ABOUT THE DIETITIAN

Nasira Burkholder-Cooley, DrPH, RDN, BFA

​Nasira is a registered dietitian, fitness expert, and nutrition educator. She was drawn to public health and nutrition as a result of her diverse background in science, fine arts, and fitness. Nasira is currently an adjunct faculty member at Chapman University, a private practice registered dietitian, and post-doctoral researcher.  She serves as the Nutritionist for the ABT Gillespe School at Segerstrom Center for the Arts and AMDA College of Performing Arts. She is a former classical ballet dancer and trained with Pacific Northwest Ballet and the University of Arizona School of Dance and attended summer intensives at the National Ballet of Canada and American Ballet Theater. Upon graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Nutrition and a B.F.A. in dance, Nasira continued her studies in pursuit of a career as a nutrition professional and obtained a Masters in Public Health from UCLA and a Doctorate in Nutritional Sciences and RDN credential from Loma Linda University. Nasira has been a NASM certified personal trainer since 2008 and is a certified yoga instructor. Her experience in the fitness industry has deepened her knowledge of biomechanics and kinesiology, which has improved her dance technique and understanding of the role of nutrition in dance performance.