Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC, CPT

So, you want to know a bit about me.

Well, let’s start at the beginning of my education, so you can feel confident that I have a strong nutrition background, I am licensed, and I am a credible source. AKA - I didn’t just read some nutrition blogs and decide that I am a “nutrition expert”.

Since 2004, I have been a registered and licensed registered dietitian. After earning a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition from the college of agriculture at the University of Florida (which was funded by a full academic scholarship), I froze my tush off in Chicago while earning a master’s degree in clinical nutrition and completing a dietetic internship at Rush University Medical Center. I did some of my clinical training at Cook County Hospital — yes, the same hospital that was the setting for the ER TV show. Unfortunately, I never met my George Clooney look-alike during my time there. But I did get to enjoy plenty of Blackhawk games when I had the time. Part of my training also included working at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, assisting with nutrition-related public health campaigns.

On the day of my graduate school graduation, I threw my belongings in my car and drove back to my hometown in sunny South Florida to thaw out. After passing my registration exam, I worked in various clinical settings, including a NICU, PICU, general pediatric unit, high-risk pregnancy unit, lactation center, and various other areas. I worked with dietetic interns, created menus, calculated tube feedings, and, after being promoted to clinical manager, managed budgets, scheduling, and all of the other managerial tasks that one would expect.

From there, I took on a new challenge and joined Nestle’s Pediatric and Infant Nutrition division, initially to be a part of their medical sales team. In a short amount of time, I was given opportunities that I never imagined, like flying around the country training sales reps, representing the brand at clinical meetings with pediatric nutrition thought leaders, and presenting in front of large groups of physicians, nurses, and other professionals. During this time in my career, I learned how to interpret complicated medical literature and convey key messages in a simple and fun way that motivates people to take action. Ultimately, I learned how to market and sell to the consumer, helping increase retail sales of Nestle’s pediatric nutrition products.

During my time with Nestle, I earned my certificate to be a Certified Lactation Educator-Counselor through the University of California-San Diego.

Currently I am the owner of a nutrition communications business. Based in Charleston, SC, I consult for better-for-you food brands, create content, represent brands in the media, write, and do essentially anything under the nutrition communications umbrella. Since I started my business in 2018, I have helped numerous brands elevate their message, build credibility, and played a large role in creating new products.

Working with me means that you will have a partner in your back pocket who truly understands the consumer and has credibility to back up my recommendations, I am your gal. I am reliable, honest, and I take the time to truly get to know what my client’s ultimate goal is so I can strategize and deliver. And I pride myself on constantly delivering.

What else do you want to know about me? I am an open book, so if there is any more information you want to hear about me, please shoot me an email and let me know. I am also more than happy to connect you with people who work with me so you can hear third-party testimonials about my work ethic, attitude, and quality of my work.

Thank you for your interest,

~Lauren