Millions of Americans live with chronic health conditions linked to their nutrition, yet only 0.2% of the U.S. population has ever seen a registered dietitian. Many people don’t know they can afford to see a registered dietitian, or they think dietitians will force them to give up their favorite foods. This is not true.
At Culina Health, we believe that everyone deserves affordable, quality nutrition care from a credentialed expert. We pair patients with registered dietitians for personalized, one-on-one virtual nutrition care that is science-based, inclusive, and culturally affirming. We offer non-judgmental, sustainable, and multilingual support in all specialities, and we honor all patient backgrounds.
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In 2020, registered dietitians Vanessa Rissetto and Tamar Samuels were running separate private practices when they realized they could make a bigger impact together in one of the fastest-growing, highest-need areas of healthcare. Driven by their shared commitment to providing inclusive and accessible nutrition care, they started Culina Health.
What started as a duo has grown into a diverse team of 70+ registered dietitians who share one goal: helping patients make nutrition and lifestyle changes to improve their quality of life. To date, Culina Health has served 7,500+ patients with a 4.9/5* patient satisfaction rating, and counts 600+ physicians nationwide in its referral network. Vanessa and Tamar still see patients regularly.
Vanessa Rissetto
MS, RDN
Co-Founder & CEO
New York University, The Mount Sinai Hospital
Tamar Samuels
MS, RDN, CDN
Co-Founder & Vice President
New York University, The Mount Sinai Hospital
Kayleen St. John
MS, RDN
VP of Strategy
NYU, Clean Label Project, Natural Gourmet Institute
Elizabeth Tallerico
MS, RDN, CDN, LDN
VP of Clinical Care & Research
New York University, Montefiore Health System
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Stacie Velehradsky
VP of Product
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Ruth Health, DaVita Kidney Care
Yiwen Looi
VP of Marketing
The Wharton School, Google, Noodle, Mantra Health
Audrey Vital
VP of Channel Partnerships
St. Thomas Aquinas College, Jo Malone, Sisley
Pasha Riger
Engineering Lead
New York University, Nike
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Stacie Velehradsky
VP of Product
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Ruth Health, DaVita Kidney Care
Yiwen Looi
VP of Marketing
The Wharton School, Google, Noodle, Mantra Health
Audrey Vital
VP of Channel Partnerships
St. Thomas Aquinas College, Jo Malone, Sisley
Pasha Riger
Engineering Lead
New York University, Nike
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Our team is reshaping nutrition care. We are proud to be a clinician-, women-, and BIPOC-led organization.
Jessica Shepherd
MD, MBA, FACOG
Board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and Chief Medical Officer at Verywell Health. Dr. Shepherd is also a physician media expert for Good Morning America, The Today Show, Steve Harvey, and more.
Shika Pappoe
MD, MBA, FACOG
Board-certified in nephrology and internal medicine, Dr. Pappoe is the Chief Medical Officer at Strive Health. She completed her medical degree at Yale University, her MPH from Harvard University, and her MBA from Wharton.
Benjamin Salter
DO
Board-certified doctor in osteopathic medicine, Dr. Salter is an assistant professor in anesthesiology and perioperative pain medicine, and program director for the adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Yevgenia Pashinsky
MD
Board-certified gastroenterologist at New York Gastroenterology Associates. Dr. Pashinsky completed medical school at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and her fellowship and residency at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Patricia Davidson
RDN, CDCES, FAND
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Professor at West Chester University-PA. Dr. Davidson has worked as a nutrition clinician, researcher, and educator for over 30 years.
Jessica Shepherd
MD, MBA, FACOG
Board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and Chief Medical Officer at Verywell Health. Dr. Shepherd is also a physician media expert for Good Morning America, The Today Show, Steve Harvey, and more.
Shika Pappoe
MD, MBA, FACOG
Board-certified in nephrology and internal medicine, Dr. Pappoe is the Chief Medical Officer at Strive Health. She completed her medical degree at Yale University, her MPH from Harvard University, and her MBA from Wharton.
Benjamin Salter
DO
Board-certified doctor in osteopathic medicine, Dr. Salter is an assistant professor in anesthesiology and perioperative pain medicine, and program director for the adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Yevgenia Pashinsky
MD
Board-certified gastroenterologist at New York Gastroenterology Associates. Dr. Pashinsky completed medical school at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and her fellowship and residency at Mount Sinai Hospital.
What our patients say
Overall, I lost about 18 pounds from my last visit to the doctor. My good cholesterol, which had been stuck at 37 for a long time, is now 53, and my doctor removed one of my blood pressure medications. Thanks again for your help and guidance, it's made a definite impact on my health.
Chris P.
When I initially started with my dietitian, I believed recovering from an eating disorder involved being bullied and shamed by a nutritionist into eating what was “right.” Her warmth, empathy, and sense of humor have allowed me to develop a new understanding of food and nutrition, one that comes from a place of care instead of a place of punishment. She has expanded my world view and allowed me to accept myself as I am, body, mind, and spirit. Thank you for teaching me what it means to be truly nourished.
Chloe D.
I have found my time and sessions with my dietitian to be invaluable. She is a wealth of knowledge and has been beyond encouraging, supportive and made me feel so cared for.
My dietitian has taught me so much and has walked me through establishing new routines that help me to feel my best while also tuning in to my body’s cues and needs. She is the best! The level of care I have received through Culina Health is unmatched and I have shared that with everyone I know!
Allison S.
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Accessibility
Everyone should have access to inclusive, science-based, culturally competent nutrition care. We accept health insurance plans so we can serve patients across the United States.
Inclusivity
Health is a human right, and everyone deserves to feel well. We respect you, regardless of your background, body size, or health conditions.
Trust
The provider and patient relationship is sacred. We build trust by communicating openly and honestly with you about your health and your healthcare costs.
Science
Our care is always informed by the latest nutrition, health, and lifestyle research. We go deeper and make nutrition science more accessible and practical to your life.
Collaboration
By working with you and not against you, we empower you to gain confidence in your health. We also collaborate with your entire healthcare team - it takes a village to get better health outcomes.
Innovation
At the forefront of healthcare and operational technology, we find new, better, and more efficient ways of doing things, so our dietitians can focus on helping you feel your best.