Do I have the time and energy to deliver this at a high level?

Don’t be afraid to pass on something that’s “almost right.” Leave space for the partnerships that truly align with you, your brand, and long-term business goals.

Learn the Art of Saying No (Graciously) Turning down a collaboration can feel awkward, especially if it comes from someone you respect. But a professional “no” can still leave the door open for future alignment. Here are a few phrases you can use:

y “Thank you so much for reaching out. At this time, I’m focused on projects that align directly with my work in women’s health. I appreciate your thinking of me and hope we can connect again in the future.”

y “I love what you’re doing, but I don’t

think I’m the best fit for this project right now. Wishing you continued success!”

Graceful boundaries keep your integrity— and your energy—intact.

GETTING STARTED WITH PARTNERSHIPS If you’re new to partnerships or branching into entrepreneurship, start small and build momentum with aligned, low-risk opportunities.

Start Where You Are Test the waters by co-hosting a webinar with a colleague, participating in a giveaway, or featuring a brand you love in your content (disclosed appropriately, of

y Content usage and ownership rights Even for small projects, clarity is your best friend.

Pitch with Purpose

For example: “Hi [Name], I love your mission to [insert aligned value], and I think our audiences overlap in meaningful ways. I’d love to propose a joint webinar on [topic], where we could each contribute value, and share the content across our platforms. Let me know if this sounds like something you’d be interested in discussing further.”

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS OF PARTNERSHIPS, SMALL AND LARGE Work With Attorneys to Build—and Protect—Your Business As dietitians expand into entrepreneurship and start forming contracts, brand partnerships, and large-scale service agreements, it’s essential to understand when legal counsel should be involved. Too often, health professionals avoid attorneys because of perceived costs or fear that involving legal help might complicate a deal. In reality, working with a qualified attorney is a critical investment that protects you now and into the future.

When Do You Need an Attorney? You should consider engaging an attorney when:

y Entering formal partnerships or

collaborations involving money, services, or shared intellectual property

y Negotiating brand ambassadorships,

spokesperson roles, or licensing deals with food, wellness, or fitness companies

y Signing long-term contracts with gyms, health systems, school districts, or corporations

agreements for subcontractors or team members you hire disclaimers, or privacy policies for websites or online courses

y Forming an LLC, S-Corp, or

drafting operating agreements for multi-partner ventures

How to Choose the Right Attorney Not all attorneys are alike. Look for one who:

y Specializes in small business, intellectual property, or healthcare law.

y Has experience working with servicebased entrepreneurs, ideally in wellness or allied health fields.

y Has a specific niche in your area

of opportunity such as intellectual property licensing or trademark law

y Can explain things clearly without excessive legal jargon.

y Is responsive, transparent with billing, and solution-oriented.

Ask peers for recommendations or check with organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for referrals. You may also consider platforms like LegalZoom and UpCounsel, or professional groups such as Business Network International (BNI), to find vetted options.

How Attorneys Help You Long-Term y Prevent costly mistakes. It’s much easier

(and cheaper) to get a contract reviewed upfront than to deal with litigation later.

y Protect your brand, content, and

business. This includes trademarks, copyrights, and content licensing.

y Clarify ambiguous language. Attorneys help ensure your agreements are fair, equitable, and enforceable.

y Strengthen your negotiation skills. They help you understand what to ask for and when to walk away.

What to Expect Financially Legal fees vary, but here’s what to be prepared for:

y Flat fees for common services (e.g., contract review, LLC formation): $300–$1,000+

y Hourly rates for more complex

projects: $150–$600/hour, depending on location and expertise

y Retainer fees if you anticipate needing regular legal support over time

While this may seem steep, consider the opportunity cost of not being protected. One overlooked clause or vague deliverable can cost far more than a consultation.

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In short, think of legal services as a key part of your entrepreneurial toolkit—just like accounting or insurance. A competent, skilled attorney doesn’t just protect your assets—the attorney gives you confidence to grow strategically and securely.

THE RD ADVANTAGE: ETHICAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP As registered dietitians, we are uniquely positioned to be trusted voices in the nutrition, health, and wellness space. But that also comes with responsibility.

Prioritize Ethics and Transparency Whether you're creating content, representing a brand, or offering nutrition guidance, your work must reflect the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Code of Ethics. Always disclose sponsored partnerships, avoid promoting products you don’t fully believe in, and remain committed to science-based practice. Credibility, once lost, is hard to regain. Let transparency and professionalism guide you.

Track Your Wins and Build a Portfolio Every successful collaboration is proof of concept. Save metrics, screenshots, testimonials, and outcomes from your partnerships. These “receipts” can help you pitch future collaborations and charge accordingly.

A smart way to approach any new partnership is to make the initial agreement time-bound. A good starting point for firsttime collaborations is three to six months. This gives both parties a clear window to test the waters, evaluate the relationship, and make adjustments if needed. For larger or more integrated partnerships— such as corporate wellness consulting or ongoing content development—a one-year agreement with scheduled check-in points (e.g., every quarter) allows for building momentum while maintaining flexibility.

Benefits of short-to-mid-term agreements: y Create built-in checkpoints for assessment and renegotiation

y Allow for recalibration if objectives shift. y Offer an easy and professional offramp if things aren’t working

If the collaboration is successful and mutually beneficial, you can always renegotiate for a longer-term partnership with revised terms that better reflect your increased contribution and value.

Know When It’s Time to Move On Even the most aligned and successful partnerships may run their course. Here are a few signals that it might be time to step away:

y Your brand or services have evolved and are no longer aligned with the partner’s mission or audience.

Create a simple case study or testimonial slide for each major project—this builds your authority and positions you for high-value opportunities.

y You’re consistently compromising

Turn Partnerships Into Scalable Revenue

y There’s a lack of communication or

As you grow, partnerships can become more than side gigs. They can turn into:

y Recurring affiliate income y Retainer-based brand deals y Co-created programs or courses y Ongoing media or campaign work y Provision of long-term nutrition services But even as you scale, keep asking: Does this align with my mission? When the answer is yes, you know you’re building something sustainable.

REMEMBER: NOT ALL PARTNERSHIPS ARE FOREVER One of the most empowering truths about partnerships is this: they don’t have to last forever. While some collaborations grow into long-term joint ventures or even co-owned businesses, many are designed to meet a specific goal during a specific season of your business journey. Recognizing this from the outset helps set realistic expectations and ensures you maintain control of your brand’s direction.

Start With a Time-Bound Agreement 12 | nedpg.org

your boundaries, pricing, or values to maintain the relationship.

burn a bridge, as it can have longterm implications on future work with brands, companies, or corporations.

y Offer transition support: If applicable, offer a reasonable transition or handoff period, especially if you’ve been client-facing under their brand.

Protecting Your Future Collaborations Each partnership—good or bad—teaches you something about how you want to work, what you value, and how to structure future collaborations. Use these experiences to refine your process for vetting potential partners, drafting clearer contracts, and recognizing red flags early. By accepting that not every partnership is meant to be permanent, you give yourself the freedom to evolve and continue aligning your business with people, brands, and companies that reflect your authentic mission.

ROOT YOUR GROWTH IN PURPOSE Purposeful partnerships are the building blocks of a sustainable and respected brand. When you root your collaborations in authenticity, alignment, and integrity, you not only grow your business—you grow your impact. As offers come your way and new doors open, come back to your calling statement. Let it guide your yeses and your nos. Collaborate with confidence, and never forget: the most powerful partnerships are the ones that amplify your voice—not replace it.

CHECKLIST AND REFERENCES:

respect among collaborators, or promises go continually unmet.

y You’re not seeing a return on your

time or investment, either financially or in terms of professional growth.

Ending a partnership doesn't mean the collaboration failed. In fact, strategically exiting a relationship that no longer aligns with your mission or business goals is a mark of professional maturity.

Head over to NEdpg.org CPE library to take the quiz and claim your certificate.

How to End a Partnership Gracefully When it's time to move on, professionalism is key. Follow these strategies:

y Refer back to your agreement: Having

a contract with an explicit termination clause makes the process much easier.

y Give notice in writing: Whether

the agreement is expiring or you’re initiating an early termination, do so in writing and give reasonable notice (typically 30 days unless otherwise stated), then set up a call to discuss.

y Express appreciation: Regardless of how the partnership ended, acknowledge what you learned or gained. Never ever

Amy owns her own consulting business and is a Certified Sports Specialist in Sports Dietetics. With a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in exercise and sports nutrition, she is passionate about marrying the two to provide quality, science-based nutrition information through speaking, media, writing and consulting.

Nutrition Entrepreneurs

Crossword Corner

2 3 4

6 7

Across

Down

ACROSS DOWN 2. To help filter partnership opportunities, you can 1. Spring Summit 2026 Theme (pg 14)

2.build To help partnership opportunities, can a filter brand _______ checklistyou (pg 9)build a brand _______ checklist (pg 9)

1. Spring Theme 14) 3. ASummit _____2026 plan is a(pg roadmap of where I want my

_____ planto is ago. roadmap of where I want my business to go. (pg 3) 5. _____are quiet, behind the scenes structures 3. Abusiness (pg 3) 4. NE The NEfor theme for this year 4. T he theme this year is _____. (pg 3)is _____. (pg 3) 7. One of the HOD's focus for 2026 is "declining 6 and 6 and 8. Successful nutrition need 8. Successful nutrition entrepreneursentrepreneurs need a hybrid mindset – equal 7.____" One of (pg the HOD's 6) focus for 2026 is "declining ____" (pg 6) a hybrid mindset –____(6)____, equal partsand __(8)_____, parts __(8)_____, strategist (pg 4). 10. _______ is about buildingbuilding relationships that feel real that 10. _______ is about relationships ____(6)____, and strategist (pg 4). 9. _ ____ parity in telehealth means the same in person services can be andreal reciprocal. (pg 5) feel and reciprocal. (pg 5) 9. _____ parity in(pg telehealth means the same in provided via telehealth 8) 11. A rtificial intelligence doesn't replace clinical _____. (pg 7) 11. Artificial intelligence doesn't replace clinical person services can be provided via telehealth (pg 12. "______" is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. (pg 3) _____. (pgHOD's 7) focus for 2026 is "__________ 8) 15. One of the 13. Your _______ statement is a 1-2 sentence summary that describes who 15. One of(pg the6) HOD's focus for 2026 is 12. "______" is the sum of small efforts, repeated disruption" you serve, what transformation you offer, and how you uniquely deliver "__________ (pg 6)it is important to daytransformation. in and day (pg out.9) (pg 3) 16. When starting adisruption" nutrition partnership, that 16. When starting awork nutrition partnership, 13.Your _______ statement is a 1-2 sentence clearly define scope of and ________ (pg 11) it is 14. Brands that combine purpose with proof tend to gain lasting _____. (pg 4) important to clearly define scope of work and summary that describes who you serve, what ________ (pg 11) transformation you offer, and how you uniquely deliver that transformation. (pg 9) 14. Brands that combine purpose with proof tend to gain lasting _____. (pg 4) 5. _ ____are behind theeasier. scenes structures that makequiet, things flow (pg 2) that make things flow easier. (pg 2)

2. Alignment; 5. Systems; 7. Trust; 10. Networking; 11. Judgment; 15. Healthcare; 16. Deliverables; 1. Insight; 3. Strategic; 4. Attune; 6. Scientist: 8. Storyteller; 9. Service; 12. Success; 13. Calling; 14. Loyalty.

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Insight; 3. Strategic; 4. Attune; 6. Scientist: 8. Storyteller; 9. Service; 12. Success; 13. Calling; 14. Loyalty.

Nutrition Entrepreneurs Spring Summit 2026 FEBRUARY 25 - FEBRUARY 27, 2026 Join us at the Nutrition Entrepreneurs 2026 Spring Summit happening February 25-27th 2026. This event is designed for students, dietitians, nutritionists, and entrepreneurs looking to work smarter by honing their interpersonal skills, make data-driven decisions about their marketing, and get more high-tech in their approaches whether it’s using AI in their workflow or using genetics with patients. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn CPE credits, connect with like-minded individuals, and take part in interactive workshops and networking sessions to give them the connections and skills to grow their business. Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity!

HIGHLIGHTS y 7 live sessions with interactive live Q&As.

PRICING Early-bird pricing closes February 2, 2026, midnight ET.

y Opportunities to meet and engage with other RDN entrepreneurs.

EARLY BIRD PRICE

REGULAR PRICE

MEMBERS

$50

$65

y Chat boards during the Q&A sessions.

NON-MEMBERS

$99

$129

y Flexibility to attend events in real time or watch recorded sessions as your schedule allows. Recorded sessions will be available for 3 months after the live date for those who registered.

STUDENT MEMBER

$25

STUDENT NON-MEMBERS

$30

$50

y Virtual networking events with breakout rooms for more engaging interactions. y Community boards to discuss all sorts of nutritionrelated topics.

y Earn 7+ CPEUs. y Cost-effective event, less than $10 per CPEU, plus no travel expenses.

CALL FOR EXHIBITORS! Do you want to showcase your products or services at the 2025 Virtual Spring Summit where we are expecting 250+ attendees this year? Purchase a booth and be part of our exciting Passport Contest which incentivizes attendees to visit your booth, host your own “Spotlight Session” and be included in the Whova schedule and interact with attendees. Don’t wait! Limited spots available. Please see nedpg.org/ nedpg/ne-events/springsummit/memberbooth for more information.

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Registration at the regular price will be open through the start of the event. See page 14 for some of our speakers and session topics. Check out www.NEdpg.org/SpringSummit to stay up-to-date with a full list of the full Agenda with Topics and Speakers

Spring Summit 2026 Speakers

Sarah Amidon, MS, RDN, LDN, IFNCP

Dawn Clifford, PhD, RD

The Compliance Conundrum: Leveraging DNADriven Strategies for Lasting Client Change

The MI Edge: 10 Communication Hacks for Transformative Sessions

Brandy Kinnear The AI Advantage: Designing Scalable, Smart, and Sustainable Healthcare Practices

Gwen Montoya Data-Driven Decisions: How to Use Analytics to Grow Your Business

Joanne Larsen, MS, RD, LD

Laurel Mellin, PhD Emotional Brain Training: Guiding Patients to Understand Their Needs and Saboteurs based on Neurophysiologic Resilience

Tina Musselman, MA, LPC, LDN, RD, CLT Low Cost High Impact: Physician Referrals as your strongest strategy for insurance-based private practices

Adrien Paczosa, RD,LD, CEDS-S

Future Proofing Your Business: Strategies to Grow Your Business Value

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