Meet the Team
Dr. Joyce Faraj-Ardura, MS, RDN
Helping Dietitians Build Confidence in Counseling
Dr. Joyce Faraj-Ardura is a registered dietitian nutritionist, former tenure track assistant professor, and dedicated mentor to dietitians looking to strengthen their counseling skills. She understands that nutrition knowledge alone isn’t enough—true impact comes from the ability to connect with clients, guide meaningful conversations, and inspire lasting change.
Recognizing a gap in hands-on counseling training, Dr. Faraj-Ardura founded the Nutrition Counseling Academy in 2022. Her mission is to provide dietitians with the tools, practice, and confidence they need to engage clients effectively and compassionately.
Ilana Patti MS, RDN
Hi, I’m Ilana! I’m a Registered Dietitian with a background in outpatient nutrition counseling, where I’ve seen firsthand how powerful strong counseling skills can be in supporting lasting behavior change. I’m passionate about helping people build healthier relationships with food by making nutrition feel approachable, realistic, and empowering. My approach is grounded in meeting people where they are and supporting them in finding confidence and clarity in their choices.
Behind the scenes at Nutrition Counseling Academy, I help keep things running smoothly—supporting projects, staying organized, and jumping in wherever needed to help make the magic happen.
A Unique, Practical Approach to Nutrition Counseling
Dr. Faraj-Ardura’s teaching goes beyond theory. With advanced training in motivational interviewing and intuitive eating, she takes a strengths-based, solution-focused approach that helps dietitians apply these skills in real-world scenarios. She also prioritizes cultural humility, ensuring dietitians can create an inclusive, respectful space for every client.
Learning That Feels Real, Not Theoretical
Too often, counseling education focuses on reading about techniques rather than actually practicing them. The Nutrition Counseling Academy changes that by offering a hybrid, hands-on learning experience, including:
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Live Teaching – Practical, step-by-step guidance on integrating motivational interviewing into daily practice.
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Interactive Role-Playing – A low-pressure environment to build skills and confidence.
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Immediate Feedback & Coaching – Real-time insights to help dietitians refine their approach.
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1:1 Coaching Sessions – Personalized support for challenging client cases.
Through this program, dietitians don’t just learn—they gain the confidence to have meaningful, impactful conversations with their clients.
Dr. Faraj-Ardura believes that when dietitians feel empowered in their counseling skills, they can create real change in people’s lives. The Nutrition Counseling Academy is here to make that happen.