We believe you deserve to lead a life of empowered health based on your personal wisdom, experience, values. We commit to walk beside you in your personal health journey with support that is grounded in evidence, respect and a true understanding of your goals.

Our team of registered dietitians trade hype for science-backed wisdom and personal experience. We exchange perfection-seeking plans for simple, human insights. And most importantly, we believe that personal growth can only come when we are curious and compassionate.

Meet Our Team

Jennifer McDaniel, MS, RDN, LD

Jennifer is the owner and founder of McDaniel Nutrition Therapy and the visionary behind our evidence-based, deeply personal approach to wellness. She is a nationally recognized media spokesperson and co-author of The Mediterranean Table Cookbook.

At McDaniel Nutrition, our mission is to provide each client with science-backed nutrition support that goes far beyond food. We believe real change happens when we understand not just what someone eats, but why. That’s why we also explore the thoughts, emotions, and patterns that shape our choices—so we can uncover what’s truly holding someone back from feeling their best.

Our team of Registered Dietitians brings years of education, training, and lived experience to the table, helping clients navigate a world full of nutrition noise with clarity and confidence. We’re here to offer not only credible guidance, but also a compassionate space for growth.

We’d love to help you reconnect with the healthiest version of yourself—mind, body, and beyond.

Congratulations to our owner and Registered Dietitian for being awarded the 2024 Best Dietitian in St. Louis as voted by the readers of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and STL.today.

Melissa Brown, MPH, CHES, RD, LD

Intuitive Eating, PCOS, Cancer, Chronic Disease Management, Family & Childhood Nutrition, Plant Based Eating

Melissa uses non-diet and intuitive eating approaches to help clients optimize dietary intake and improve their nutrition status with a focus on preventing or managing chronic disease. She has experience helping clients take charge of their nutrition before, during, and after cancer treatment. Melissa practices joyful movement (with a personal interest in aerial arts, acroyoga, and bike commuting), finds joy in eating delicious food, and is a minor contributor to her partner’s large urban garden.

Jamie Daugherty, PhD, RD, CSSD

Eating Disorders, Sports Nutrition

Jamie has been a dietitian for 16 years and brings many ingredients to the table. She spends her time in a few varied spaces within the food, nutrition and wellness realm – the kitchen, outdoors, and seeking new adventures around every corner. She connects with students and clients to facilitate building healthier relationships with food, nutrition, and movement. In addition to her work at McDaniel Nutrition, she is an Assistant Professor and Department Chair at Fontbonne University.

Ellen Beuligmann, RDN, LD

Medical Nutrition Therapy, Weight Management, Family Nutrition

Supporting you to make simple, gradual improvements to meet your health goals is important to me. By appreciating where you are currently in your wellness journey, we will work together to incorporate evidence-based nutrition in a practical way into daily choices. As a mom of 4 sports-loving children, I strive to find the balance of providing nutritious meals and snacks with hectic schedules. Building a foundation of good health is possible.

Abigail Frech, MS, RDN, LD, ACSM-CPT

Eating Disorders, Sports Nutrition, Medical Nutrition Therapy

Abigail has a passion for helping clients build a better relationship with food and exercise. As a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer, she works with each client to encourage nourishment for their body to learn that food is both fuel and fun. With experience in eating disorders, sports nutrition, and disease management, Abigail utilizes personalized approaches and supports her clients to achieve optimal performance and sustainable lifestyle goals.

Melissa Chapnick, RD, MS, MPH

Weight Loss, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Maternal, Child, & Fertility Nutrition

I strive to provide clients with a listening ear, sound guidance, and compassionate accountability as they navigate their wellness journeys. Fully understanding your needs and goals is important to me so we can make changes that stick, and you can become your healthiest self! I want to empower my clients with the ability to prioritize, problem solve, and continue progressing, even when life becomes busy and unpredictable. I aim for high quality, up-to-date nutrition research to guide my work with all clients.