Resident Nutritionist

Although she has yet to achieve her goal of becoming a martial arts master, there is one skill Missy deserves a black belt in: the art of battling the scale.

Her weight struggle began at the age of eight when she weighed double the amount of a healthy 2nd grader. By twelve years old she had surpassed the 200 pound mark, and although she was involved in sports, acting, friends, arts, and community projects, her weight gain took a toll on her self confidence and she found comfort in food.

By senior year, Missy’s weight peaked at 260 pounds. It wasn't until college, when she spent a semester in China that she lost the first pounds of her life simply due to the decreased portion size and variety of foods. This experience gave her the motivation she needed to make some major changes in her lifestyle. Missy became interested in diet and exercise, changed her college studies to nutrition, and shed 75 pounds.

Missy’s success in weight loss prompted her to begin working at fitness and weight loss camps in 2003, allowing her to help others who struggle with the same challenges. After attaining her degree and certification as a nutritionist, Missy took on the role of Nutrition Director at Camp Empire Lake, along with weekly nutrition and cooking classes, Missy planned, prepared and delivered an entire summer’s worth of delicious dishes in 2006. She can hardly wait to put on the lunch lady gloves and start serving up some more happiness!