Diving into the root of Maya Feller Nutrition, our patient-centered practice

Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions!

I am thrilled to be receiving so many questions about Maya Feller Nutrition, our start, our philosophy, and the details of our practice. I have compiled some of my answers to your questions here. I love to read your comments and feedback. Leave them here or catch me in my DMs on Instagram!

1) Why the practice? How did you come to make the decision to lead your own practice?

After working in the community as a program manager for a Ryan White-funded NYC DOHMH food and nutrition program, I made the choice to start my own practice. Having had the experience of working with adults living with chronic conditions, I wanted to transition to working with birthing people and children. I saw this as the start of the pipeline with the possibility to impact change from an earlier age and to assist in preventing chronic conditions. I added the Certified Lactation Counselor credential to my title and began to seek out families. I quickly learned that the systemic and structural inequities that plagued my older patients were even more pronounced in the birthing and pediatric population. I decided to expand my practice to serve people from marginalized identities across the lifecycle and began to accept dietetic interns who were committed to learning about inclusive nutrition and anti-racist/anti-bias patient-centered care.

I taught for a decade at NYU where I was exposed to Dietitians to be. It became clear that I needed to expand my practice to include credentialed providers from different backgrounds and lived experiences. Expanding the practice allows us to reach and serve more people.

2) How is MFN different?

We work from a trauma-informed lens and believe that we, the clinicians, are the experts in nutrition science and our patients are the experts in their lived experience. This allows us to offer patient-centered nutrition care.

3) What’s the difference between dietitians and nutritionists and who should use either or both services?

A Registered Dietitian is a credentialed healthcare professional who can provide medical nutrition therapy for clinical and medical issues. RDs have attended accredited programs, matched with a dietetic internship, completed supervised hours, and are eligible to study for a national exam. Once passing the exam, the title RD can be be used. To maintain the credential, the provider needs to complete continuing education credits on a five-year cycle.

Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist.

4) What are some of the criteria you seek when hiring?

Our providers are Registered Dietitians or RD Eligible. We work from an evidence-based perspective while centering patients. I look for providers who are weight inclusive, culturally humble, and committed to continual education around anti-bias care. I seek out providers that come with an understanding and respect for patients’ lived experiences.

5) Are the appointments online or in person?

Appointments are both virtual and in-person. We offer in-person sessions for our concierge patients based in the NY metro area.

6) Are there specializations in your practice?

Diabetes
Cardiovascular Disease
Digestive Disorders
Disordered Eating
Eating Disorders
Autoimmune
Neurological Conditions

7) What does “cultural relevance” mean and how does it play in MFN?

We understand that our individual experiences, values, and beliefs as providers impact how we work with patients; therefore, we practice self-reflection, active listening, and respect. We center our clients and meet them where they are.

Your comments and questions are welcome! We look forward to providing you with excellent nutrition care and, yes, we accept insurance.