NeuroPlate Nutrition Education Center
Provider's Experience
Dr. Vinnola’s first glimpse at the impact of equity began in Colorado, where she dedicated over three years as a weekly volunteer nutrition educator with two non-profit nutrition education organizations. While engaging with diverse communities, she witnessed the profound impact of accessible nutrition education and its role in improving health outcomes. These experiences sparked her unconditional passion for bridging health disparities through nutrition literacy.
During her doctoral work, Dr. Vinnola’s research focused on the intersection of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and nutrition-related chronic diseases in rural Montana. Her research further deepened her resolve to address barriers to nutrition education within Montana communities, where the need for equitable health solutions remains significant.
Building on this foundation, her role as a rural chronic disease epidemiologist provided her with invaluable insight into the prevalence and correlations amongst nutrition-related diseases. This experience underscored the urgency for impactful, accessible, and preventative health measures, and solidified her mission to support and collaborate with healthcare providers, organizations, and public health leaders.
Through NeuroPlate Nutrition Education Center, Dr. Vinnola offers a dynamic approach that combines evidence-based practices with compassionate care. Her philosophy of success is rooted in empowering individuals and communities to thrive independently, ensuring they no longer need her services by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to sustain their own well-being.
Behind the Scenes
My personal battle with an eating disorder inspired me to become a nutrition provider for rural communities.
I once believed that ‘eating clean’ and chasing perfection were the keys to health —sacrificing my values, culture, and mental well-being to unsustainable, harmful, and rigid approaches. After years of personal reflection and compassionate support, I recognized: sustainable health is rooted in strategies that are not confined to rigidity or exclusive rules, but are flexible and equitable—designed to uplift all individuals and respect diverse experiences, especially those facing systemic barriers in rural and marginalized communities.
Early in my professional journey, I saw the pervasive consequences of diet culture while working alongside a nationally recognized medical provider who prioritized weight loss over providing access to nutrition education and encouraging self-autonomy. This experience deepened my commitment to a nutrition education approach that is equitable, adaptable, and inclusive—valuing mental, emotional, behavioral, and physical well-being while addressing the unique needs of individuals and communities.
Today, as the founder of NeuroPlate Nutrition Education Center, I work to empower individuals and communities with accessible and inclusive nutrition education that breaks away from the restrictive, unattainable, and unrealistic framework. By collaborating with healthcare organizations and public health leaders, I address the root causes of nutrition-related chronic conditions, creating practical pathways to sustainable health. My mission is to inspire long-term, meaningful change that elevates individual well-being and strengthens the resilience of entire communities.
Professional Journey
My Life’s Dedication to Healing Individual’s Relationship with Food
2019
Volunteered weekly for two non-profit organizations to provide equitable nutrition education. Graduated from MSU Denver with a BS Human-Nutrition. Honored the Outstanding Health Professions award of 2019
2020
Graduated with a Master's in Nutrition Science. Honored the Outstanding Dietetic Internship award of 2020 due to community nutrition services. Passed Nationally Accredited Registered Dietitian Exam.
2021
Graduated with a CIRTL associate's certificate in teaching evidence-based adult education. Left nationally recognized weight loss program due to ethical concerns around extreme dietary restriction. Built a telehealth platform to provide nutrition counseling to individuals battling with eating disorders and disordered eating.
2022
Became the lead dietitian for a rural Montana hospital, establishing the Outpatient Nutrition Program that centered around personalized behavioral changes.
2023
Graduated with a doctorate in public health with research around rural mental health and nutrition-related chronic diseases.
2024
As a chronic disease epidemiologist for rural Montana, witnessed firsthand the critical need for accessible nutrition education as a preventative tool to address the rising burden of nutrition-related illnesses in underserved communities.
Today
Building accessible, community-centered nutrition education programs that address systemic challenges, advocate for underserved populations, and equip individuals and organizations with inclusive, tailored guidance to meet diverse needs and cultivate lasting health equity.
