Claire Carlton MS, RD, LD
Owner | Registered Dietitian | Nutritionist
About Claire
One of my favorite things about my profession as a dietitian is helping my patients learn how to confidently nourish themselves with a diverse eating pattern to help treat and manage health concerns, while also prioritizing pleasure and joy within the eating experience. I believe it is essential to foster a positive relationship with food when seeking to use nutrition therapy as a disease and lifestyle intervention. When restrictive food rules and nutrition dogma take over, a person’s autonomy is stripped and they lose touch with their internal wisdom – the most vital asset in creating sustainable dietary behavior change.
I enjoy partnering with patients and providing them a safe space to reflect, share and build upon their nutrition knowledge so they can learn how to create change from a place of self-care and compassion rather than punishment, guilt or shame.
You can call me the Queen of nuance – my patients might get tired of hearing, “welllll it depends…” but the truth is, few things in the field of nutrition science are “black and white.” I consider it my duty to cut through bias and explain why so many nutrition and health claims aren’t really what they seem.
As a foodie and nutrition professional, I love helping patients and clients discover how food choices that honor health can also satisfy appetite and taste preferences.
With vast experience in providing nutrition care across the lifespan in both acute care and outpatient settings over the last decade, I have found my passion in helping those with digestive disorders use food and nutrition to help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Professional Bio
Claire earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. She then relocated to Boone, North Carolina to pursue a Master of Science in Nutrition at Appalachian State University and complete a 1200 hour dietetic internship with Carolinas Healthcare System in order to fulfill the requirements to become a registered dietitian.
Throughout her career as a dietitian, Claire has completed additional training in the field of integrative and functional medicine nutrition, a rapidly growing field. She received her Certificate of Training in Integrative and Functional Nutrition through The Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy. With these skills, she helps patients and clients understand the root cause of their health concerns and utilizes a holistic approach to help them on their path to lifelong wellness.
Claire is currently practicing as registered dietitian nutritionist in Honolulu, Hawai’i while also serving clients virtually across the U.S.
She currently serves on the board of The Hawai’i Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (HAND), which represents over 300 nutrition and dietetic professionals across the state of Hawai’i and U.S. affiliated Pacific Islands. In 2023, she was awarded “Emerging Dietetic Leader” by her colleagues within the HAND organization and looks forward to continuing to elevate and advocate for the profession within the state.
Kelli Meya MS, RDN, LD
Associate | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
About Kelli
Kelli Ann Meya is a registered dietitian born and raised in Hawai’i. She completed her Bachelors of Science at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, and then went on to Boston University to complete her Masters in Nutrition and dietetic internship. Kelli has worked as a dietitian for over six years at a long-term care facility on the island of O’ahu.
In her free time Kelli loves to travel and spend quality time with her husband and three-year old daughter. During the pandemic she grew to love baking and cake decorating, and enjoys keeping up with the Great British Baking Show.
Erin Pender MS, RDN, LD
Associate | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
About Erin
Erin is a dedicated professional with a passion for nutrition and wellness. Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, she obtained a Business Management degree from North Carolina State University. In 2011, she relocated to Hawaiʻi and returned to school to study Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She then completed her Dietetic Internship program with Illinois State University, obtained her national credential as a Registered Dietitian in 2022, and worked as an Outpatient Dietitian for the Queen’s Medical System before joining Nourish with Claire. Recently completing her Master of Science in Nutrition, Erin remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of the latest research and advancements in the nutrition field. She firmly believes that nutrition is a powerful tool in achieving overall wellness, and she strives to guide her patients towards optimal health through empowering conversations and practical tools and techniques.
With a warm and approachable demeanor, Erin creates a safe space for her clients to openly discuss their health concerns and goals. Through evidence-based recommendations and personalized strategies, she empowers individuals to make informed decisions and cultivate positive relationships with food. Erin is committed to guiding others on their wellness journey, ensuring they experience the transformative benefits of proper nutrition.
