Born and raised in South Jersey, Hannah spent much of her childhood on Sugar Meadows Horse Farm, her grandparents’ 20-acre estate in Sewell, NJ. Hannah was always inspired by her Grandpop, who preached the importance of getting “a good education.” He instilled in her the value of hard work. Despite being born into a poor, broken home, he created a legacy as a self-made businessman by honest work and a big dream. Hannah witnessed her grandfather throw bales of hay on the weekends and operate his business, Bob’s Garage, Monday through Friday. He never took a day off and lived selflessly, teaching his grandchildren to be hard-working and generous in life’s pursuits. 

Some of Hannah’s favorite childhood memories include going to the local diner and visiting ice cream parlors throughout the states with her grandparents. She loved to eat! Hannah’s fondness of cheeseburgers with French fries and vanilla ice cream cones with rainbow sprinkles eventually caught up with her, however. At a delicate age, she found herself overweight with poor self-esteem. Bullied in middle school for her appearance and lack of physical fitness in PE, Hannah began to engage in questionable eating and exercise behaviors that ultimately led to the development of several eating disorders. Most notably, anorexia nervosa. 

Hannah’s physical and mental health noticeably suffered as a result of her illness. Drastic calorie restriction came with severe health implications. During a consequential hospital visit, attending nurses questioned if food was being withheld at home as a form of abuse. Outpatient, Hannah was counseled by a Registered Dietitian who specializes in treating adolescents and women with eating disorders. 

With perseverance and the help of her RD, Hannah recovered from her eating, exercise, and body image disorders. She felt empowered to embrace her “fear foods” and found strength in the form of weightlifting. Hannah knew that in order to make a full recovery, she needed to change her mindset. She began to think of food as fuel and a means of getting stronger; as energy versus the enemy. 

In recovery, Hannah rediscovered herself and found a new passion for health and wellness. As early as her sophomore year of high school, Hannah knew she wanted to become a Registered Dietitian to help others avoid dangerous dieting mistakes and manage their weight healthily through proper diet and exercise. 

Hannah devoted 7 years to formal education and mastery of nutrition. As a first-generation college student, she underwent a competitive application process and was accepted to an accelerated Dietetics program at Rowan University. In 2021 she graduated summa cum laude with a Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science, with a minor in Biological Sciences. She finished the program at the top of her cohort with a 4.0 GPA. 

Hannah completed 1200 hours of supervised practice in clinical, community, foodservice, and research settings. As a dietetic intern, she volunteered on the frontline during the Covid-19 crisis, calculating tube feeds for intubated patients. Outside of the hospital, Hannah led a student research project aimed at improving the general wellbeing of Rowan faculty amid the pandemic. She went on to integrate the findings of her team’s research in a university-wide health initiative. Hannah’s work was published in The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (link).

Hannah’s academic life was nothing short of hectic in 2021. Even still, she managed to complete her core competencies while preparing for the biggest day of her life: her wedding day! Despite a full workload, grad school, and a global pandemic - she tied the knot with her husband, Andrew (who now manages her business, works as her videographer/editor, and makes several guest appearances on her YouTube channel). The couple exchanged “I do’s” on April 17, 2021, the same weekend as her grandparents’ 65th wedding anniversary. The reception was even held in the Sugar Meadows “party barn!” 

After her big day and a much-needed getaway to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, Hannah returned to academic reality. (The upward climb to finish her Master’s degree was just as challenging as the rainy hike up to Oahu’s Koko Head Crater - 1208 ft above sea level!)

In addition to the required coursework (and simultaneously finishing her Dietetic Internship), Hannah pursued the Certificate of Graduate Study (COGS) in Wellness Coaching. Upon acceptance to an accredited program endorsed by the National Board of Medical Examiners, she began extensive training and education for health practitioners. Completion of the COGS allowed her to gain practical, hands-on coaching experience while finishing school. As a student/mentee, she helped individuals across the weight spectrum overcome physical and mental barriers to elicit desired lifestyle change.

Hannah passed both the Wellness Coach Certifying Examination and the Registration Examination for Dietitians on her first attempt. She became the first student at her university to earn the RDN credential less than a month after graduation - a testament to her passion for the field of nutrition and eagerness to begin her professional career. 

Hannah’s career is built on strength and innovation. Using her creativity and love of the arts, she gives back to the public through her YouTube channel, “The Strong RD.” Hannah launched the channel because she knew her quirky ideas could help thousands of people who may be intimidated by the notion of lifestyle change. Hannah’s videos break down complex science into “digestible tidbits” and offer practical tips to help viewers along their health journey. Hannah continues to build an audience of “Health Nuts” with her nutty, light-hearted nutrition “edutainment,” creating a supportive community for nutrition newbies and experienced gym-goers alike (link to YT). 

Positive feedback from viewers issued a flood of interest for individualized coaching services. In response, Hannah followed in her Grandpop’s footsteps and became the proud business owner of “The Strong RD.” Hannah created an all-encompassing nutrition education, health and wellness program. Her painstaking attention to detail speaks for itself; she has attracted individuals of various backgrounds, baseline knowledge and fitness levels - from ages 6 to 66! In her first year of private practice, Hannah helped 40 clients achieve better health, fitness, and quality of life (See testimonials).

In addition to operating a business and creating content, Hannah is “Jersey’s Strongest Dietitian.” She serves as the in-house dietitian of Garden State Barbell, home of “South Jersey’s Strongest.” There, she coaches both amateur and seasoned lifters within the strength sports of powerlifting, bodybuilding, and Strongman. She works with GSB members to implement nutritional strategies to maximize their performance, enhance recovery, and facilitate training adaptations. Competitive athletes trust Hannah’s expertise to reach their desired weight class and prepare for competition. Several of Hannah’s athletes have placed first in state competitions, qualified for national events, and earned state records within the federations of the United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) and USA Powerlifting Association (USAPL). 

When Hannah is off the clock, she trains as a 44 kg powerlifter, giving literal meaning to the job title “Jersey’s Strongest Dietitian.” Her favorite lift is the deadlift, in which her lifetime personal best is lifting 300 pounds at double-digit bodyweight. She prides herself in being “tiny but mighty” and showcases the empowerment of being STRONG, not skinny. 

Interested in working with Hannah? …