Kendall Reagan Nutrition Center presents Theresa Berger as the Student Spotlight
Theresa Berger grew up near the Four Corners area in Cortez, Colorado. She is a graduate student at Colorado State University, pursuing her Master’s Degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition. Theresa completed a 3-month clinical internship in Bavaria, Germany, at Europe’s leading in-patient hospital for eating disorders in adolescents and adults.
As the founder of Mama Me Time, Theresa provides nutrition education and recipes for a healthy pregnancy (www.MamaMeTime.net). Founded in 2014, Mama Me Time has grown to include a blog and podcast, Good Pregnancy Eats. “I love to create new recipes and provide evidence-based nutrition tips to help women eat well during pregnancy,” she says.
Theresa has an interest in Community Nutrition and Nutrition Education, with a focus on Maternity Nutrition. She is currently conducting research with Dr. Susan Baker for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) at Colorado State University. Her research focuses on nutrition education for low-income families. Theresa describes, “Through my graduate curriculum and research, I am gaining a deeper understanding of nutrition barriers challenging mothers and children each day.”
“I believe nutrition is about taking care of yourself,” Theresa says. After completing her Master’s degree, Theresa plans to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). “With a love for cooking and science, I want to develop nutrition education programs teaching nutrition life skills to new mothers and their growing children. My goal is to help young families overcome modern day nutrition challenges through nutrition education, simple cooking, and delicious family meals.”
Theresa explains, “As a graduate practicum student at the KRNC, I had the opportunity to develop and teach a series of 6 cooking classes to local high-school students. I appreciated this teaching and leadership role as this gave me an opportunity to engage with adolescents in the community setting.”