Anna Velazquez
MS, RD, LDN
Age ranges
Specialities
About
Anna is a dedicated registered and licensed dietitian with a deep-seated commitment to tailoring her services to meet each client right where they are in their unique nutrition journey. She excels in fostering a collaborative relationship with her clients, ensuring that their goals are not only achievable but also reflective of their personalized nutrition plans. Anna's passion lies in translating evidence-based nutrition therapies into creative and enjoyable strategies, making it a pleasure for clients to address their specific conditions or nutritional requirements. What sets her apart is her love for culinary experimentation, which allows her to offer delightful and straightforward methods for exploring new foods and enhancing everyday meals. Moreover, Anna is comfortable working with individuals of all ages, and her expertise extends to providing comprehensive medical nutrition therapy across various life stages.
Approach to Care
Anna firmly believes that achieving balanced nutrition is a uniquely individual journey, recognizing that it varies from person to person. She takes a holistic approach, considering not only a client's medical history but also their available resources, daily schedules, and personal circumstances. In her practice, Anna is dedicated to fostering a supportive atmosphere where clients can progress at their own pace, gradually building healthy habits and gaining confidence in discovering the nutrition path that suits them best. This typically involves setting achievable weekly objectives and remaining flexible, adapting them as necessary based on client feedback. Anna understands that there are multiple routes to a single goal, and she encourages experimentation as a vital component of tailoring nutrition plans to each individual's comfort and preferences.
What to Expect
The initial session with Anna serves as a "get to know you" appointment, designed to build a foundation for your collaborative journey towards better nutrition. During this session, Anna takes a keen interest in understanding your medical history and your prior experiences with healthcare. She also compiles recent laboratory results, information about previous medical procedures, and an inventory of your current medication and supplement regimen. Furthermore, Anna delves into your current dietary preferences, as well as any allergies or sensitivities you may have, as these aspects provide a crucial starting point for your nutrition transformation. In this inaugural meeting, Anna also pays close attention to your social history, recognizing its significant impact on your access to nutrition, your choices, and your comfort in the kitchen. The primary objective of this initial session is to comprehensively review the factors mentioned above and establish initial goals that align with your aspirations for our future sessions. Anna offers expert guidance on the most effective approaches, and together, you both collaborate to map out the trajectory of your forthcoming sessions.
Locations
Education
Anna completed her undergraduate education with a Bachelor's degree in Health Science from DePaul University, laying a solid foundation for her career in healthcare. Building upon this, she pursued advanced studies and obtained a Master's degree in Nutrition Science, accompanied by a comprehensive dietetic internship program at Dominican University.
Hobbies
Anna loves experimenting with new recipes, exploring Chicago's restaurant scene, and traveling to savor the cuisines of various cultures. Beyond her culinary adventures, Anna deeply values the time spent with her husband and family.