Danielle Carruth
Lifeline Nutrition Counseling
McKinney,TX
8
years of professional experience
Registered Dietitian and healthcare executive with 8+ years translating nutrition science into evidence-based clinical protocols, provider educations, and patient-facing communications. Published (Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) with a track record of building scientific credibility with physicians, therapists, and community stakeholders — including a referral network built almost entirely on trusted clinical outcomes. Experienced operating in matrixed, cross-functional environments, translating complex science for both clinical and executive audiences, and presenting program outcomes to executive leadership and Boards of Directors. Skilled in evidence-based program design, multi-state regulatory compliance, provider education, and public speaking.
Work History
Director of Nutrition
1 Year 7 Months- Recruited by executive leadership to establish and lead the organization's first Registered Dietitian–led nutrition department, transitioning nutrition services from nurse- and health coach-led weight-loss counseling to a comprehensive Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) model.
- Built the nutrition department from the ground up, establishing the operational infrastructure, clinical standards, staffing model, and strategic direction for nutrition services across the organization.
- Expanded nutrition services across 25 clinics in 7 states, ensuring compliance with state licensure laws and Medical Nutrition Therapy regulations.
- Developed the long-term strategic roadmap for nutrition services to support organizational growth and preventive healthcare initiatives.
- Recruited, hired, trained, and mentored Registered Dietitians to support organizational expansion.
- Provided strategic direction to executive leadership by leading key initiatives within the organization.
- Clinical Program Development
- Designed and implemented comprehensive evidence-based nutrition programs addressing obesity, GLP-1 therapy, diabetes, PCOS, gastrointestinal disorders, hormone optimization, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, inflammation, longevity, sports nutrition, and preventive wellness.
- Integrated laboratory interpretation and specialty diagnostic testing into nutrition care plans to provide individualized treatment recommendations.
- Developed standardized clinical protocols to ensure consistent care delivery across all clinic locations.
- Created patient education resources that facilitated nutrition counseling, encouraged behavior change, and supported medication management for long-term lifestyle modification.
- Membership Program Development
- Designed and launched a comprehensive nutrition membership program to improve patient engagement, retention, and long-term clinical outcomes.
- Developed a high-value recurring care model that includes monthly one-on-one Registered Dietitian consultations, weekly body composition analysis, weekly nutrition accountability check-ins, an extensive patient education platform, and member-exclusive wellness benefits.
- Created standardized workflows supporting scalable implementation across multiple clinic locations.
- Provider Education & Clinical Training
- Developed a comprehensive clinician onboarding and continuing education program for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, medical assistants, health coaches, and Registered Dietitians.
- Built the organization's Learning Management System (LMS) to standardize provider education and clinical competency.
- Authored training manuals, clinical reference materials, and hundreds of educational resources supporting evidence-based patient care.
- Delivered ongoing monthly education sessions focused on nutrition science, obesity medicine, Medical Nutrition Therapy, laboratory interpretation, and GLP-1 therapies.
- Served as the organization's primary nutrition subject matter expert for multidisciplinary clinical teams.
- Operations & Quality Improvement
- Designed standardized workflows, documentation standards, and clinical operating procedures to improve efficiency and patient care consistency.
- Established key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and enhance nutrition program performance and clinical outcomes.
- Implemented quality assurance processes supporting clinical excellence across all nutrition services.
- Managed operational initiatives to improve workflow efficiency, provider adoption, and patient experience.
- Compliance & Regulatory Leadership
- Built a multi-state nutrition program compliant with Medical Nutrition Therapy regulations, telehealth requirements, and dietetic licensure laws across 7 states.
- Established documentation standards to support regulatory compliance and high-quality clinical documentation.
- Oversaw nutrition practice compliance and licensure requirements for Registered Dietitians practicing across multiple jurisdictions.
- Technology & Systems
- Led implementation and optimization of multiple electronic medical record systems, including Epic, ModMed, Prospyr, DrChrono, and SimplePractice.
- Integrated laboratory and diagnostic platforms including Quest Diagnostics, Genova Diagnostics, Vibrant Wellness, and Tribal Health into clinical workflows.
- Utilized nutrition analysis platforms including ESHA Genesis and Cronometer to support evidence-based care.
- Managed cross-functional projects using Asana, Monday.com, and Trello while leveraging Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace for organizational collaboration.
Founder & Owner | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
4 Years 6 Months- Founded Lifeline Nutrition Counseling to address a significant gap in timely eating disorder treatment within the local community after recognizing that many families faced lengthy delays in accessing specialized nutrition care.
- Grew the practice from a part-time venture into a full-time business within three months through strong patient outcomes, community engagement, and physician referrals.
- Built and managed every aspect of an independent healthcare practice, including strategic planning, operations, marketing, finance, payer contracting, and patient care delivery.
- Developed long-term vision and operational framework for patient-centered nutrition practice prioritizing evidence-based, individualized care.
- Provided individualized Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients with a wide range of nutrition-related conditions.
- Specialized in the treatment of eating disorders while also providing nutrition care for weight management, diabetes, women's health, pregnancy, PCOS, gastrointestinal disorders, IBS, food allergies, autoimmune disease, sports nutrition, and GLP-1 medication support.
- Developed personalized nutrition care plans that integrated each patient's medical history, laboratory findings, lifestyle factors, and long-term health goals.
- Collaborated closely with physicians, therapists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated multidisciplinary care.
- Designed, launched, and managed all aspects of a successful private practice, including branding, website development, pricing strategy, patient onboarding, scheduling, insurance credentialing, billing, and financial management.
- Negotiated payer contracts and managed insurance reimbursement processes to expand patient access to nutrition services.
- Created comprehensive practice policies, procedures, informed consent documentation, and intake processes, ensuring HIPAA compliance and operational efficiency.
- Selected and implemented technology platforms supporting clinical documentation, scheduling, billing, telehealth, and practice operations.
- Marketing & Community Engagement
- Designed and maintained the practice website while developing educational content that established the practice as a trusted community resource.
- Managed social media and digital marketing initiatives to increase community awareness and patient engagement.
- Built strong referral relationships with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals throughout the region.
- Delivered community education programs at local libraries and organizations, enhancing public understanding of nutrition, eating disorders, and preventive health.
- Became a sought-after speaker for community education events focused on nutrition and wellness.
- Patient Experience & Referral Growth
- Established an exceptional patient experience that resulted in a highly successful referral-based practice.
- Achieved approximately 75% of new patient referrals through current and former patient recommendations, demonstrating high patient satisfaction and trust.
- Continued receiving referrals from former patients years after treatment, reflecting lasting professional relationships and positive clinical outcomes.
- Leadership & Professional Development
- Supervised dietetic interns and provided clinical training in Medical Nutrition Therapy and patient counseling.
- Mentored early-career Registered Dietitians through clinical guidance and professional development.
- Educated community organizations through workshops and nutrition classes designed to improve public health literacy.
- Served as a trusted resource for patients, families, healthcare providers, and community organizations seeking evidence-based nutrition expertise.
- Technology
- Managed clinical operations using SimplePractice and Practice Better.
- Utilized Cronometer for nutrition analysis and Canva for patient education and marketing materials.
- Managed financial operations through Stripe and QuickBooks.
- Leveraged Zoom, Google Workspace, and electronic fax solutions to support telehealth services and secure communication.
Head Registered Dietitian
4 Years- Led the multidisciplinary intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment program as the Head Registered Dietitian, providing clinical leadership for a team of six Registered Dietitians.
- Delivered specialized Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to adolescents and adults with complex eating disorders, collaborating with therapists and psychiatrists to ensure coordinated, evidence-based care.
- Maintained a caseload comprised entirely of patients diagnosed with eating disorders, providing highly individualized nutrition therapy for adolescents and adults ranging in age from 12 to 65 years.
- Conducted comprehensive nutrition assessments, developed nutrition diagnoses, and implemented individualized treatment plans using evidence-based Medical Nutrition Therapy.
- Provided leadership in clinical settings to guide dietetic team
- Delivered individual counseling, family counseling, parent education, group nutrition therapy, meal support, and behavioral nutrition interventions.
- Guided patients through real-world recovery experiences including grocery store tours, restaurant outings, and food exposure exercises designed to increase dietary flexibility and normalize eating behaviors.
- Coordinated care with physicians, psychiatrists, therapists, schools, and families to support continuity of treatment across all aspects of patient care.
- Monitored laboratory results, interpreted nutrition-related biomarkers, and incorporated clinical findings into individualized nutrition care plans.
- Integrated treatment strategies for patients with coexisting medical conditions including diabetes, PCOS, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, sports nutrition needs, weight management concerns, and GLP-1 medication use when clinically appropriate.
- Contributed to quality improvement initiatives, clinical protocol development, and standardized nutrition practices to support consistent, high-quality patient care.
- Trained and mentored newly hired Registered Dietitians while supervising dietetic interns during their clinical rotations.
- Trained newly hired Registered Dietitians in clinical protocols, counseling techniques, and multidisciplinary treatment approaches.
- Fostered a collaborative learning environment that supported the professional development of future nutrition professionals.
- Maintained long-term mentoring relationships with former patients and students, several of whom pursued careers in nutrition and dietetics.
- Presented educational programs for patients, families, healthcare professionals, and community organizations focused on eating disorders, nutrition therapy, and recovery.
- Integrated treatment strategies for patients with coexisting medical conditions including diabetes, PCOS, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
- Ensured thorough patient care by developing and implementing tailored nutrition strategies
- Conducted comprehensive nutrition assessments, developed nutrition diagnoses, and implemented individualized treatment plans, utilizing evidence-based Medical Nutrition Therapy to optimize patient outcomes.
- Conducted telehealth counseling using Zoom when appropriate.
- Leveraged Microsoft Office to develop educational materials, clinical documentation, and patient resources.
- Guided patients through real-world recovery experiences such as grocery store tours and restaurant outings, implementing food exposure exercises to enhance dietary flexibility and normalize eating behaviors.
- Leadership & Mentorship
- Technology
- Engaged in community education initiatives to promote nutrition awareness
- Specialized Eating Disorder Treatment
- Treated a broad spectrum of eating disorders including:
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Led mentorship programs to cultivate the skills of future dietitians
- Binge Eating Disorder
- ARFID
- OSFED
- Employed digital tools to streamline nutrition documentation and planning
- Avoidant Eating
- Pediatric Feeding Disorders
- Completed detailed clinical documentation and insurance documentation supporting medical necessity and continuity of care.
Vice President of Health & Nutrition Programs
1 Year 4 Months- Acted as a member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and providing strategic oversight for all health and nutrition programs serving older adults and homebound individuals throughout Tarrant County.
- Directed a multidisciplinary department responsible for clinical nutrition, medication management, behavioral health coordination, food security initiatives, and preventive health programming.
- Led organizational strategy, operational planning, budgeting, and program evaluation while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and grant funding requirements.
- Supervised departmental leadership and clinical teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and mission-driven service.
- Presented program outcomes, strategic initiatives, financial performance, and operational updates to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
- Provided critical oversight for health and nutrition initiatives within the organization.
- Oversaw implementation and management of integrated health programs.
- Directed six integrated health and nutrition programs designed to improve health outcomes and reduce food insecurity among vulnerable older adults.
- Oversaw Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) services delivered by Registered Dietitians for chronic disease management, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, and malnutrition.
- Managed a pharmacist-led home medication reconciliation program focused on reducing polypharmacy, preventing medication-related complications, and decreasing fall risk among seniors.
- Coordinated behavioral health services by facilitating referrals to licensed mental health professionals and social workers to address psychosocial needs affecting overall health.
- Directed food security initiatives that delivered nutritious meals to homebound seniors to reduce hunger and prevent malnutrition.
- Oversaw the Pet Food Program, helping preserve the bond between seniors and their companion animals while reducing food insecurity within the household.
- Expanded preventive health programming through diabetes education and community wellness classes designed to improve long-term health outcomes.
- Oversaw budget preparation and financial reporting for funding agencies.
- Managed an annual departmental operating budget of approximately $4.2 million.
- Successfully secured and administered more than $1.5 million in additional grant funding during the COVID-19 public health emergency, significantly expanding organizational capacity.
- Developed departmental budgets, managed expenditures, oversaw contracts, and ensured responsible stewardship of public and private funding.
- Prepared grant applications, performance reports, and outcome documentation for funding agencies and stakeholders.
- Directed initiatives to expand nutrition services in response to community needs.
- Directed large-scale operational expansion during COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing service delivery to address rapidly increasing community needs.
- Expanded nutrition services from approximately 4,200 to 5,400 clients within one year while maintaining high standards of quality and regulatory compliance.
- Led implementation of the Senior Nutrition Program for community senior centers, expanding meal delivery services to more than 30 senior centers across Tarrant County.
- Increased organizational staffing to effectively support expanded community services in response to unprecedented demand.
- Oversaw annual health inspections, regulatory audits, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Built partnerships with organizations to enhance community health services.
- Built collaborative partnerships with healthcare organizations, universities, government agencies, and nonprofits, improving access to nutrition and health services for underserved populations.
- Served as a clinical preceptor for dietetic students from Texas Christian University (TCU), Abilene Christian University (ACU), and Texas Woman's University (TWU), supporting the education and development of future Registered Dietitians.
- Collaborated with United Way, local governments, and North Texas Food Bank to strengthen community nutrition initiatives and expand access to essential services.
- Supported public health initiatives focused on reducing food insecurity, improving chronic disease management, and increasing access to preventive healthcare services.
- Led training initiatives for healthcare professionals and student interns.
- Led a multidisciplinary team consisting of Registered Dietitians, managers, clinical staff, and student trainees.
- Mentored healthcare professionals while providing leadership, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
- Supervised approximately 15 dietetic students annually through accredited internship programs.
- Supported and coordinated the work of more than 200 volunteers contributing to nutrition and meal delivery programs.
Corporate Dietitian
10 Months- Ensured nutritional compliance across school nutrition programs, performing nutritional analysis on all SNP and charter school menu cycles to meet USDA and TDA regulations.
- Developed, tested, and standardized recipes for use across menu cycles to increase variety and boost program participation.
- Counseled at-risk populations on nutrition interventions for disease prevention and management.
- Led a staff of 20+ through continuing education, training on food handling and safety protocols to ensure compliance and enhance service quality.
- Developed and taught nutrition education curricula for San Antonio County Community Centers, fostering healthy lifestyle habits among participants.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition Science
Master of Science - Medical Nutrition Therapy
Skills
Clinical Operations
Healthcare Leadership
Program Development
Public Speaking
Nutrition Education
Public health
Partnership building
Operational efficiency
Food safety compliance
Menu development
Accomplishments
- Built the organization's first Registered Dietitian-led nutrition department.
- Expanded nutrition services to 25 clinics across 7 states.
- Developed and implemented an enterprise-wide clinician education program.
- Created hundreds of patient and provider educational resources.
- Designed a scalable nutrition membership program supporting long-term patient engagement.
- Contributed to approximately 20% year-over-year organizational growth through expansion of nutrition services and patient engagement initiatives.
- Founded and scaled a successful private nutrition practice from startup to full-time operation within three months.
- Created a highly sustainable referral network, with approximately 75% of new patients referred by current or former clients.
- Built strong referral partnerships with physicians and behavioral health providers throughout the community.
- Increased community awareness of eating disorders and nutrition through educational presentations and public speaking engagements.
- Developed a reputation for providing compassionate, evidence-based care that continues to generate referrals years after patient treatment.
- Managed a $4.2 million annual operating budget.
- Secured over $1.5 million in emergency grant funding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Expanded organizational reach from 4,200 to 5,400 clients within one year.
- Directed delivery of 1,167,539 meals in 2020 to vulnerable seniors and homebound individuals.
- Expanded meal service from one meal per day to two meals per day, significantly strengthening nutrition support for high-risk older adults.
- Successfully launched and scaled nutrition services for more than 30 senior community centers during the COVID-19 emergency.
- Helped reduce emergency hospital admissions through coordinated nutrition interventions, medication management, and preventive health programming.
Timeline
Director of Nutrition
Formula Wellness
01.2025 - CurrentRead More
Founder & Owner | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Lifeline Nutrition Counseling
02.2022 - CurrentRead More
Head Registered Dietitian
Walker Wellness Clinic
01.2020 - 01.2024Read More
Vice President of Health & Nutrition Programs
Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County
07.2019 - 11.2020Read More
Corporate Dietitian
Selrico Services
11.2018 - 09.2019Read More
Saint Louis University
Master of Science from Medical Nutrition Therapy
Read More
Saint Louis University
Bachelor of Science from Nutrition Science
Read More