Nourishment Works

Camille Wachholz, RDN, LDN, CDCES she/they

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist & Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Specializing in Eating Disorder Recovery, Diabetes Support, and Intuitive Eating | Serving clients in Illinois via telehealth and in person.

Camille Wachholz is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) who offers non-diet, weight-inclusive nutrition counseling. With years of clinical experience and a compassionate, trauma-informed approach, Camille supports clients in healing their relationship with food and body, free from shame, restriction, or judgment.

Camille practices through a Health at Every Size® (HAES®) lens and provides nutrition therapy for eating disorders, disordered eating, and chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and gastrointestinal disorders. Her work is rooted in anti-diet, evidence-based care, supporting individuals in making peace with food while tending to their physical and emotional well-being.

Camille’s Approach to Nutrition Therapy

Camille helps clients move away from diet culture and toward a more sustainable, individualized approach to nourishment. She begins every client relationship with open dialogue—learning about each person’s unique goals, needs, identities, and challenges. Whether working with clients navigating eating disorder recovery or those managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, Camille creates a collaborative, supportive space where trust and autonomy are centered.

Camille draws from her deep clinical background to inform her personalized, human-centered care. She has supported clients from diverse backgrounds across inpatient and outpatient settings and is committed to inclusive care for LGBTQIA+ individuals, people in larger bodies, and those impacted by systemic oppression and health disparities.

Areas of Expertise

  • Eating disorders and disordered eating recovery

  • Diabetes care and management using a HAES® and non-diet framework

  • LGBTQ+ welcoming & affirming care

  • Affirming and supportive care for neurodivergent individuals

  • Nutrition for heart health (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease)

  • Nutrition for chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis

  • Attuned and mindfulness based eating & self-care

  • Non-diet, weight neutral, body inclusive approach to well-being 

  • Promotes body diversity, challenges beauty and weight norms, and fosters inclusivity and respect, empowering clients' bodies and identities

  • Nutritional counseling of all ages across the lifespan

  • Experienced facilitator of nutrition support groups

  • Health At Every Size (HAES®) Expert:

    • As a HAES® dietitian expert, she is committed to practicing and advocating for size inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. Interested individuals can explore the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) statement of the HAES® Principles here.

Specialized Training

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, Central Michigan University

  • Dietetic Internship through Nutrition Ink Dietitian Consulting Services &

    Products, Banning, CA

 
 

John Castro he/him

Practice Coordinator

John Castro is the Practice Coordinator at Nourishment Works, bringing over five years of experience in operations, billing, and administrative management within healthcare, training and continuing education organizations. With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Northwestern University, John combines his strong organizational skills with a passion for creating efficient, client-focused workflows.

Prior to joining Nourishment Works, John gained extensive experience managing training operations, coordinating with international affiliates, supervising administrative staff, and handling billing processes. His expertise includes streamlining systems, ensuring compliance with professional standards, and providing exceptional support to both clients and team members.

John is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for both clients and staff at Nourishment Works.

Feel free to reach out to John for any scheduling, billing, or administrative support needs at billing@nourishmentworks.com 

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Northwestern University

  • Bachelor of Arts Minor in Harvey Kapnick Business Institutions Program, Northwestern University

 
 

Kelly Gleason, MS, MAEd. she/her

Nutritionist & Health Educator

Kelly is a passionate nutritionist with a strong academic and professional background in nutrition education and health sciences. She holds a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Northern Illinois University, where she also earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics & Wellness with honors. Kelly's diverse experiences range from teaching nutrition at the undergraduate level to designing and implementing community wellness programs. Her work reflects a commitment to making nutrition science accessible and empowering, helping individuals of all ages foster improved relationships with food and well-being.

Kelly’s expertise extends beyond the classroom, with certifications in diabetes prevention, food safety, and yoga instruction. She has contributed to community outreach programs, led professional development workshops, and collaborated on research projects focused on integrating food science with education.

My Approach

My approach to nutrition is rooted in intuitive eating, a Health at Every Size® (HAES) framework, and a weight-neutral philosophy. I believe that health isn’t determined by weight, but by fostering an attuned and supportive relationship with food and the body. Through my practice, I support clients in developing trust in their bodies, honoring hunger and fullness cues, and breaking free from the harmful effects of diet culture.

I emphasize mindful eating, guiding clients to be present and attuned to their eating experiences, helping them cultivate a more compassionate approach to nourishment. By focusing on well-being over weight, I encourage clients to make peace with food and their bodies. My weight-neutral approach creates a non-judgmental space where clients can explore their health goals without unnecessary pressure.

Through individualized care, I help clients embrace sustainable, life-enhancing movement and holistic health practices that honor their unique bodies and lifestyles. I firmly believe that everyone deserves to feel good in their bodies, and my compassionate, evidence-based approach reflects this philosophy.

Areas of Expertise

  • Attuned and mindfulness based eating & self-care

  • Non-diet, weight neutral, body inclusive approach to well-being 

  • LGBTQ+ welcoming & affirming care

  • Nutritional counseling of all ages across the lifespan

  • Experienced facilitator of nutrition support groups

  • Health At Every Size (HAES®) Expert:

    • As a HAES® dietitian expert, I am committed to practice and advocate for: size inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. Check out the Association for Size Diversity's statement of the HAES® Principles here.

Specialized Training

  • Certificate of Graduate Study in Eating Disorders, Northern Illinois University

  • Certified Lifestyle Coach from the National Diabetes Prevention Program

  • 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

  • Certificate of Sustainable Food Systems

Education

  • Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Northern Illinois University

  • Master of Arts in Elementary Education, University of Phoenix

  • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics & Wellness, Northern Illinois University

  • Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Emphasis Business & Mathematics, Arizona State University

Publications

  • Regan, M., Prange, N., Muzaffar, H., Furr, K., Mesic, J., Brynteson, K., Roseno, A., Berry, C., & Duffrin, M. (2021). FoodMASTER Small Bites: Creating Videos to Introduce Food and Nutrition Science Lessons. Food & Nutrition

  • Mesic, J., Furr, K., and Duffrin, M. (2020). Utilizing Food and Nutrition to Create Authentic Mathematics Learning. Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo.

  • McCartney, G., Furr, K., and Duffrin, M. (2019). Simplifying Science with FAN Cards: Creating and Utilizing Mini Food Science Lessons to Excite Learner Curiosity. Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo.

 
 

Kate Merkle, MPH, RDN, LDN, LCSW, CDWF, PAT she/her

Founder and Executive Director

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, & Certified Psychodramatist

Kate Merkle is a dual-licensed clinician with over 20 years of experience helping clients heal their relationship with food, body, and self. She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and a Certified Psychodramatist (PAT).

Kate holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Benedictine University, a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Northeastern Illinois University, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Food Science from Colorado State University.

Her extensive clinical experience spans hospital settings, higher levels of care, and outpatient therapy, and she brings a trauma-informed, social justice-oriented lens to every client relationship.

My Approach

She takes a holistic approach when working with clients to address disordered eating patterns and negative body image concerns. Her mission is to help her clients lead flourishing lives, characterized by vitality, physical well-being, meaning, and connection. Employing a strength-based approach, she draws from a range of therapeutic modalities, including Appetite Awareness Training, Health At Every Size, Intuitive Eating, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and psychodrama.

Kate works with adolescents and adults, and her clinical approach affirms body diversity, neurodivergence, and marginalized identities. She is committed to Health at Every Size® (HAES®), anti-oppressive therapy, and inclusive care for people in larger bodies.

Kate's work integrates both clinical nutrition therapy and depth-oriented psychotherapy, allowing her to address both the emotional and physiological aspects of healing. Her holistic framework is rooted in compassionate curiosity, radical acceptance, and embodied presence.

She understands that recovery from disordered eating, trauma, and chronic self-doubt takes time, trust, and skilled support. She collaborates with each client to define goals, build self-awareness, and cultivate sustainable practices that support long-term healing and growth.

Areas of expertise

  • Eating disorders and disordered eating recovery

  • Consultation & supervision for therapists, nutritionists, dietitians, and nutrition/therapy students

  • 12-Step Informed

  • Attuned and mindfulness based eating & self-care

  • Non-diet, weight neutral, body inclusive approach to well-being 

  • LGBTQ+ welcoming & affirming care

  • Nutritional counseling of all ages across the lifespan

  • Experienced facilitator of nutrition support groups

  • Health At Every Size (HAES®) Expert:

    • As a HAES® dietitian expert, she is committed to practicing and advocating for size inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. Interested individuals can explore the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) statement of the HAES® Principles here.

Specialized Training 

Education 

  • Masters of Social Work, Northeastern Illinois University

  • Masters of Public Health, Benedictine University

  • Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Food Science, Colorado State University

In the Press

 
 
 

The CHICAGO Magazine

 
A Little Help from the Pros

A Little Help from the Pros Article

SAND Student Association of Nutrition and Dietetics Presentation at Benedictine University

GI Health and Immunity: Implications for Nutrition Professionals Webinar

SAND Student Association of Nutrition and Dietetics Presentation at Miami University

Mini Nutrition Conference 2022 Presenter

 

Mental Health Alumni Panel Discussion at Benedictine University

 

Kirstin Montsma, MSW, LSW she/her

Licensed Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Kirstin is a Licensed Social Worker in Chicago, IL. As a clinician, she brings deep curiosity, warmth, and intentionality into the therapy space. Rooted in her social work values, she centers her clients as the experts of their own experiences and listens deeply to how the systems around them impact their lives—approaching these complexities with openness, respect, and curiosity in the therapeutic relationship.

Kirstin believes therapy works best when clients feel safe, heard, and empowered. She works from a strengths-based, client-centered perspective that prioritizes collaboration, authenticity, and flexibility.

Kirstin is eating disorder-informed and holds a Health at Every Size® (HAES®) lens. She is eager to grow in her understanding of weight-inclusive, anti-diet approaches and is supported by Nourishment Works’ collaborative and interdisciplinary care model.

She welcomes adults of all identities and backgrounds who are seeking support around anxiety, depression, life transitions, and burnout.

Therapeutic Approaches & Areas of Expertise

  • Trauma-Informed Care (certification: Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics)

  • Psychodynamic-Informed

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Client-Centered & Strengths-Based Therapy

  • Relational Therapy

  • Mindfulness & Somatic Curiosity

  • LGBTQIA+ Affirming

  • Depression & Anxiety

  • Burnout & Overwhelm

  • Life Transitions

  • Neurodivergence

  • Self-worth & Identity Work

  • Health At Every Size (HAES®) aligned

    • As a HAES® aligned therapist, I am committed to practicing and advocating for: size inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. Check out the Association for Size Diversity's statement of the HAES® Principles here.

Specialized Training

  • Youth Mental Health First Aid Certified

  • Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics Certification

  • Mandated Reporter Certification

Education

  • Master of Social Work (Advanced Clinical Practice), Loyola University Chicago

  • Bachelor of Social Work and Psychology, Calvin University (Magna Cum Laude)


Book a 15 Minute Discovery Call with Kirstin



Lucy Tykal, MA, LPC she/her

Licensed Professional Counselor & Psychotherapist

Lucy is a licensed professional counselor and psychotherapist in Chicago, IL specializing in body image concerns, disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. With lived eating disorder experience, Lucy understands the unique impact of diet culture on our relationships to food and our own bodies and is passionate about dismantling the systems that uphold these insidious ideals.

With a background at inpatient and PHP/IOP levels of care, Lucy has worked with diverse populations and welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and identities into the therapeutic space. Her clinical approach is defined by warmth, nonjudgement, and a touch of humor to create a safe space of growth and reflection for individuals of all ages.

As a Health At Every Size informed clinician, Lucy takes a weight-inclusive, anti-diet approach to wellness and is committed to walking alongside her clients on their path to self-acceptance, working with them to gain insight and confidence with each step. She believes in a holistic approach that addresses the impacts of external forces of oppression including weight-bias, racism, sexism, abilism, ageism, and more in order to validate her client’s adaptive responses to a pathological culture.

Areas of Expertise & Therapeutic Approaches

  • Disordered eating

  • Body image concerns

  • Life Transitions

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Person-Centered Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

  • Feminist Theories

  • Health At Every Size (HAES®) aligned

    • As a HAES® aligned therapist, I am committed to practice and advocate for: size inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. Check out the Association for Size Diversity's statement of the HAES® Principles here.

Specialized Training

  • Introduction to Psychodrama and Sociometry - Chicago Center for Psychodrama

  • ACT in Action Training - Chicago Center for Psychodrama

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) Training

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Training

Education

  • Master of Arts- Clinical Mental Health Counseling, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

  • Bachelor of Arts- Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, Michigan State University


Book a 15 Minute Discovery Call with Lucy


Margaret Bick she/her

Counselor & Art Therapist

Margaret is a passionate and trauma-informed art therapist based in Chicago, Illinois, who brings warmth, creativity, and authenticity to her work with clients. Currently completing her Master’s in Counseling with a concentration in Art Therapy at Adler University, Margaret supports individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, identity development, and life transitions. She believes in the healing power of creativity, cultural humility, and genuine human connection. With a background in fine arts and community service, Margaret blends evidence-based approaches with expressive arts therapy to meet clients where they are and guide them toward meaningful personal growth.

Margaret uses an integrative approach grounded in person-centered care, trauma-informed frameworks, and social justice values. She incorporates both verbal and non-verbal expressive modalities to support diverse clients. She meets clients with compassion, curiosity, and creativity, holding space for each person’s complexity while fostering empowerment and emotional safety.

Areas of Expertise

  • Art Therapy for mental health and emotional expression

  • Trauma recovery and post-traumatic growth

  • Substance use and recovery support

  • Grief, loss, and identity exploration

  • Anxiety, depression, and mood disorders

  • LGBTQIA+ affirming and culturally responsive care

  • Life transitions and adjustment issues

  • Community-based healing and empowerment

Therapeutic Modalities Practiced

  • Person-Centered Therapy

  • Trauma-Informed Therapy

  • Multicultural and Social Justice Informed Care

  • Expressive Arts Therapy / Expressive Arts Continuum

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Feminist Therapy

  • CBT, DBT, ACT, REBT

  • Reality Therapy/Choice Theory

  • Psychodynamic Concepts

  • Health At Every Size (HAES®) aligned

    • As a HAES® aligned therapist, I am committed to practicing and advocating for: size inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. Check out the Association for Size Diversity's statement of the HAES® Principles here.

Education

  • Adler University – Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy

  • University of Oregon – Bachelor of Arts in Art


Book a 15 Minute Discovery Call with Margaret


Priyanka Navalurkar MS, RDN, LDN she/her

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist | Eating Disorder Recovery & Intuitive Eating Specialist

Priyanka is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who provides compassionate, trauma-informed nutrition counseling for individuals healing their relationship with food and body. She specializes in eating disorder recovery, body image healing, and co-occurring mental health concerns, offering weight-inclusive care rooted in the principles of Health at Every Size® (HAES®).

With deep respect for the diverse experiences people bring to the table, Priyanka honors how food has served a role in survival, coping, connection, and identity. Her non-diet, anti-oppressive approach creates a supportive space where clients can rebuild body trust, rediscover intuitive eating, and develop sustainable nourishment practices tailored to their unique needs.

Priyanka’s Approach to Nutrition Therapy

Priyanka believes that all bodies are worthy of care, respect, and nourishment—regardless of shape, size, or background. She understands that diet culture, societal pressures, and systemic oppression can disconnect individuals from their body’s natural cues and internal wisdom.

Using a non-diet, intuitive eating framework, she helps clients reconnect with that inner wisdom, cultivate self-compassion, and develop sustainable, individualized nutrition practices that align with their recovery values. Priyanka’s work is informed by trauma-informed care, body liberation, and intersectional social justice principles.

Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, chronic dieting, disordered eating patterns, or body shame, Priyanka offers a safe, affirming, and collaborative space for healing and nourishment.

Areas of Expertise

  • Eating disorder recovery across all diagnoses

  • Attuned and mindfulness-based eating & self-care

  • Weight-inclusive, non-diet nutrition counseling

  • LGBTQ+ affirming & gender-diverse care

  • Collaborative, team-based care for complex presentations

  • Outpatient and higher-level-of-care experience (PHP/IOP)

  • Nutritional counseling of all ages across the lifespan

  • Experienced facilitator of nutrition support groups

  • Health At Every Size (HAES®) Expert:

    • As a HAES® dietitian expert, I am committed to practice and advocate for: size inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. Check out the Association for Size Diversity's statement of the HAES® Principles here.

Specialized Training

  • 12+ weeks of supervised eating disorder rotations across PHP, IOP, and outpatient levels

  • Trained in:

    • Family-Based Therapy (FBT)

    • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Completed Marci Evans’ “Nutrition Counseling for Eating Disorders” training

  • Experience supporting individuals with co-occurring conditions including anxiety, OCD, trauma, neurodivergence, and chronic illness

Education

  • Master of Science in Nutrition & Health Promotion, Simmons University (Entrepreneurship + Eating Disorders)

  • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Miami University (Dietetics concentration; Minor in Management)