John Castro he/him

Practice Coordinator

John Castro is the Practice Coordinator at Nourishment Works, bringing over five years of experience in operations, billing, and administrative management within healthcare, training and continuing education organizations. With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Northwestern University, John combines his strong organizational skills with a passion for creating efficient, client-focused workflows.

Prior to joining Nourishment Works, John gained extensive experience managing training operations, coordinating with international affiliates, supervising administrative staff, and handling billing processes. His expertise includes streamlining systems, ensuring compliance with professional standards, and providing exceptional support to both clients and team members.

John is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for both clients and staff at Nourishment Works.

Feel free to reach out to John for any scheduling, billing, or administrative support needs at billing@nourishmentworks.com 

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Northwestern University

• Bachelor of Arts Minor in Harvey Kapnick Business Institutions Program, Northwestern University

Kelly Gleason, MS, MAEd. she/her

Nutritionist & Health Educator

Kelly is a passionate nutritionist with a strong academic and professional background in nutrition education and health sciences. She holds a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Northern Illinois University, where she also earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics & Wellness with honors. Kelly's diverse experiences range from teaching nutrition at the undergraduate level to designing and implementing community wellness programs. Her work reflects a commitment to making nutrition science accessible and empowering, helping individuals of all ages foster improved relationships with food and well-being.

Kelly’s expertise extends beyond the classroom, with certifications in diabetes prevention, food safety, and yoga instruction. She has contributed to community outreach programs, led professional development workshops, and collaborated on research projects focused on integrating food science with education.

My Approach

My approach to nutrition is rooted in intuitive eating, a Health at Every Size® (HAES) framework, and a weight-neutral philosophy. I believe that health isn’t determined by weight, but by fostering an attuned and supportive relationship with food and the body. Through my practice, I support clients in developing trust in their bodies, honoring hunger and fullness cues, and breaking free from the harmful effects of diet culture.

I emphasize mindful eating, guiding clients to be present and attuned to their eating experiences, helping them cultivate a more compassionate approach to nourishment. By focusing on well-being over weight, I encourage clients to make peace with food and their bodies. My weight-neutral approach creates a non-judgmental space where clients can explore their health goals without unnecessary pressure.

Through individualized care, I help clients embrace sustainable, life-enhancing movement and holistic health practices that honor their unique bodies and lifestyles. I firmly believe that everyone deserves to feel good in their bodies, and my compassionate, evidence-based approach reflects this philosophy.

Areas of Expertise

• Attuned and mindfulness based eating & self-care

• Non-diet, weight neutral, body inclusive approach to well-being 

• LGBTQ+ welcoming & affirming care

• Nutritional counseling of all ages across the lifespan

• Experienced facilitator of nutrition support groups

• Health At Every Size (HAES®) Expert:

  • As a HAES® dietitian expert, I am committed to practice and advocate for: size inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. Check out the Association for Size Diversity's statement of the HAES® Principles here.

Specialized Training

• Certificate of Graduate Study in Eating Disorders, Northern Illinois University

• Certified Lifestyle Coach from the National Diabetes Prevention Program

• 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

• Certificate of Sustainable Food Systems

Education

• Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Northern Illinois University

• Master of Arts in Elementary Education, University of Phoenix

• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics & Wellness, Northern Illinois University

• Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Emphasis Business & Mathematics, Arizona State University

Publications

• Regan, M., Prange, N., Muzaffar, H., Furr, K., Mesic, J., Brynteson, K., Roseno, A., Berry, C., & Duffrin, M. (2021). FoodMASTER Small Bites: Creating Videos to Introduce Food and Nutrition Science Lessons. Food & Nutrition

• Mesic, J., Furr, K., and Duffrin, M. (2020). Utilizing Food and Nutrition to Create Authentic Mathematics Learning. Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo.

• McCartney, G., Furr, K., and Duffrin, M. (2019). Simplifying Science with FAN Cards: Creating and Utilizing Mini Food Science Lessons to Excite Learner Curiosity. Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo.

Kirstin Montsma, MSW, LSW she/her

Licensed Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Kirstin is a Licensed Social Worker in Chicago, IL. As a clinician, she brings deep curiosity, warmth, and intentionality into the therapy space. Rooted in her social work values, she centers her clients as the experts of their own experiences and listens deeply to how the systems around them impact their lives—approaching these complexities with openness, respect, and curiosity in the therapeutic relationship.

Kirstin believes therapy works best when clients feel safe, heard, and empowered. She works from a strengths-based, client-centered perspective that prioritizes collaboration, authenticity, and flexibility.

Kirstin is eating disorder-informed and holds a Health at Every Size® (HAES®) lens. She is eager to grow in her understanding of weight-inclusive, anti-diet approaches and is supported by Nourishment Works’ collaborative and interdisciplinary care model.

She welcomes adults of all identities and backgrounds who are seeking support around anxiety, depression, life transitions, and burnout.

Therapeutic Approaches & Areas of Expertise

• Trauma-Informed Care (certification: Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics)

• Psychodynamic-Informed

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Client-Centered & Strengths-Based Therapy

• Relational Therapy

• Mindfulness & Somatic Curiosity

• LGBTQIA+ Affirming

• Depression & Anxiety

• Burnout & Overwhelm

• Life Transitions

• Neurodivergence

• Self-worth & Identity Work

• Health At Every Size (HAES®) aligned

  • As a HAES® aligned therapist, I am committed to practicing and advocating for: size inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. Check out the Association for Size Diversity's statement of the HAES® Principles here.

Specialized Training

• Youth Mental Health First Aid Certified

• Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics Certification

• Mandated Reporter Certification

Education

• Master of Social Work (Advanced Clinical Practice), Loyola University Chicago

• Bachelor of Social Work and Psychology, Calvin University (Magna Cum Laude)

Book a 15 Minute Discovery Call with Kirstin

Get to Know Kirstin 💛

Lucy Tykal, MA, LPC she/her

Licensed Professional Counselor & Psychotherapist

Lucy is a licensed professional counselor and psychotherapist in Chicago, IL specializing in body image concerns, disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. With lived eating disorder experience, Lucy understands the unique impact of diet culture on our relationships to food and our own bodies and is passionate about dismantling the systems that uphold these insidious ideals.

With a background at inpatient and PHP/IOP levels of care, Lucy has worked with diverse populations and welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and identities into the therapeutic space. Her clinical approach is defined by warmth, nonjudgement, and a touch of humor to create a safe space of growth and reflection for individuals of all ages.

As a Health At Every Size informed clinician, Lucy takes a weight-inclusive, anti-diet approach to wellness and is committed to walking alongside her clients on their path to self-acceptance, working with them to gain insight and confidence with each step. She believes in a holistic approach that addresses the impacts of external forces of oppression including weight-bias, racism, sexism, abilism, ageism, and more in order to validate her client’s adaptive responses to a pathological culture.

Areas of Expertise & Therapeutic Approaches

• Disordered eating

• Body image concerns

• Life Transitions

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Person-Centered Therapy

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

• Feminist Theories

• Health At Every Size (HAES®) aligned

  • As a HAES® aligned therapist, I am committed to practice and advocate for: size inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. Check out the Association for Size Diversity's statement of the HAES® Principles here.

Specialized Training

• Introduction to Psychodrama and Sociometry - Chicago Center for Psychodrama

• ACT in Action Training - Chicago Center for Psychodrama

• Motivational Interviewing (MI) Training

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Training

Education

• Master of Arts- Clinical Mental Health Counseling, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

• Bachelor of Arts- Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, Michigan State University

Book a 15 Minute Discovery Call with Lucy

Margaret Bick, MA she/her

Counselor & Art Therapist

Margaret is a passionate and trauma-informed art therapist based in Chicago, Illinois, who brings warmth, creativity, and authenticity to her work with clients. Currently completing her Master’s in Counseling with a concentration in Art Therapy at Adler University, Margaret supports individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, identity development, and life transitions. She believes in the healing power of creativity, cultural humility, and genuine human connection. With a background in fine arts and community service, Margaret blends evidence-based approaches with expressive arts therapy to meet clients where they are and guide them toward meaningful personal growth.

Margaret uses an integrative approach grounded in person-centered care, trauma-informed frameworks, and social justice values. She incorporates both verbal and non-verbal expressive modalities to support diverse clients. She meets clients with compassion, curiosity, and creativity, holding space for each person’s complexity while fostering empowerment and emotional safety.

Areas of Expertise

• Art Therapy for mental health and emotional expression

• Trauma recovery and post-traumatic growth

• Substance use and recovery support

• Grief, loss, and identity exploration

• Anxiety, depression, and mood disorders

• LGBTQIA+ affirming and culturally responsive care

• Life transitions and adjustment issues

• Community-based healing and empowerment

Therapeutic Modalities Practiced

• Person-Centered Therapy

• Trauma-Informed Therapy

• Multicultural and Social Justice Informed Care

• Expressive Arts Therapy / Expressive Arts Continuum

• Narrative Therapy

• Feminist Therapy

• CBT, DBT, ACT, REBT

• Reality Therapy/Choice Theory

• Psychodynamic Concepts

• Health At Every Size (HAES®) aligned

  • As a HAES® aligned therapist, I am committed to practicing and advocating for: size inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. Check out the Association for Size Diversity's statement of the HAES® Principles here.

Education

• Adler University – Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy

• University of Oregon – Bachelor of Arts in Art

Book a 15 Minute Discovery Call with Margaret

Priyanka Navalurkar MS, RDN, LDN she/her

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist | Eating Disorder Recovery & Intuitive Eating Specialist

Priyanka is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who provides compassionate, trauma-informed nutrition counseling for individuals healing their relationship with food and body. She specializes in eating disorder recovery, body image healing, and co-occurring mental health concerns, offering weight-inclusive care rooted in the principles of Health at Every Size® (HAES®).

With deep respect for the diverse experiences people bring to the table, Priyanka honors how food has served a role in survival, coping, connection, and identity. Her non-diet, anti-oppressive approach creates a supportive space where clients can rebuild body trust, rediscover intuitive eating, and develop sustainable nourishment practices tailored to their unique needs.

Priyanka’s Approach to Nutrition Therapy

Priyanka believes that all bodies are worthy of care, respect, and nourishment—regardless of shape, size, or background. She understands that diet culture, societal pressures, and systemic oppression can disconnect individuals from their body’s natural cues and internal wisdom.

Using a non-diet, intuitive eating framework, she helps clients reconnect with that inner wisdom, cultivate self-compassion, and develop sustainable, individualized nutrition practices that align with their recovery values. Priyanka’s work is informed by trauma-informed care, body liberation, and intersectional social justice principles.

Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, chronic dieting, disordered eating patterns, or body shame, Priyanka offers a safe, affirming, and collaborative space for healing and nourishment.

Areas of Expertise

• Eating disorder recovery across all diagnoses

• Attuned and mindfulness-based eating & self-care

• Weight-inclusive, non-diet nutrition counseling

• LGBTQ+ affirming & gender-diverse care

• Collaborative, team-based care for complex presentations

• Outpatient and higher-level-of-care experience (PHP/IOP)

• Nutritional counseling of all ages across the lifespan

• Experienced facilitator of nutrition support groups

• Health At Every Size (HAES®) Expert:

  • As a HAES® dietitian expert, I am committed to practice and advocate for: size inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. Check out the Association for Size Diversity's statement of the HAES® Principles here.

Specialized Training

• 12+ weeks of supervised eating disorder rotations across PHP, IOP, and outpatient levels

• Trained in:

  • Family-Based Therapy (FBT)

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Completed Marci Evans’ “Nutrition Counseling for Eating Disorders” training

• Experience supporting individuals with co-occurring conditions including anxiety, OCD, trauma, neurodivergence, and chronic illness

Education

• Master of Science in Nutrition & Health Promotion, Simmons University (Entrepreneurship + Eating Disorders)

• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Miami University (Dietetics concentration; Minor in Management)

Samantha Rudolph, MA, ACC she/her

Social Work Intern | Certified Executive Function & ADHD Coach

Samantha is a Master of Social Work student at Northeastern Illinois University and a certified Executive Function and ADHD coach. As an intern at Nourishment Works, she supports clients in working toward their goals with warmth, clarity, and care. Her approach is grounded in helping people uncover their values, build sustainable habits, and cultivate self-trust.

Samantha brings a wealth of experience from the education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors, and has a special passion for working with individuals navigating life transitions—whether parenting, healing from illness, processing identity, or making career shifts. She is deeply aligned with Nourishment Works’ values of anti-oppressive care, and meeting clients where they are.

With over a decade of experience coaching professionals across diverse backgrounds, Samantha offers grounded support and practical strategies to help clients create systems that honor their needs and identities. She believes in the transformative power of self-compassion and connection—and is committed to helping people feel seen, empowered, and successful in their everyday lives.

Samantha is currently completing her first year clinical internship at Nourishment Works as part of her Master of Social Work program. She is available to support clients in person and virtually under supervision and in collaboration with their care team.

Therapeutic Approaches & Areas of Expertise

• Executive Function Coaching

• ADHD Coaching for Adults

• Time Management & Organizational Skills

• Emotional Regulation & Self-Compassion

• Values-Based Goal Setting

• Support Through Life Transitions

• Relationship & Parenting Support

• Social Justice-Informed Coaching

• Collaboration with Clinical Treatment Teams

Specialized Training

• Associate Certified Coach (ACC) – International Coach Federation (ICF), 2021–present

• Executive Function/ADHD Coaching – JST Coaching & Training, 2019

• Empowering Students Through Coaching – JST Coaching & Training, 2020

• Shifting to a Social Justice Mindset – JST Coaching & Training, 2022

• Birth Doula Training – DONA International, 2009

Education

• Masters of Social Work (in progress) – Northeastern Illinois University (expected 2027)

• Masters of Arts in Community & Teacher Leadership, Northeastern Illinois University

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Anne M. Blitstein Institute for Women of HTC