About Ivory
(MPH, RDN, cPT)

Hi there,

My name is Ivory (she/her/她). I am a Health-at-Every-Size Registered Dietitian, though most of my clients call me their “food or nutrition therapist.”

In my opinion, relationships are a core part of the human experience. Given that we only get one body to explore this world in, I am passionate about supporting folks in cultivating a healthy relationship with their bodies - one that is rooted in trust, respect, and compassion. As eating is one of the most consistent ways that we interact with our bodies, our relationship with food both impacts and is impacted by our relationship with our body and our body’s experiences of the world.

As a dietitian, I seek to support you in exploring and healing your relationship with food and your body. Perhaps there is a part of you that is feeling frustrated by how much mental space food currently takes up; or maybe you are sick of feeling guilt or shame after eating. There might also be a part of you who is feeling concerned, sensing that something feels off, and/or that your current eating patterns are not working. There may also be a part of you who is afraid of change - of letting go of the strategies you’ve created to cope and survive in your body. Any and all of these parts are welcome. In our work together, I look forward to getting to know the different parts of you.

My approach to nutrition therapy is very relational. We are collaborators in your care, co-creating a new chapter in your food and body story. You get to define the direction and pace of this exploration. You are the expert on your body, and it’s important to me that you feel heard and respected. When working with me, you can expect a lot of curiosity, a judgment-free space to share, some courageous pauses, and laughter.

My therapeutic approach is most significantly informed by Internal Family Systems, Body Trust®, Health-at-Every-Size® Principles, Intuitive Eating® , and Polyvagal Theory.

Fun Facts about Ivory

  • I identify as a “Third Culture Kid”- born in Malaysia, raised in Shanghai, China, and Singaporean by nationality. To me, “home” has always been everywhere and nowhere. For now, you can find me in Seattle, WA!

  • I love bread - all kinds from every culture; special preference for the nutty ones.

  • I am bilingual in English and Mandarin Chinese. Hoping to reconnect with my Spanish soon.

  • My happy places and spaces: a warm sunny day, “urban hiking,” outdoor workouts with friends, exploring new coffee shops and restaurants, petting doggies at the Farmer’s Market, and smell of fresh bread.

female girl smiling outdoors with greenery in background

Every body not only deserves to be nourished, but also to play! Regardless of your body shape/size, age, ability, race, gender identity, and sexual orientation, you deserve access to safe and joyful movement and a peaceful relationship with movement.

I have been an athlete my entire life. While my relationship with movement has changed a lot over time, my movement practice has always been the most effective and consistent way for me to return to my body, to feel grounded and present. It’s a space that allows my mental activity to slow and quiet down, allowing the rest of my body to share. Currently, my favorite forms of movement include calisthenics, a spontaneous dance party to a good song, podcast walks on the Burke Gilman Trail, and bakery bike rides with friends.

As a weight-neutral Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, I am passionate about supporting folks to reconnect with their bodies through intuitive and playful movement. Toxic fitness and diet culture robs too many bodies from the joy of exercise, from oppressive standards on who gets to move and which forms of movement “count” as exercise, to using body shame as the main motivator for training (i.e., your body is not enough). When working together, you can expect to challenge rigidity and perfectionism around exercise, listen to and with your body, and gain familiarity with the edges of your comfort zone, both mentally and physically, to progressively enter your growth zone.

Education

  • University of Washington School of Public Health: Master of Public Health in Nutritional Sciences,
    Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics

  • Johns Hopkins University: Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Studies, minor in Psychology

License (& What They Mean)

Professional Training

EDRD Pro Member Badge