Melissa Hawthorne, MS, RD, CDCES, LD
Houston, Texas Dietitian
Melissa Hawthorne, MS, RD, CDCES, LD is a registered and licensed dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She has over fifteen years of experience working with individuals to improve their health through nutrition. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science from Texas A&M University and her Master of Science in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. Melissa knew early on that her passion was in educating the community. Most of her nutrition career has been consulting one-on-one, group sessions or presenting to large and small organizations.
Melissa loves the connections she makes with her clients and seeing those moments when healthy behaviors finally stick. Melissa appreciates and accepts each client where they are in their wellness journey. In Melissa’s free time you will find her with her loving husband and children. As a mother of three children, she understands the challenges of healthy family eating and work/life balance. You will also find Melissa on the running trails as she trains for her next race.
Questions & Answers
What inspired you to become a Nutritionist?
I was a competitive gymnast in my youth. Dedication to my sport and realizing the benefit that the right types of food improved my athletic performance sparked my interest in the nutrition field. It was later while in college that I began to appreciate the science behind nutritional recommendations and how important keeping a healthy lifestyle really is. I wanted to share my nutrition knowledge with my community to help make others’ lives healthier through food.
What is your philosophy on patient care?
I believe that small steps can lead to big lifestyle changes. I listen to my patients so I can work with them to improve their nutrition. I strive to create realistic goals and strategies to help my patients become a healthier person regardless of where they are in their nutritional journey.
What made you interested in St. Hope?
I believe everyone should be given the opportunity to learn about nutrition and how to best take care of their body. St. Hope shares my passion and strives to take care of the whole person. Their patient-centered care is evident in all areas of the clinic. I wanted to be a part of a community that cares so much about their patients.
