Changing lives through better nutrition, one session at a time.
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.
Our Co-Founders
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 multi-specialty 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 over ten thousand patients with a 92 patient NPS, and counts thousands of physicians nationwide in its referral network. Vanessa and Tamar still see patients regularly.
We’re on a mission to make clinical nutrition accessible and sustainable for all
Our Leadership Team & Advisory Board
Vanessa Rissetto
MS, RDN
Co-Founder & CEO
New York University, The Mount Sinai Hospital
Tamar Samuels
MS, RDN, CDN
Co-Founder & Head of Clinical Partnerships
New York University, The Mount Sinai Hospital
Jane Mentz
Chief Operating Officer
Calibrate, Quartet, The Wharton School, Duke University
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Yiwen Looi
VP, Growth
The Wharton School, Google, Noodle, Mantra Health
Maneesh Anand
VP, Engineering
Harvard, Case Western, Teladoc
Shane Dunau
Chief of Staff
Stanford, Cornell, Athleta, Old Navy
Jessica Shepherd
MD, MBA, FACOG
Verywell Health, Sanctum Health, Modern Meno Health
We are proud to be a clinician-, women-, and BIPOC-led organization reshaping nutrition and Food as Medicine care for patients across the country.
Elizabeth Tallerico
MS, RDN, CDN, LDN
VP, Clinical Affairs
New York University, Montefiore Health System
Our Clinical Management Team
Melissa Alazraki
MS, RD, CDCES
Director of Clinical Care Delivery
Megan Dan
MS, RDN
Director of Clinical Care Operations
Chandra Nelson
MS, RDN, CNSC
Clinical Care Manager
Phoo Ektheerachaisakul
BS, RDN
Clinical Care Manager
Lauren Koffler
MS, RDN
Clinical Care Manager &
Head of Dietetic Internships
Molly Chanzis
MS, RDN, CDCES
Clinical Care Manager
Our Clinical Care Management (CCM) team plays a crucial role in ensuring that every patient consistently receives high-quality nutrition care, driving meaningful health improvements over time. This team also fosters an exceptionally supportive environment for our registered dietitians. Each RD is paired with a dedicated CCM, who oversees their onboarding, provides regular reviews, ongoing support, and mentorship, while championing their growth at Culina Health. All CCMs are experienced RDs themselves, selected for their clinical expertise, leadership skills, and ability to build constructive, empathetic relationships with their RD teams.
Mallory Onaindia
MS, RDN
Clinical Care Manager
Rachel Kelley
MS, RDN
Clinical Care Manager
Lakisha Crumpler
MPH, RDN
Clinical Care Manager
What our patients say
“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.”
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.
“I have a new understanding of food and nutrition that comes from a place of care instead of a place of punishment.”
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.
“The period following my Hashimoto's diagnosis was a difficult and confusing time for me, and seeing a registered dietitian was hands down the best decision I have made.”
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.
Patients and physicians nationwide trust our high-quality virtual nutrition care
10,000+
patients served
93
patient NPS
50
states
1,000+
referring physicians
Our Core Values
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.
What We Treat
Resources
Who We Are
Locations
Sustainable Weight Loss
Gastrointestinal and Digestive Health
Heart and Cardiovascular Health
Diabetes and Prediabetes
Hormone Health
General Healthy Eating and Wellness
Autoimmune and Inflammation
Pregnancy and Postpartum Nutrition
Eating Disorders
Exercise and Sports Nutrition
Pediatric and Family Nutrition
Cancer Care Nutrition
New Patients
New Patients
Current Patients
Current Patients
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