Meet April’s RDN of the Month:
Rhiannon Campagna, MS, RDN, IFNCP – Setting the World on Fire, One Connection at a Time
Rhiannon Campagna, MS, RDN, IFNCP, founder of Eat Real Food RDN, LLC, earned the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner (IFNCP) credential through the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy (IFNA). This advanced certification reflects her commitment to evidence-informed,
root-cause nutrition care.
In her practice, Rhiannon helps women build sustainable health through a philosophy rooted in real, whole foods and balanced living. She takes a gut-first approach, recognizing the central role digestive health plays in metabolism, hormone balance, immune function, and overall wellbeing. Her work
focuses on four foundational pillars of wellness: nutrition, movement, restorative sleep, and stress management.
How it Started
Rhiannon wanted to work in healthcare since she was young and ended up working in human resources in New York City. During those years she had the opportunity to do some soul-searching and realized the power food has to drive our health and/or disease. Appreciating the depth and breadth of nutrition
from basic nutrition information through scientific studies and findings, she decided to make a career out of nutrition and dietetics.
How it’s Going
Rhiannon recently launched her private practice – Eat Real Rood RDN, LLC. Rhiannon describes her work: I help women in various life stages with a gut first approach from an integrative and functional nutrition perspective. My days consist of virtual appointments, ongoing research, webinars, and meeting with
other healthcare practitioners building a referral network of like-minded professionals. Rhiannon stays inspired by attending professional conferences that help keep her focused and meeting other healthcare professionals. “It isn’t possible to work in the nutrition field without constantly learning and the information shared at conferences keeps me excited to go back to my practice with actionable new information. I really enjoy attending conferences such as those by the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute, American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and the Integrative Healthcare Symposium, as well as microbiome focused conferences.”
The Student Becomes the Practitioner and Life-long Learner
Rhiannon completed her undergraduate DPD at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University. She completed her combination MSDI program at St. Elizabeth University and completed her Bachelors of Science with a double major in Exercise Science and Psychology. As a practitioner, Rhiannon loves sharing nutrition information with people who are seeking to improve their health for longer, happier lives. And what she loves most about her work: “I love teaching people about nutrition and wellness and seeing when it clicks for them. All of the sudden, the behavior change is possible and the real improvements in overall health are tangible. This is the best feeling!” She also values her volunteer role as a preceptor. [Being a preceptor] gives me the opportunity to carve out time not only to teach them about what I do / how I practice but also to make myself available to them for questions – so much of what comes next in the process feels like a black hole and I try to dispel that feeling. I also love learning from interns! Given her love of precepting, naturally Rhiannon has words of wisdom for students entering dietetics. “Network! Get to know your professors, preceptors and fellow students. Ask lots of questions, stay in touch, find ways to get involved throughout your career.
Rhiannon’s favorite quote by St. Catherine of Siena:
“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” This quote reminds her of why she loves nutrition and who she wants to serve as a dietitian; and it shines through reading about her work and passions.
Acknowledging and Thanking Her Mentor
“Pinkin Panchal has been an amazing mentor to me. Entering this journey as a mom with 2 young children at home was daunting at first. Pinkin helped me believe that my goals were attainable and that practicing as an RDN in the integrative and functional space was a calling I should follow. I think about our conversations often and remember her advice and guidance vividly. I am so grateful for her mentorship; it helped me realize the important role I can play as a preceptor to the future professionals of our field.” Pinkin Panchal, MS, RDN is an Assistant Teaching Professor and Program Director for the Rutgers SEBS Nutritional Sciences Dietetic Internship Program; she is also the current NJAND President.
Just for Fun
Rhiannon has lived her whole life in NJ except for the 10 years she worked in HR in NYC. She loves NJ for its central location – we have access to 2 cities, mountains to climb, beaches to relax on, various communities to live in from farm/rural to larger city environments. There is a lot of diversity in the state as well which I believe makes our state better/stronger – and of course – we have the best state university – go RU! Rhiannon loves hiking, cornhole tournaments, and traveling are my favorite pastimes. I also love watching my girls’ play their sports – tennis, field hockey and lacrosse.
Thank you, Rhiannon, for your enthusiasm, passion, and dedication to your clients and your students!
