Who is Catherine Brown from Flourish Nutrition? An Expert Profile

With over eight years of experience serving diverse patient populations, Catherine Brown, MS, RDN, CDN, is a highly regarded Clinical Lead at Flourish Nutrition. Her unique and inclusive approach to nutrition therapy, centered on mental wellbeing and healing relationships with food, sets her apart in the field.

Quick Summary

Catherine Brown is the Clinical Lead and a board-certified registered dietitian at Flourish Nutrition, focusing on specialized, inclusive, and trauma-informed care. Her expertise includes weight-neutral and intuitive eating, eating disorders, mental health, and complex medical nutrition therapy, drawing from both professional and personal experiences.

Key Points

• Clinical Lead: Catherine Brown serves as the Clinical Lead at Flourish Nutrition.

• Inclusive Approach: Her nutrition philosophy is rooted in providing a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment, informed by her own experiences with disability.

• Weight-Neutral Care: Brown advocates for weight-neutral care, emphasizing intuitive eating and overall wellbeing over weight loss.

• Broad Expertise: Her specialties include eating disorders, mental health nutrition, kidney disease, autoimmune diseases, and trauma-informed care.

• Highly Qualified: She is a board-certified registered dietitian nutritionist with a Master's degree in Nutrition from SUNY Buffalo.

• Award-Winning: Brown was named 'Distinguished Dietitian of the Year' by the Western New York Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2023.

• Positive Client Feedback: Testimonials consistently praise her warmth, knowledge, and supportive nature.

Catherine Brown's Professional Background and Qualifications

Catherine (Katie) Brown is a board-certified Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and the Clinical Lead at Flourish Nutrition. She holds a Master of Science in Nutrition from the University at Buffalo and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her experience covers various settings, including her own practice, Buffalo Psychiatry PC, hospitals, and nursing homes. Brown was also recognized as 'Distinguished Dietitian of the Year' in 2023 by the Western New York Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

A Philosophy of Inclusive and Compassionate Care

Catherine Brown's approach is inclusive and compassionate, influenced by her personal experiences with disabilities. She aims to provide a safe space where nutrition therapy is accessible to everyone. Brown advocates for a weight-neutral philosophy, prioritizing quality of life and overall wellness over weight loss, believing that a focus on weight can negatively impact self-esteem and lead to disordered eating. Her goal is to help clients develop a positive relationship with food, acknowledging its emotional, social, and cultural importance.

Specialties and Areas of Expertise

Catherine Brown specializes in the intersection of nutrition and mental health.

Her specialties include:

• Eating Disorders: Providing evidence-based care.
• Mental Wellbeing: Supporting psychological health through nutrition.
• Weight-Neutral Care: Using a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach.
• Integrative and Functional Nutrition: Addressing root causes holistically.
• Kidney Disease: Creating nutrition plans for conditions like CKD.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Providing a safe environment for clients.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues: Including IBS and Crohn's disease.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Offering nutritional support.

Comparing Two Nutritional Philosophies

Consider how Catherine Brown's approach differs from traditional, weight-centric models.

Aspect	Catherine Brown's Approach (Inclusive, Weight-Neutral)	Traditional Dietetics (Weight-Centric)
Core Focus	Healthy relationship with food, mental wellbeing.	Targeting weight loss as the primary goal.
Patient Experience	Non-judgmental, inclusive, built on trust.	Can be alienating, focuses on external metrics.
Success Metrics	Quality of life, symptom management, mental health.	BMI, pounds lost.
Nutritional Guidance	Sustainable, long-term, self-compassionate changes.	Restrictive plans, caloric deficits.
Access to Care	Prioritizing accessibility, including insurance.	May not prioritize accessibility for marginalized populations.

Conclusion: The Impact of an Inclusive Nutrition Leader

Catherine Brown's work at Flourish Nutrition demonstrates a modern, empathetic approach to nutrition therapy. Her focus on compassion, inclusivity, and weight-neutral care creates a safe space for clients to heal their relationship with food and improve their overall wellbeing. With her extensive qualifications and recognition, she is making a significant impact by providing accessible and trauma-informed nutrition care. Her philosophy emphasizes that wellness is about a nurturing relationship with oneself and food, rather than solely focusing on weight. Those seeking a specialist who understands the link between nutrition and psychological health will find Catherine Brown a compassionate and qualified choice. You can find more information about her and book appointments through Flourish Nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Catherine Brown's primary areas of expertise at Flourish Nutrition?

Catherine Brown specializes in weight-neutral care, eating disorders, intuitive eating, integrative and functional nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, gerontology, trauma-informed care, and kidney disease.

Does Catherine Brown focus on weight loss with her clients?

No, Catherine Brown explicitly states her practice is not centered on weight loss. She focuses on improving the relationship with food, managing symptoms, and enhancing the overall quality of life.

What inspired Catherine Brown's approach to inclusive care?

Her inclusive approach is deeply influenced by her personal experiences with disabilities. This has driven her to create a safe and empathetic space for others who may have felt misunderstood by the traditional healthcare system.

What is Catherine Brown's educational background?

Catherine Brown holds a Master of Science in Nutrition from the University at Buffalo and a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Where does Catherine Brown work besides Flourish Nutrition?

Prior to joining Flourish Nutrition, Catherine Brown founded Inclusive Nutrition Counseling PLLC and worked at Buffalo Psychiatry PC. She has also worked in hospital and nursing home settings.

What do clients say about working with Catherine Brown?

Testimonials and reviews describe Catherine Brown as smart, warm, informative, and supportive. Many clients appreciate her knowledgeable and patient approach, particularly regarding complex conditions like Chronic Kidney Disease.

Is Catherine Brown involved in public policy or dietetics leadership?

Yes, Catherine Brown is an active participant in public policy and volunteer leadership, having served as the Past-President of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

What kind of environment does Catherine Brown create for her patients?

She strives to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and validating environment. Her focus is on cultivating a healing and nourishing relationship with food that also supports mental wellbeing.