The Dancer's Edge

A Strategy Session is a personalized 15-20 minute conversation where we dive into your goals, challenges, and individual needs. By understanding your unique journey, together, we can develop a personalized nutrition plan that supports your performance, recovery, and overall well-being as a dancer.

Absolutely not! Being a dancer is not a pre-requisite to obtaining nutrition support at eMpower performance nutrition. I have worked with a range of clients to manage a variety of health conditions and wellness goals. Here are some examples: Fitness Enthusiast looking to understand macros, how they benefit/enhance athletic performance, and what their personalized nutrition recommendations are. Pre-menopause, Peri-menopause, Menopause, and Post-menopause Women managing a number of symptoms and imbalances associated with these life transitions. Fitness Enthusiast looking to address food + nutrition habits to reduce their reliance on pharmaceutical medication. Fitness Enthusiasts with gastrointestinal conditions ranging from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, diarrhea (IBS-C + IBS-D); painful bloating; H.pylori; Hypochlohydria; and more. Other conditions: Reduced Energy Deficiency Syndrome, Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, Reduced Energy Availability, and other conditions associated with nutrient imbalances.

When you schedule your Strategy Session, you'll complete a basic form to communicate your goals + challenges to Melissa prior to your session. To make the most of your Strategy Session, simply come prepared to share insights about your dance schedule + routine, dietary goals you may have, and any specific challenges or concerns that are preventing your from achieving your goals. The session is a collaborative discussion aimed at shaping and guiding the next steps of your personalized nutrition journey.

Yes, your Strategy Session is free of charge. This 15-20-minute conversation is an opportunity for us to get to know each other better and determine if my services align with your needs. We will determine what you next best step can be for your personalized nutrition journey. There is no commitment required after the session; you decide if you'd like to continue with 1:1 nutrition coaching, small group coaching, or online programming.

Scheduling your Strategy Session is easy. Simply click here to access the booking calendar. Choose a date and time slot that works for you, and you'll receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the virtual session. It's a friendly and informative conversation that marks the start of your journey to empower your dancing.

Barriers to health + wellness must be addressed and eMpower is here to work with you. All pricing is subject to discounts based on client need, circumstance, and any available packages. I offer a variety of services at different price points, and if you need financial support, let me know! 15-minute Strategy Session, FREE The Strategy Session is your gateway to nutrition education + coaching. At your Strategy Session, meet Melissa, discuss your goals + challenges, learn how the eMpower performance method will help you achieve your goals and empower your dancing. Together, we'll determine your next best steps forward, whether that be 1:1 coaching, Small Group Coaching, or Online Programming. New Client Bundle - starts at $400 This bundle includes your 15-minute Strategy Session, Intake Session, 30-minute follow up, and three 45-minute sessions. The sessions included in this package expire 45 days after purchase date. Click here to learn more. Monthly Corps Membership - $195/month The eMpower Corps Membership is a dancer's most cost effective option for ongoing nutrition education + coaching support. A minimum of 6-month commitment is required. This is because, on average, I have found that dancer's begin to notice changes in their performance with at least 6-months of incorporating food + nutrition habit shifts and adjustments. This membership includes your 15-minute Strategy Session, Intake Session, 30-minute follow up, and recurring check-in sessions. Click here to learn more. Standard, Hourly Rates - After your Initial Intake Session and/or completion of your New Client Bundle, these are my standard hourly rates. Discounts are available for ongoing clients. 30-minute sessions, $60 60-minute sessions, $115 View the full list of services here.

Melissa is a Maryland Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Nutrition Specialist®, and holds a Master's of Science degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. She specializes in working with dancers and performance athletes. The Certified Nutrition Specialist® designation is credentialed by the American Nutrition Association® through its Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists™. A CNS is the most advanced certification for personalized nutrition practitioners. Certified Nutrition Specialists practice science-based personalized nutrition therapy to empower people to health. To obtain and maintain this designation, Melissa had to: - Successfully complete a Master's degree (or higher) in nutrition. - Pass the American Nutrition Association (ANA) certification exam. - Complete 1,000+ supervised clinical hours. - Complete 75 Continuing Education credits and re-certify every 5 years. Melissa passed the board-certified exam in June 2022 and officially obtained her CNS designation in January 2024. For her supervised clinical hours, Melissa worked under the supervision of mentors at The Nutrition & Herbal Collective. Both Rebecca Snow, MS, CNS, LDN, RH, and Kate Costello, MS, CNS, LDN, Nutritionist + Health Coach, reviewed and approved the clinical hours Melissa obtained through her work with clients using evidence-based strategies to address client food-related, lifestyle, and mindfulness behaviors. Melissa is dedicated to lifelong learning and is always reading and/or taking continuing education courses to further expand her understanding of health + wellness. The Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist designation is regulated state-by-state. Melissa holds this designation in the state of Maryland. Her Licensed Nutritionist designation is currently pending for Washington, DC. Melissa holds a registered yoga teacher - 200 (ryt-200) certification.