Background
I am thrilled to be a part of the Second Breakfast Nutrition team. I am originally from Alabama, where I completed my undergraduate in Nutrition Dietetics at the University of Alabama, then I moved to North Carolina and earned my Masters in Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In my free time, I enjoy cooking up various creations, keeping up with friends and family, crafting, spending time outdoors, and participating in many other various hobbies. I have an involved form of Muscular Dystrophy. I strive to advocate for those not only with other forms of Muscular Dystrophy, but disabilities in a broad sense.
Experience
I recently became an RD in 2020. In my undergraduate career, I was involved in self-directed research exploring body composition and enteral nutrition interventions for those with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. At UNC, I completed a fellowship under the National Maternal and Childhood Health grant and specialized in treating clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I also have a significant amount of public health and clinical experience that I gained in various internships. My goal is to combine my experiences and to offer the best care and support.
Practice Philosophy
The most important aspect of treating my clients is my relationship with them. I believe that this is at the center of all treatment and quality care. One obstacle that I face is people’s apprehension in interacting with me because of my Muscular Dystrophy. I want my clients to know that although I do have an involved physical disability, I experience the same emotions and feelings as anyone else and desire to help my clients reach their maximum potential. I believe that trust and compassion should also be at the forefront of every relationship with clients. I am looking forward to working on this team to help others in their recovery process.
Email: Demi.eckhoff.rd@gmail.com
**please note that Demi practices out of Chapel Hill, so services for clients in the Charlotte area will remain virtual only.