Nutrition Therapy

Nutrition and physical fitness are the foundations of a healthy lifestyle. Food is integral to our lives. We eat not only to nourish our bodies for growth, work and play, but also for pleasure. We realize the importance of healthy eating habits, but obtaining the most accurate information isn’t easy.

How our Dietitian Nutritionists can help:

They use their expertise to help individuals make unique, positive lifestyle changes by offering personalized nutrition counseling in a wide variety of areas. These include:

Healthy food choices for all age groups
Cardiovascular disease
Hypertension
Eating Disorders
Diabetes
Gastrointestinal disease (e.g. gluten intolerance, irritable bowel, diverticulosis)
Cancer
Food intolerance/allergies
Weight management
Sports Nutrition
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Health Coaching

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect?

An initial visit will last approximately 1-1.5 hours. During that time, the dietitian will listen and gather your background information and health goals related to nutrition. She will work with you in developing an individualized plan for achieving your goals. More than one session may be required to help you reach positive outcomes.

Does insurance cover Nutrition Therapy?

Many insurance plans will cover the visits. Some insurances require a referral from a healthcare provider. Check with your insurance to verify coverage. Our hospital will bill your insurance.

What if I do not have insurance?

Without insurance, you may qualify for Pullman Regional Hospital's assistance program. Self-pay options are also available.

Marian's Story

When Marian Sciachitano was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, she knew it was time to seek out nutrition assistance.

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Nutrition Team

Joyce Marshall, RDN, CD, CHWC
Director of Medical Nutrition Therapy

Joyce has a passion for treating causes along with their symptoms, treating the whole person, and encouraging the body’s healing through nutrition. She completed a Bachelor's degree in Dietetics at Bastyr University and is a certified Health & Wellbeing Coach. She loves to help clients imagine new possibilities and enjoys partnering with them to make sustainable and lasting changes.

Melissa Francik, MS, RDN, CD, LD, NBC-HWC, CSOWM
Registered Dietitian, Wellness Coach & Weight Management Specialist

Melissa completed a combined dietetic internship and master’s degree in human nutrition through the VA Medical Center in Houston and Texas Woman’s University. As a Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Weight Management Specialist, Melissa is passionate about helping people improve their health and quality of life in authentic, personally meaningful ways. She is currently growing in knowledge and experience in the treatment of eating disorders. She enjoys working with people of all ages in English and Spanish, using nutrition to promote health and wellness in our community.

Brenna St John, RD, CD, CDCES
Registered Dietitian, Certified Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Brenna completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition at Washington State University. She has been practicing as a Dietitian for the last 11 years and especially enjoys helping patients find a positive, peaceful and enjoyable relationship with food and movement. Brenna is also Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and is passionate about helping patients find sustainable, fulfilling self-management practices.

Sophia Dunlap, RDN, CD
Registered Dietitian

Sophia completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietietics from the University of Idaho, and is currently pursuing an online Master’s Degree in Nutrition Education and Counseling through the University of North Dakota. She believes counseling in a compassionate, collaborative way provides patients with the autonomy, knowledge, and motivation to set and achieve their health goals in a practical, sustainable way. She has interests the areas of food insecurity, adolescent nutrition, and is pursuing additional training in sports nutrition and eating disorders.

Lisa Grentz, MS, RDN, CD
Registered Dietitian

Lisa earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Human Nutrition from Washington State University, and completed her dietetic internship at Fairview University Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. Over 20+ years, Lisa has worked as a home infusion dietitian specializing in pediatric tube feeding and weaning. She is a member of the interdisciplinary team that provides community-based feeding and nutrition services to infants and children at Summit Therapy. Lisa has been an active member of the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group and has served in many leadership roles within this national organization.

I have been visiting with Melissa Francik for weight management and wellness coaching since 2016. It has been life changing. From learning how to cook healthy meals to changing my relationship with food and my perspective on wellbeing, Melissa is always encouraging and supportive in my ongoing wellness journey.

Susan

Joyce was tremendously supportive and so positive- I looked forward to our sessions. I don’t think I would have done any of this if Joyce had not encouraged me to seek out healthier options. She is the absolute best in our region and we are lucky to have her expertise and experience.

Marian Sciachitano

Meeting with Melissa Francik has been life changing for me. She has helped me navigate health issues that have popped up in effective ways with the latest research and tools. She is kind, extremely knowledgeable and easy to work with. I would recommend her highly to anyone who wants to improve their overall health and quality of life.

Tammy

In my time working with Leah, her knowledge has been invaluable. As a person who suffers from severe GI problems, finding food that's workable in my diet can be daunting. After every appointment, I have new tools to apply. Leah offers excellent feedback and takes great care in helping me find more and better food choices. She's a thoughtful and gracious provider who always listens.

Jacob Hughes

Leah has been instrumental in helping me learn what foods to avoid and how to implement new, healthier eating styles that fit my tastes and lifestyle. Leah is always willing to answer any questions I may have and is full of helpful advice and information to assist me along the way. I highly recommend her to anybody seeking a dietician to help with a new healthier dietary lifestyle.

Christopher Daffin

I have been a client of Leah's for a year now. She has taken a great deal of time to help me navigate around my newly diagnosed problem with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. There are foods I didn't know that would aggregate my condition. I have to try them in small servings and see how they affect me- Leah has taught how to do this. Leah has made my travels with IBS a little smoother, thank you Leah!

Nancy Daffin

I have received phenomenal nutrition assistance from Melissa Francik. Melissa combines current scientific knowledge with practical help. I credit her with my continued success on my road to better health.

Gail Miller