Sheela Venkatesan, MS, CNS
Www.linkedin.com/in/sheela-venkatesan-ms-cns-b4944114b
Summary
Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) with a Master’s degree in Nutrition Education and 10+ years of experience in clinical nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, metabolic health, and behavior change. Passionate about taking a proactive approach to health by identifying and addressing nutrition and lifestyle risk factors early. Skilled at translating complex clinical and health data into clear, actionable recommendations that support meaningful behavior change, metabolic health, and long-term health outcomes.
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Nutrition & Corporate Wellness
Privia Medical Group-Nova Physician Wellness
Vienna, Virginia
01.2020 - 12.2024
- Directed nutrition and corporate wellness initiatives focused on health promotion, weight management, stress management, performance, and sustainable lifestyle change.
- Led the development and implementation of nutrition and wellness programs designed to support patient and employee health across the organization.
- Provided strategic direction for nutrition counseling, wellness programming, patient engagement, and behavior-change initiatives within a physician-led healthcare environment.
- Collaborated with physicians and healthcare professionals to integrate nutrition and wellness into broader health initiatives.
- Led community and corporate wellness outreach, including nutrition education and health-promotion initiatives for diverse audiences.
- Provided leadership and subject-matter expertise in nutrition and behavior change, helping shape effective approaches to patient and employee engagement.
Clinical Nutritionist & Stress Coach
Nutrisense
Fairfax, Virginia
12.2024 - Current
- Provide nutrition counseling to clients with diverse metabolic and health concerns, including glucose dysregulation, PCOS, cardiovascular risk reduction, obesity, and weight management.
- Integrate continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data with nutrition patterns, sleep, stress, physical activity, and body composition to identify patterns and develop individualized strategies that support metabolic health and sustainable behavior change.
- Develop macronutrient and nutrition goals to support muscle preservation, improve body composition, optimize metabolic health, and promote sustainable fat loss.
- Interpret DEXA and InBody body-composition data to evaluate lean mass, fat mass, and changes in body composition, incorporating findings into individualized nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
- Apply medical nutrition therapy, motivational interviewing, and behavior-change principles to identify barriers, build self-efficacy, and develop practical strategies aligned with clients’ goals, preferences, and lifestyles.
- Provide stress-management coaching focused on the relationship between stress, sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and metabolic health, helping clients develop sustainable coping and lifestyle strategies.
- Build therapeutic relationships through empathetic, patient-centered virtual counseling; maintain an average client satisfaction rating of 4.93/5.0 based on post-visit surveys.
Senior Nutritionist & Behavior Change Specialist
Privia Medical Group-Nova Physician Wellness
Vienna, Virginia
09.2019 - 01.2020
- Provided advanced nutrition counseling and behavior-change support for patients with diverse health and wellness goals, including weight management, metabolic health, and lifestyle-related conditions.
- Applied behavior-change principles and motivational interviewing techniques to help patients identify barriers, build self-efficacy, and develop sustainable health behaviors.
- Developed individualized nutrition and behavior-change strategies based on patients’ health needs, preferences, readiness for change, and lifestyle factors.
- Collaborated with physicians and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to integrate nutrition and behavior-change strategies into patients’ overall care.
- Translated complex nutrition and health information into practical, actionable recommendations to improve understanding, engagement, and adherence.
- Provided guidance on effective nutrition counseling and patient engagement approaches within a physician-led healthcare setting.
Nutritionist
Privia Medical Group-Nova Physician Wellness
03.2019 - 09.2019
- Managed a large patient load, creating individualized nutrition programs and treatment recommendations in accordance with clinical practice standards.
- Conducted nutrition assessments to identify dietary patterns, health needs, and areas for nutritional intervention.
- Provided individualized nutrition counseling and education to help patients understand nutrition recommendations and apply them to daily life.
- Interpreted InBody and DEXA body-composition data to evaluate lean mass, fat mass, and changes in body composition, incorporating findings into individualized nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
- Identified patients’ motivational triggers and barriers to change to develop realistic, sustainable health behaviors.
- Monitored and adjusted nutrition plans based on patient progress, changing needs, and response to interventions.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to support patients’ overall health and treatment goals.
Health Coach
Health Advocate
Chantilly, Virginia
09.2017 - 05.2019
- Developed personalized health and wellness strategies based on health risk factors, metabolic health markers, and individual client goals.
- Reviewed and interpreted laboratory results, including blood glucose, lipid profiles, and other cardiometabolic markers, to provide tailored nutrition education and lifestyle recommendations.
- Conducted on-site nutrition counseling and wellness coaching at corporate locations to support employee health and wellness initiatives.
- Developed individualized wellness plans addressing nutrition, physical activity, weight management, and other lifestyle factors.
- Provided ongoing coaching through regular sessions and follow-ups, helping clients set goals, overcome barriers, and build sustainable health behaviors.
- Educated clients on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and healthy lifestyle practices to support long-term health.
Nutrition Health Coach
Loudoun County
Chantilly, Virginia
05.2018 - 03.2019
- Provided client-centered nutrition counseling and health coaching through individualized nutrition assessment, education, and goal setting.
- Assessed nutrition-related needs and developed practical recommendations to support health improvement and sustainable behavior change.
- Customized nutrition education based on individual health goals, needs, preferences, and lifestyle factors.
- Developed personalized wellness plans addressing nutrition, physical activity, weight management, and overall healthy lifestyle habits.
- Conducted one-on-one coaching sessions to educate, motivate, and support clients in achieving their health goals.
- Facilitated group workshops on nutrition, healthy eating, and lifestyle behaviors to promote community health and wellness.
Health Educator Level 3
Inova Health System
Fairfax, Virginia
05.2016 - 05.2018
- Conducted health screenings for hospital employees and corporate clients, providing education and guidance based on individual health indicators.
- Educated individuals on health and wellness metrics, including biometrics, and provided practical recommendations to support healthier dietary and lifestyle choices.
- Administered health screenings at employee wellness and community events, facilitating access to health assessments and wellness resources.
- Developed and delivered health education programs for diverse employee and community populations.
- Facilitated workshops on nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention, and healthy lifestyle practices.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to develop and enhance health education materials and wellness programming.
Nutrition Intern
Inova Center for Wellness and Metabolic Health
Fairfax
04.2016 - 12.2016
- Supported the development of a new fee-for-service nutrition program in collaboration with the Director of the Center for Wellness and Metabolic Health.
- Collaborated with registered dietitians to collect program data and develop nutrition protocols and supporting materials.
- Observed nutrition evaluations and diabetes education classes to strengthen nutrition education and client-support materials for community outreach.
Financial Analyst
Canopy One Solutions
Chantilly, VA
12.2011 - 04.2015
- Prepared and analyzed monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, providing management with insights into revenue, expenses, and overall business performance.
- Analyzed revenue and gross margins by client, recruiter, and business unit to identify trends, performance opportunities, and areas for improvement.
- Maintained financial models and forecasts and prepared budget-to-actual analyses to monitor performance and explain significant variances.
- Partnered with recruiting and sales teams to track headcount, placements, billings, and revenue, supporting management decision-making and business planning.
Compensation Analyst
XO Communications
Reston, Virginia
03.2001 - 10.2003
- Collaborated with sales teams, regional managers, Finance, and corporate staff to streamline the monthly compensation process.
- Prepared and presented monthly compensation reports and developed tracking analytics to support financial and business reporting.
- Analyzed compensation data and maintained salary surveys to support competitive pay structures and industry benchmarking.
- Partnered with HR teams to align compensation strategies with organizational goals and business needs.
Education
Master of Science - Nutrition Education
American University
Washington, DC12-2016
Bachelor of Science - Finance
SUNY At Albany
Albany, NY05-2000
Skills
- Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)
- Nutritional Assessment
- Metabolic Health
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
- Body Composition Analysis (DEXA & InBody)
- Weight Management
- Motivational Interviewing
- Health Coaching
- Health Data Analysis
- Personalized Nutrition Strategies
- Sleep & Circadian Health
- Stress Management
- Body Composition & Muscle Preservation
- Behavior Change Frameworks: Stages of Change, Health Belief Model & Social Cognitive Theory
Certification
- Certified Nutrtion Specialist (CNS) - CNS No. 19034 - Exp 12/29
- Licensed Nutritionist, State of Maryland Maryland Board of Dietetic Practice | License No. DX9092 - Exp 10/28
- Certified Behavior Change Specialist (ACE)
Timeline
Clinical Nutritionist & Stress Coach
Nutrisense
12.2024 - Current
Director of Nutrition & Corporate Wellness
Privia Medical Group-Nova Physician Wellness
01.2020 - 12.2024
Senior Nutritionist & Behavior Change Specialist
Privia Medical Group-Nova Physician Wellness
09.2019 - 01.2020
Nutritionist
Privia Medical Group-Nova Physician Wellness
03.2019 - 09.2019
Nutrition Health Coach
Loudoun County
05.2018 - 03.2019
Health Coach
Health Advocate
09.2017 - 05.2019
Health Educator Level 3
Inova Health System
05.2016 - 05.2018
Nutrition Intern
Inova Center for Wellness and Metabolic Health
04.2016 - 12.2016
Financial Analyst
Canopy One Solutions
12.2011 - 04.2015
Compensation Analyst
XO Communications
03.2001 - 10.2003
Master of Science - Nutrition Education
American University
Bachelor of Science - Finance
SUNY At Albany