Meet McKenna Parker, RD
I'm here to dispel the myth that dietitians are food critical. I believe that food is medicine and that moderation is the key to a healthy lifestyle!
My Love for Nutrition
I developed my love for nutrition mostly in college. I had always been interested in food, but not always the nutritional quality of it. I have personal and familial experience with eating disorders and my own recovery prompted me to consider making my career in a health-related field. I began college with the goal of becoming a pharmacist, though I quickly discovered that I wasn't happy with my major and decided to do a little exploration. I made the decision to take a introductory nutrition class and discovered my passion; I switched my major and never looked back. During my internship, I found that I have a great passion for teaching others about nutrition. The human body and how food impacts it, fascinates me.
About Me
I grew up in Harrisburg, OR, a small town just north of Eugene, OR. I am the eldest of 3 girls. I was active in sports all throughout school; I was the setter on the varsity volleyball team and the first baseman on the varsity softball team. I was also in band, playing the clarinet and alto saxophone. I participated in Girl Scouts from the time I was 8, all through high school. Between all of my extra-curriculars, I greatly enjoyed my history classes as I'm a bit of a closet history nerd. I graduated in 2009 and went straight to Oregon State University where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition degree in 2013. I did my internship through Utah State University's Distance Dietetic Internship, which I finished in June 2014. I married the love of my life, and my best friend, on July 19, 2014 in beautiful Silverton, OR. We currently live in Eugene, OR with our cat, O'Malley. I practice as a dietitian for a mental health clinic in Eugene specializing in the intensive outpatient treatment of eating disorders.