Nutrition Counseling Nutritionists and Dietitians in Dayton, OH

Photo of Kelsey Marie Shriner, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD
Kelsey Marie Shriner
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD
Online Only
Through nutrition counseling, I strive to educate clients on what foods best fuel their body.
I encourage you to click on my link provided to book your first appointment, from there your benefits will be verified and you will be informed of your coverage and whether there will be any out of pocket costs. Most of my clients don't need to pay anything at all, as most insurance companies cover nutrition counseling but don't tell you!
Through nutrition counseling, I strive to educate clients on what foods best fuel their body.
I encourage you to click on my link provided to book your first appointment, from there your benefits will be verified and you will be informed of your coverage and whether there will be any out of pocket costs. Most of my clients don't need to pay anything at all, as most insurance companies cover nutrition counseling but don't tell you!
(937) 729-2450 View (937) 729-2450
Photo of Michael Hershey, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Michael Hershey
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Online Registered Dietitian. I help you reach nutrition, weight loss, blood sugar or health goals with personalized approaches for your goals and preferences. Health insurance accepted! I am in network with Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, Medical Mutual of Ohio, Medicare, and United Healthcare. Most clients pay $0 out of pocket!
Online Registered Dietitian. I help you reach nutrition, weight loss, blood sugar or health goals with personalized approaches for your goals and preferences. Health insurance accepted! I am in network with Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, Medical Mutual of Ohio, Medicare, and United Healthcare. Most clients pay $0 out of pocket!
(216) 678-7935 View (216) 678-7935
Photo of Jennifer Lattur, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CDCES
Jennifer Lattur
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CDCES
Online Only
My mission is to provide judgment-free nutrition counseling and support, whether you want to manage a chronic disease or just have more energy.
My approach is to match your future goals to your current lifestyle so you can build the confidence you need to sustain your changes. I take a non-diet or intuitive eating approach and do not promote restrictive diets; they consistently fail us and only complicate our relationship with food.
My mission is to provide judgment-free nutrition counseling and support, whether you want to manage a chronic disease or just have more energy.
My approach is to match your future goals to your current lifestyle so you can build the confidence you need to sustain your changes. I take a non-diet or intuitive eating approach and do not promote restrictive diets; they consistently fail us and only complicate our relationship with food.
(330) 621-0184 View (330) 621-0184
Photo of Kali Morgenstern, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MEd, RD, LD
Kali Morgenstern
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MEd, RD, LD
Serves Area
Living a healthy lifestyle and achieving your body composition goals should not be complicated! My approach to nutrition and fitness is simple and sustainable - creating habits that you can realistically commit to for the long term. Rather than looking for a quick fix, I help my patients implement ways to accomplish their health and body composition goals that are non-restrictive, balanced, and backed by science. Whether it’s diet, fitness or both, I ensure my patients have the tools they need to feel successful.
Living a healthy lifestyle and achieving your body composition goals should not be complicated! My approach to nutrition and fitness is simple and sustainable - creating habits that you can realistically commit to for the long term. Rather than looking for a quick fix, I help my patients implement ways to accomplish their health and body composition goals that are non-restrictive, balanced, and backed by science. Whether it’s diet, fitness or both, I ensure my patients have the tools they need to feel successful.
(440) 553-8556 View (440) 553-8556
Photo of Dawn Noe, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CDCES
Dawn Noe
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CDCES
Online Only
I want to help YOU find your best self. I use a personalized approach to nutrition with an emphasis on sustainable lifestyle change. I believe food is meant to nourish your body, mind and soul. I specialize in diabetes and weight management (including type 2 diabetes remission). I coach you to find health and wellness AND peace with your body and food. I’m available for virtual or phone appointments. Let’s work together to find a lifestyle that’s easy, sustainable and full of your favorite foods. I love helping people find the most nutritious version of a favorite comfort food so that choosing the healthy option is easy!
I want to help YOU find your best self. I use a personalized approach to nutrition with an emphasis on sustainable lifestyle change. I believe food is meant to nourish your body, mind and soul. I specialize in diabetes and weight management (including type 2 diabetes remission). I coach you to find health and wellness AND peace with your body and food. I’m available for virtual or phone appointments. Let’s work together to find a lifestyle that’s easy, sustainable and full of your favorite foods. I love helping people find the most nutritious version of a favorite comfort food so that choosing the healthy option is easy!
(440) 271-8514 View (440) 271-8514
Photo of Leslie Clem Edmunds - Clem&Thyme Functional Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, CDE, CLT, IFCNP
Clem&Thyme Functional Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, CDE, CLT, IFCNP
Serves Area
At Clem&Thyme Nutrition, we are more than a functional nutrition practice—we are a team committed to empowering individuals to uncover and address the root causes of their health challenges. Our mission is to provide tailored, evidence-based nutrition therapy that goes beyond treating symptoms to support whole-body wellness. By combining functional lab testing with customized strategies, our approach creates meaningful, lasting change. We offer in-person appointments at our four Ohio offices in Yellow Springs, Columbus, and Cincinnati, as well as telehealth for added convenience.
At Clem&Thyme Nutrition, we are more than a functional nutrition practice—we are a team committed to empowering individuals to uncover and address the root causes of their health challenges. Our mission is to provide tailored, evidence-based nutrition therapy that goes beyond treating symptoms to support whole-body wellness. By combining functional lab testing with customized strategies, our approach creates meaningful, lasting change. We offer in-person appointments at our four Ohio offices in Yellow Springs, Columbus, and Cincinnati, as well as telehealth for added convenience.
(937) 598-4043 View (937) 598-4043

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Leslie Clem Edmunds - Clem&Thyme Functional Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, CDCES
Clem&Thyme Functional Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, CDCES
1 Endorsed
Springboro, OH 45066
At Clem&Thyme Nutrition, we go beyond traditional nutrition counseling by using functional lab testing to uncover root causes of health concerns.
At Clem&Thyme Nutrition, we are more than a functional nutrition practice—we are a team committed to empowering individuals to uncover and address the root causes of their health challenges. Our mission is to provide tailored, evidence-based nutrition therapy that goes beyond treating symptoms to support whole-body wellness. By combining functional lab testing with customized strategies, our approach creates meaningful, lasting change.
At Clem&Thyme Nutrition, we go beyond traditional nutrition counseling by using functional lab testing to uncover root causes of health concerns.
At Clem&Thyme Nutrition, we are more than a functional nutrition practice—we are a team committed to empowering individuals to uncover and address the root causes of their health challenges. Our mission is to provide tailored, evidence-based nutrition therapy that goes beyond treating symptoms to support whole-body wellness. By combining functional lab testing with customized strategies, our approach creates meaningful, lasting change.
(513) 654-1946 View (513) 654-1946
Photo of Karolin Saweres, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Karolin Saweres
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Mason, OH 45040
Our program is for individuals who want to start a lifestyle change and initiate a personalized nutrition plan, unable to lose weight, feel stuck, constantly weight cycling, constantly dieting, going from one diet to the next and nothing has worked, reached a weight plateau, or are confused about what plan to follow, on weight loss medications, and/or may have some extra symptoms like bloating, constipation, or low energy level?! Your personalized nutrition services include: weight management (weight loss and maintenance), healthy eating, calculating individual macronutrient needs, App for food journal feedback.
Our program is for individuals who want to start a lifestyle change and initiate a personalized nutrition plan, unable to lose weight, feel stuck, constantly weight cycling, constantly dieting, going from one diet to the next and nothing has worked, reached a weight plateau, or are confused about what plan to follow, on weight loss medications, and/or may have some extra symptoms like bloating, constipation, or low energy level?! Your personalized nutrition services include: weight management (weight loss and maintenance), healthy eating, calculating individual macronutrient needs, App for food journal feedback.
(513) 995-6036 View (513) 995-6036
Photo of Heidi Morrissey, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Heidi Morrissey
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Online Only
I'm a Dietitian/Nutritionist, and my goal is to help you improve your health through nutrition and lifestyle change. I specialize in gut health issues, and PCOS/Women's health - but I'm experienced in working with many other health conditions (diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, autoimmune conditions, thyroid disease, and general weight management).
I'm a Dietitian/Nutritionist, and my goal is to help you improve your health through nutrition and lifestyle change. I specialize in gut health issues, and PCOS/Women's health - but I'm experienced in working with many other health conditions (diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, autoimmune conditions, thyroid disease, and general weight management).
(234) 224-1763 View (234) 224-1763
Photo of Victoria Riordan - OneStep Wellness, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MA
OneStep Wellness
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MA
Serves Area
We know how hard it can be to take care of yourself in a busy life, have plenty of energy, and feel healthy. We focus on manageable, sustainable changes that will work based on your schedule, strengths, and goals to help you establish a healthy diet. Also, as needed, helping you build other habits of a healthy routine, such as better sleep habits, exercise, and stress management.
We know how hard it can be to take care of yourself in a busy life, have plenty of energy, and feel healthy. We focus on manageable, sustainable changes that will work based on your schedule, strengths, and goals to help you establish a healthy diet. Also, as needed, helping you build other habits of a healthy routine, such as better sleep habits, exercise, and stress management.
(614) 881-4752 View (614) 881-4752

Online Dietitians and Nutritionists

Photo of Adrienne Raimo - One Bite Wellness, LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CHHP, CLT
One Bite Wellness, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CHHP, CLT
Online Only
With over a decade of experience, Adrienne has guided individuals through nutrition counseling, lifestyle change, cooking education, and corporate and medical wellness programs.
Adrienne’s approach is both preventative and deeply individualized. She views each client as a whole person and focuses on understanding the underlying factors contributing to health challenges. Through education, nourishment, and sustainable lifestyle shifts, she empowers clients to reconnect with their bodies and support the body's natural ability to heal.
With over a decade of experience, Adrienne has guided individuals through nutrition counseling, lifestyle change, cooking education, and corporate and medical wellness programs.
Adrienne’s approach is both preventative and deeply individualized. She views each client as a whole person and focuses on understanding the underlying factors contributing to health challenges. Through education, nourishment, and sustainable lifestyle shifts, she empowers clients to reconnect with their bodies and support the body's natural ability to heal.
(614) 887-7969 View (614) 887-7969
Photo of Kristen Murray, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Kristen Murray
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
1 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43206
Hi, I'm Kristen! I'm an eating disorder Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and founder of The Intuitive Eating Center of Ohio. I'm passionate about helping people become competent and happy eaters. I love to support my clients in finding a more peaceful and flexible approach to health and nutrition that feels unique and authentic to them.
Hi, I'm Kristen! I'm an eating disorder Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and founder of The Intuitive Eating Center of Ohio. I'm passionate about helping people become competent and happy eaters. I love to support my clients in finding a more peaceful and flexible approach to health and nutrition that feels unique and authentic to them.
(440) 530-6599 View (440) 530-6599
Photo of Leslie Clem Edmunds - Clem&Thyme Functional Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, MPH, CDCES, IFCNP, CLT
Clem&Thyme Functional Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, MPH, CDCES, IFCNP, CLT
Worthington, OH 43085
At Clem&Thyme Nutrition, we go beyond traditional nutrition counseling by using functional lab testing to uncover root causes of health concerns.
At Clem&Thyme Nutrition, we are more than a functional nutrition practice—we are a team committed to empowering individuals to uncover and address the root causes of their health challenges. Our mission is to provide tailored, evidence-based nutrition therapy that goes beyond treating symptoms to support whole-body wellness. By combining functional lab testing with customized strategies, our approach creates meaningful, lasting change.
At Clem&Thyme Nutrition, we go beyond traditional nutrition counseling by using functional lab testing to uncover root causes of health concerns.
At Clem&Thyme Nutrition, we are more than a functional nutrition practice—we are a team committed to empowering individuals to uncover and address the root causes of their health challenges. Our mission is to provide tailored, evidence-based nutrition therapy that goes beyond treating symptoms to support whole-body wellness. By combining functional lab testing with customized strategies, our approach creates meaningful, lasting change.
(740) 792-5150 View (740) 792-5150
Photo of Anna Jones, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN
Anna Jones
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN
Online Only
Do you find yourself getting tired of cycling from diet to diet, unable to maintain their list of food rules? Have you canceled plans with friends or family to prevent "losing control" around certain foods? Are you dealing with emotional eating, disordered eating, or an eating disorder on your own? Imagine if you were able to heal your relationship with food and your body. Imagine how it would feel to finally ditch the food rules, to give yourself permission to eat ALL foods without guilt or shame, to find movement that you enjoy, and to care for your body with kindness even when you have a bad body image day.
Do you find yourself getting tired of cycling from diet to diet, unable to maintain their list of food rules? Have you canceled plans with friends or family to prevent "losing control" around certain foods? Are you dealing with emotional eating, disordered eating, or an eating disorder on your own? Imagine if you were able to heal your relationship with food and your body. Imagine how it would feel to finally ditch the food rules, to give yourself permission to eat ALL foods without guilt or shame, to find movement that you enjoy, and to care for your body with kindness even when you have a bad body image day.
(779) 242-2439 View (779) 242-2439
Photo of Erin Welch, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Erin Welch
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Online Only
She is currently accepting clients for outpatient nutrition counseling, and is a great fit for those looking to improve their thoughts and behaviors surrounding nutrition, nutrition related labs, body, or exercise.
An advocate for health guidance to be offered through an Intuitive Eating, trauma-informed, and Health at Every Size lens; meaning she will make health promoting behaviors accessible without weight stigma. She evaluates and untangles the intersections of stress, body image, and nutrition education (or misinformation) as they relate food beliefs and behavior.
She is currently accepting clients for outpatient nutrition counseling, and is a great fit for those looking to improve their thoughts and behaviors surrounding nutrition, nutrition related labs, body, or exercise.
An advocate for health guidance to be offered through an Intuitive Eating, trauma-informed, and Health at Every Size lens; meaning she will make health promoting behaviors accessible without weight stigma. She evaluates and untangles the intersections of stress, body image, and nutrition education (or misinformation) as they relate food beliefs and behavior.
(614) 660-8455 View (614) 660-8455
Photo of Grace Thomas - GracesGrit Nutrition & Fitness Solutions, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MDN, RDN, LD
GracesGrit Nutrition & Fitness Solutions
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MDN, RDN, LD
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a graduate of the Masters of Dietetics and Nutrition (MDN) program at The Ohio State University, where I received years of hands-on experience as a Sports Nutrition Intern. I had the pleasure of working with various OSU teams including Football, Men’s Ice Hockey, Dance, Men's and Women’s Swim & Dive, and Synchronized Swimming. I gained invaluable experience in the field of Performance Nutrition, including evidence-based practices in assessment, targeted nutrition interventions, injury prevention, and food service management in sport. I am now the owner of GracesGrit Nutrition and Fitness Solutions.
I am a graduate of the Masters of Dietetics and Nutrition (MDN) program at The Ohio State University, where I received years of hands-on experience as a Sports Nutrition Intern. I had the pleasure of working with various OSU teams including Football, Men’s Ice Hockey, Dance, Men's and Women’s Swim & Dive, and Synchronized Swimming. I gained invaluable experience in the field of Performance Nutrition, including evidence-based practices in assessment, targeted nutrition interventions, injury prevention, and food service management in sport. I am now the owner of GracesGrit Nutrition and Fitness Solutions.
(614) 810-4871 View (614) 810-4871
Photo of Jordan Ouellette, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Jordan Ouellette
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
3 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43219
Nutrition Empowered, LLC offers personalized nutrition counseling focused on developing action items that target your specific goals and fit into your current lifestyle.
My name is Jordan Ouellette, and I am a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, and co-owner of Nutrition Empowered, LLC. I work with men and women who want to improve their relationship with food, and eat a diverse range of foods in order to feel their best mentally and physically. At Nutrition Empowered, LLC, our dietitians are Health at Every Size-aligned, and centered around building sustainable habits that fit into your current lifestyle. Other specialties include general nutrition and wellness, weight concerns, diabetes management, cholesterol and hypertension, IBD/IBS, fertility, PCOS, and fertility/pre and postnatal nutrition.
Nutrition Empowered, LLC offers personalized nutrition counseling focused on developing action items that target your specific goals and fit into your current lifestyle.
My name is Jordan Ouellette, and I am a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, and co-owner of Nutrition Empowered, LLC. I work with men and women who want to improve their relationship with food, and eat a diverse range of foods in order to feel their best mentally and physically. At Nutrition Empowered, LLC, our dietitians are Health at Every Size-aligned, and centered around building sustainable habits that fit into your current lifestyle. Other specialties include general nutrition and wellness, weight concerns, diabetes management, cholesterol and hypertension, IBD/IBS, fertility, PCOS, and fertility/pre and postnatal nutrition.
(380) 201-9642 View (380) 201-9642
Photo of Diane Christine Casey, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD, CLT
Diane Christine Casey
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD, CLT
Columbus, OH 43221
You found the complete package! I am a licensed dietitian, certified health coach/personal trainer who also holds a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University. I focus on helping clients prevent or reverse disease through lifestyle practices: eating, exercise, stress management & sleep. I love to empower clients to implement new habits that enable health goals to be reached. Since inflammation is the root of all disease, there is a major focus on reversing inflammation through how we eat and live. I provide the most personalized anti-inflammatory diet available by using the MRT blood test & micronutrient analyses.
You found the complete package! I am a licensed dietitian, certified health coach/personal trainer who also holds a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University. I focus on helping clients prevent or reverse disease through lifestyle practices: eating, exercise, stress management & sleep. I love to empower clients to implement new habits that enable health goals to be reached. Since inflammation is the root of all disease, there is a major focus on reversing inflammation through how we eat and live. I provide the most personalized anti-inflammatory diet available by using the MRT blood test & micronutrient analyses.
(614) 503-1797 View (614) 503-1797
Photo of Heather Ritter, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Heather Ritter
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
2 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43215
Heather is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients to help them heal their relationship with their body and food. She works with clients to facilitate changes that will improve overall quality of life. She believes that food and nutrition should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. Her own experiences have fueled her particular interest in intuitive eating, disordered eating and HAES aligned care. She loves working alongside clients to find creative ways to make food both nourishing and enjoyable.
Heather is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients to help them heal their relationship with their body and food. She works with clients to facilitate changes that will improve overall quality of life. She believes that food and nutrition should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. Her own experiences have fueled her particular interest in intuitive eating, disordered eating and HAES aligned care. She loves working alongside clients to find creative ways to make food both nourishing and enjoyable.
(312) 374-5399 View (312) 374-5399
Photo of Amy McCrea, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, IFNCP, CGN, CLT
Amy McCrea
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, IFNCP, CGN, CLT
Online Only
Amy is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist specializing in gastrointestinal disorders and autoimmune conditions. She uses food, simple lifestyle changes, and targeted supplements as appropriate to heal the body. On your journey with Amy, the two of you will dig deep to uncover the root causes of your current health issues and develop a customized plan to restore your health one fork at a time! She holds the following designations: Integrative & Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner (IFNCP), Certified Gastrointestinal Nutritionist (CGN), and Certified Leap Therapist (CLT).
Amy is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist specializing in gastrointestinal disorders and autoimmune conditions. She uses food, simple lifestyle changes, and targeted supplements as appropriate to heal the body. On your journey with Amy, the two of you will dig deep to uncover the root causes of your current health issues and develop a customized plan to restore your health one fork at a time! She holds the following designations: Integrative & Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner (IFNCP), Certified Gastrointestinal Nutritionist (CGN), and Certified Leap Therapist (CLT).
(380) 220-7062 View (380) 220-7062
Nutrition Counseling Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is nutrition counseling?
Nutrition counseling refers to the services provided by a Registered Dietitian (RD) that focus on diet and nutrition. Individuals often seek nutrition counseling to make diet-related lifestyle changes, especially after being diagnosed with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. However, nutrition counseling is not limited to these cases, and it can often benefit anyone looking to improve their overall health. Nutrition counselors also often address other aspects of a healthy lifestyle within sessions, such as advising on physical activity, chronic disease management, and mental health. They provide guidance and motivation, often adopting a holistic approach to support clients in achieving their health and wellbeing goals.

Who should see a nutrition counselor?
Many people can benefit from seeing a nutrition counselor; however, individuals with (or at risk of developing) chronic medical conditions or who have specific dietary challenges (for example, IBS, Crohn's disease, etc.) may find a nutrition counselor particularly helpful. Nutrition counselors are specifically trained to use diet modifications to manage health, so consulting a dietitian if you have a chronic condition can be greatly beneficial. Nutrition professionals can help clients understand how their diet impacts their symptoms and suggest strategies to improve overall health. Additionally, dietitians can coordinate with other medical professionals, such as primary care physicians or specialty physicians, to help support the client's overall health.

What happens during a nutrition counseling session?
Nutrition counseling is fundamentally focused on a client's individual health goals. The initial session with a nutrition professional typically involves an evaluation, during which the dietitian seeks to understand the client's reasons for seeking nutrition counseling. This session typically includes discussing the client's health history, current eating habits, lifestyle, and specific nutrition counseling goals. In follow-up sessions, the client and dietitian will typically review progress toward these goals, and the dietitian may examine the client's food intake and suggest areas for improvement. They may also educate the client on diet-related topics, such as ensuring adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables or reducing sodium intake. Additionally, nutrition counselors can help clients stay accountable for other lifestyle changes that support overall health, such as regular exercise, smoking cessation, or moderating alcohol consumption.

What should I look for in a nutrition counselor?
Clients seek nutritional support from dietitians and nutritionists for various reasons, ranging from managing medical conditions to addressing lifestyle concerns like weight loss or specific dietary requirements. When looking for a nutrition counselor, it is essential to find someone with expertise in the area of nutrition relevant to your needs. Consider factors such as insurance coverage, specific medical or dietary concerns, and the availability of professionals in your area to determine the best fit. Generally, nutritionists are not covered by insurance, whereas Registered Dietitians (RDs) often are, making it important to look for a professional with RD credentials. If you have a chronic medical condition like cancer or kidney disease, you may be interested in seeking out an RD with specialized expertise, such as a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) or a Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR), as these credentials indicate advanced education and a commitment to ongoing learning within a specific area.