Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Tee.
Hi Sarah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My interest in the field of dietetics is deeply rooted in my own personal experiences. During my early years, I struggled with body image concerns, borderline disordered eating patterns and eating disorders, and the constant cycle of redefining my worth based on appearance, fast forward to living with Hashimoto’s / Hypothyroidism. While those years were difficult, I now see them as the foundation for my passion—they gave me insight and empathy, and ultimately inspired me to help others build healthier, more sustainable relationships with food and their bodies.
In 2005, I made the pivotal decision to pursue a degree in dietetics. From there, I worked diligently to complete my university studies, dietetic internship, supervised practice hours, and board licensing. These steps gave me the clinical knowledge and professional grounding I needed, but they also fueled my motivation to expand beyond traditional paths.
After working in more conventional roles, I felt drawn to private practice. For me, private practice is not just about being my own boss—it’s about creating a space where I can practice authentically, tailoring nutrition therapy to the unique needs of each individual. It allows me to integrate my personal passion with evidence-based nutrition, giving my clients tools and insights they can carry with them for life.
This combination of personal experience, academic training, and entrepreneurial drive is what continues to shape my work today. My goal is not only to educate but also to inspire lasting change and empower others to thrive in both health and life. My heart is that they find their forever and can be free from the stigmas that are held within this field!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road. My path to becoming a dietitian had plenty of bumps and setbacks, but also lessons that shaped who I am today.
I started out at community college and then transferred to university, but I didn’t follow the traditional class sequence. I came in off-cycle, which made things tricky, and on top of that I worked full-time all through school just to pay my bills. Even during my master’s program, I was balancing work with classes and volunteering to build up my resume. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me discipline and persistence.
When it came time to apply for dietetic internships after college in 2009, I didn’t match. I had great references, strong experience, and an average GPA — but not the perfect grades that so many programs seemed to want. To make matters harder, I only applied within Illinois, where I grew up. Match Day was crushing.
But I didn’t give up. Instead, I went on to pursue my master’s in public health, and this time I nearly aced it. In 2011, I was accepted into the internship at California State University, Fresno. It proved to me that hard work, timing, and perseverance really do pay off.
Those 11 months of internship were tough. I worked for free, with only a small stipend, far from home, scraping by while still trying to cover bills. But I finished. Then came the boards — my biggest hurdle yet. I’ve always had severe test anxiety, and at that point it was debilitating. After failing multiple times by just a few points, I finally sought help from a psychologist, who gave me strategies to manage my anxiety.
When I finally passed — by just one point — I cried. All the years of hard work, sacrifice, and persistence came together in that moment. Passing wasn’t just about a credential; it was about proving to myself that I could overcome obstacles and show up for the people I wanted to help.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change the road I took. It taught me resilience, grit, and compassion — and it’s those same qualities I now bring to my clients every day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I always like to start by saying that I can only speak for myself. From the very beginning of my career, I promised I would never compromise my character for a title, a goal, or money. What matters most to me is that every person I meet with feels they’ve had a genuine experience with someone who listens, advocates for them, and truly cares. It’s a partnership.
I specialize in nutrition therapy, with a strong focus on counseling and the human side of health. I believe the relationship comes first — before any objectives, handouts, or plans. When people feel safe to open up, that’s when healing can begin, and together we can find the pathway that fits them best. I especially love working in the areas of gut health, food allergies, sensitivities, and inflammation.Over the years, I have seen so many aspects of nutrition and the people that go along with it. I love the variety each client brings, and keeps me on my toes! ItsEducation and writing are also huge passions of mine. Speaking to groups energizes me — getting to teach, connect, and bring nutrition to life in a way people can really use. And writing gives me a creative outlet to process and express thoughts in a meaningful way (yes, sometimes dramatically!). Both are ways I get to share what I love with others.
What sets me apart? Honestly, I think it’s that I’m real. I practice what I preach, but I’m also right there in the journey with my clients. I’m not perfect, and I don’t expect them to be either. Sometimes I even go through protocols alongside my clients so they know they aren’t alone. My goal is always to listen, to meet people where they are, and to walk with them — not in front of them pointing fingers, but beside them, working together.
That’s what I’m most proud of: building a practice where people feel seen, supported, and empowered, not just told what to do.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I find that building a trusted network of practitioners speaks volumes. You refer to each other, you seek advice and counsel. That would be one aspect I recommend would be to surround yourselves with those that uplift your passion, but can also challenge it if need be! I am currently reading more on the Endocrine system by an MD, I love Andy the RD for his work and publishing’s on fatty liver and so much more, I love listening to podcasts by fellow RDS
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inspirenutritionnd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspire__nutrition_nd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Inspire.nutritionnd
