Megan A. Kniskern (MAK)
MS, RD, LDN, CEDS-C
For the last 17+ years I’ve been working in the field of eating disorders, substance use disorder, and nutrition education. I have seen and consulted on all sorts of complex feeding, fueling, and trauma events which have a profound impact on mental health. Very often this also negatively impacts food and body beliefs for many.
A few highlights of my experience includes:
10 years of direct patient care at IP, RTC, PHP, and IOP levels of care (ED, SUD, co-occurring mental health diagnosis, including detox & severe medical acuity)
Culinary program development and supervision for all levels of care
Consulting and career positions in management, leadership, and executive rolls within various treatment centers and programs
Program development in treatment centers and private practice business development
University level educator since 2015, key courses include:
Nutrition 519 - Eating Disorder Therapy and Substance Use Disorder
Nutrition 344 - Management Leadership and Management in Dietetics
Nutrition 241 - Human Nutrition
Changes in my personal life, mainly the birth of my second son, led me on an unexpected career shift; as I stepped out of the clinical and treatment settings and into the role of lecturer at Arizona State University. All of my courses include mental health nutrition education, having spent seven years collaborating with intradisciplinary professionals while in leadership roles with Behavioral Health Nutrition (BHN) and the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians (IFEDD).
Traveling all over the country, presenting at conferences, to professionals, students, and the public on the critical need to understand eating disorder risks and mental health education. My career doesn't often feel like "work", as I continue to be inspired to speak up about the toll that “diet culture”, trauma and un-supported mental health struggles can have on our lives.
Working with clients, families, and colleagues has been my greatest education, and solidified my passion for the field of mental health nutrition; working alongside those who are overcoming, surviving and fighting to have a better relationship with food and their body inspires me every day.
thank you for being here.
The MAK Approach & Values
Patient-centered, inclusive care is at the foundation of MAK Nutrition. By taking into account your lived experiences, we’ll work together to help you create practices that are grounded in:
Medical nutrition therapy · Weight-inclusive care · Non-diet approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) · Intuitive Eating Principles · Mindfulness
The MAK Nutrition philosophy is rooted in these 3 core principles:
Experience life with love, respect, and support.
Don’t let your food and health choices take up too much space and focus back on the things that truly matter. Remember, you are more than just your body.
Trying is always better than perfect.
Let go of the perfection that holds you back, and remove the self-critical voice that keeps you trapped and stuck. Learn compassion, acceptance, and balance to free yourself and live the life you want.
Life is about evolving and growing.
Life is full of bumps in the road, and your path is determined by how you pick up the pieces and continue to move forward. We keep growing, and never stop learning along the way.
Professional Bio
With a focus on nutrition therapy, group moderation, and incorporating a collaborative, firm and individualized approach to care, Megan has been working in the field of eating disorders and mental health since 2008, with leadership experience at all levels of the treatment process.
As a Senior Lecturer at Arizona State University since 2015, she teaches graduate and undergraduate management and nutrition courses in the College of Health Solutions. In 2014, she developed an eating disorders and addictions graduate seminar course, the first of its kind at the University.
MS, RDN, LD/N, CEDS-S
Eating disorder specialist
