Welcome to Nourish & Nurture Nutrition
Meet our team!
Katie Hawkins MS, RDN, LDN
(she/her/hers)
Hi, I am Katie, the owner of and Registered Dietitian at Nourish & Nurture Nutrition! It is the greatest privilege of my career to be here for you, to be a dietitian, and to work in the anti-diet space. I believe in providing guidance that is both evidence based and individualized. As a provider, I hope to work with you as we explore what works best for you, together.
I began my career working in endocrinology and working with folks diagnosed with Diabetes and a variety of other endocrine conditions. There is a surprising amount of crossover in care for diabetes and disordered eating. I have worked in Eating Disorder treatment at the PHP and IOP levels of care and was the Lead Dietitian for several years. In that role, I was able to work with such a wide rage of ages, presentations, coexisting medical conditions, lived experiences, complex families etc.- each with a unique perspective, set of needs and challenges to work through. I am glad to be able to carry these skillsets with me, and continue to utilize them in outpatient care with Nourish and Nurture Nutrition.
I completed my undergraduate degree in Dietetics at Ohio University, as well as a required dietetic internship with Nutrition Ink, and a Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition at Rosalind Franklin University- Chicago School of Medicine.
I take an empathetic and supportive approach to working with clients. I also find humor and accountability to be important parts of working together. I do have two German Shepards, if you’re lucky you might (are almost guaranteed to) hear a howl, or a bark and a whine from time to time!
I believe, very firmly, in you, and in recovery. I hope to have the opportunity to walk with you on the way there.
*In network with Aetna, United and Horizon BCBS in NJ
*Licensed but out of network for all insurance in Florida
Kiersten Higgins MS, RDN
(she/her/hers)
Kiersten is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for helping individuals develop a healthier, more balanced relationship with food. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Rhode Island and went on to complete her Master’s degree in Community and Public Health Nutrition, along with her dietetic internship, at Saint Elizabeth University.
Driven by a strong desire to support individuals struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating, Kiersten has gained valuable experience working at both the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. Her approach to nutrition counseling is rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and evidence-based practices.
She believes in meeting clients where they are—physically, emotionally, and nutritionally—and encourages a flexible, non-restrictive mindset when it comes to food. Kiersten embraces the philosophy that all foods can fit within a healthy and balanced diet, and she works collaboratively with clients to help them rediscover trust in their bodies and nourishment.
In her free time, Kiersten enjoys spending time with her cats, reading romance novels, and taking peaceful walks outdoors.
*In network with Aetna, United and Horizon BCBS in NJ
AnnaMarie Couce, MS, RD, CLC
(Annie)
(she/her/hers)
Annie is a dietitian and doctoral candidate at Rutgers University, with a passion for evidence-based, practical nutrition. As a registered dietitian and certified lactation counselor, she is passionate about translating research into practice and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
Annie has experience with lactation, pediatric nutrition, eating disorders, disabilities, and more! She believes that effective nutrition care starts with empathy, individuality, and flexibility. She practices from a non-diet, weight-inclusive lens, rooted in the principles of intuitive eating and the belief that all foods can fit. Annie is eager to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with food by honoring their unique needs, cultures, and experiences.
She lives by the beach in New Jersey with her dog, Marty, and enjoys spending her free time soaking up sun, walking the shoreline, and trying new restaurants.
*In network with Aetna, United and Horizon BCBS in NJ
Sara Geiger, MS, RDN, LDN
(she/her/hers)
Hi, I’m Sara!
I’m an anti-diet Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) specializing in eating disorders and weight-inclusive care. I help clients build trust with food, their bodies, and their instincts around eating, without judgment or unnecessary restriction.
My journey started at the intersection of nutrition and psychology, and I’ve worked in outpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient settings for eating disorder care. Now, I focus on outpatient nutrition counseling, providing care that’s evidence-based, trauma-informed, and tailored to each person’s unique needs. I follow Health at Every Size® principles and prioritize well-being over the scale. My unique specialties are orthorexia and OCD, teens, PCOS, & mental health-related barriers to nutrition.
I love helping clients master the nutrition skills we’re rarely taught, meal planning, grocery shopping, and exploring new foods, while also addressing the emotional side of eating. My goal is to help you feel confident in your choices and supported in your journey. You can expect sessions with me to feel fun and curious, like you are yapping with a friend.
When I’m not working with clients, you’ll find me baking, exploring Charlotte coffee shops, listening to live music, hiking, or hanging out with my cat, Chimichanga & my rescue dog, Chai. I can’t wait to support you in finding a satisfying, balanced relationship with food and your body.
Education & Credentials
North Carolina State University – BS in Nutrition Science, BA in Psychology
Thomas Jefferson University – MS in Nutrition and Dietetic Practice"
Lucia Alarcon, RDN, MA
(she/her/hers)
Lucia is a registered dietitian who’s passionate about helping kids, young adults, and families build a healthy, realistic relationship with food. She supports clients through challenges such as eating disorders, food anxiety, and nutrition needs related to medical conditions—always with a compassionate, non-judgmental approach.
Her journey began in the kitchen. Growing up, Lucia worked in several restaurants throughout her adolescence and young adulthood, sparking her love for food and hospitality. She continued this path at Johnson & Wales University, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Dietetics & Nutrition. Lucia later completed her Master’s degree and deepened her understanding of the connection between food and culture during her internship in San Juan, PR. There, she strengthened her belief that food isn’t just nourishment—it’s identity, heritage, and a bridge to community. She now brings that perspective into her work, helping clients find foods that feel both nourishing and rooted in their culture.
Lucia meets clients exactly where they are and emphasizes progress over perfection. Grounded in evidence-based practice, her goal is to empower clients to make lasting changes and cultivate a positive, sustainable relationship with food. Whether managing a medical condition or seeking a more balanced approach to eating, Lucia is committed to guiding each client toward a healthier, more connected life.
When she’s not working, you can usually find Lucia experimenting in her kitchen, spending time with her two nephews, or getting a spontaneous tattoo on one of her impulsive vacation trips.
Important Principles of Nourish and Nurture
Evidence Based
We believe in providing up to date and evidenced based care and are active in organizations to ensure we are up to date.
-International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP)
-Eating Disorder Registered Dietitians & Professionals
Inclusive & Nurturing
We are a Health At Every Size® (HAES) aligned team. You can expect a welcoming environment that is judgement free and allows you the time and space to talk through your relationship with food and your body.
We are honored to support clients of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Our practices are centered on you, we are trauma informed and want to meet you where your are at with empathy.
Intuitive Eating & All Foods Fit
There is space in for all foods in what we consume from day to day. Food does not hold innate morality or value. Let’s work together to untangle the food rules and beliefs that harmful diet culture messaging has instilled.
We often use the principles of Intuitive Eating to whatever degree is accessible to you to support you.