Kristina Freshour
Registered Dietitian
As a registered dietitian at Summit School, Kristina helps students with different nutrition needs such as: overcoming disordered eating behavior/body image, diabetes, obesity, and picky eating. She loves the diverse population of students that gives her the ability to address different needs on an individual basis.
Kristina Freshour has been passionate about food and nutrition for nearly a decade. In recent years, she has been learning about the impact of nutrition on mental health. The population at Summit School receives a lot of support regarding their mental health with a psychiatrist, psychologist, and weekly social work appointments, and nutrition is one more piece of the puzzle. She loves the opportunity to help students make healthier choices, getting to see their moods and anxiety improve as a result.
I work at Summit because the community here is incredibly inclusive, kind, supportive, and inspiring. The nursing staff is so helpful and attentive to the students, the kitchen staff is extremely accommodating and it is clear that all staff cares deeply about making this a safe space – for all. The work itself is very rewarding because I help students find a healthy eating routine that helps them feel good.
-Kristina Freshour
How Nutrition Counseling Works
The students get referred to their dietician by their social workers a need for nutritional counseling is first identified, or when the student decides for themselves to work on their eating habits. The dietician coordinates with the social workers to schedule a time with the student and a 30 minute dive deep follows that covers their biggest nutrition concerns. An assessment is then made to decide how often they should be meeting to help the student become successful.
Kristina’s thoughts on the role diet plays in life
Our diets impact our bodies and minds in both the long term and short term. Nutrients are needed for every single body system to function properly! A healthy and diverse diet full of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, meat, and dairy, and proper hydration can truly change your life. When you’re eating balanced meals on a regular basis, your moods become more stable, you have more energy to do the things you love, you can reverse certain lifestyle-related health conditions, and you have a better ability to focus. On the other hand, a diet full of fast food, sweets, soda, candy, and other less healthy foods can do quite the opposite.
The Nicest Thing A Student Has Said
“This may not sound special, but it’s special to me. A genuine “thank you” from a student always gets to me. You know, the kind where they really mean it. I’ve seen a lot of kids who don’t want to see me and some even storm out of my office. I don’t take it personally, but when a student is grateful for my help, it means the absolute world.”
-Kristina Freshour
How Can Students Make Kristina Happy?
Start by eating 3 balanced meals per day and drink enough water!!!