Clare McKindley, RD

It is an honor to have your eyes meet my information. I know you have a plethora of dietitians to choose from, so hopefully, I can help you narrow down the options to the one that is right for you!

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I think my story is interesting, and I hope you do too. Way back in my high school years, I competed in bodybuilding winning two titles. During that time, I was eating a restrictive diet followed by a binge of calories post competition because there was no "off" button. I remember thinking to myself, "this is no way for a growing 16 year old female to get all that she needs to be competitive and healthy!" This experience helped me decide what to focus on after high school-sports injury prevention/nutrition.

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As an undergraduate at the University of Arizona, I had an interest in athletic training and nutrition. I worked as a student athletic trainer and working towards a double major-Physiological Science and Nutrition/Dietetics. The dietetics landed and I went on to complete a dietetic internship through the University of Houston. After graduating the program, one of the hospitals I rotated through for my clinical work as an intern, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, offered me a job as an outpatient dietitian covering the hematological cancer services. I remember feeling nervous about practicing outpatient because I felt my education set me up for success in the inpatient setting. The people component of counseling was intimidating. However, I took a chance on my future and accepted the offer. Oh boy, I am glad I did. I flourished in this environment. It turns out the counseling piece is my favorite. I recall many clients that made a lasting impact on me as a human being. We connected to each other, and that connection is beautiful.

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I learned a lot and felt at home when I moved over to the Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Clinic. It was here that motivational interviewing and behavior modification techniques added value to the sessions. Additionally, the Facilities Manager supported an idea I had regarding growing foods the American Institute for Cancer Research highlight as food for cancer risk reduction. Together, we were able to create "The Healthy Living Garden" on campus. With my colleague, Sally Scroggs, we co-authored a nutrition chapter in Advances in Cancer Survivorship Management, a book for cancer survivorship. I ran several 5K races for cancer awareness, additionally, I became a study participant in a cancer prevention study that is still going on today. My clients were there doing the work so I felt it is also my duty to share the load in ways like running events, cycling to work daily, maintaining my exercise routine (rock climbing, recreational soccer, weight training, etc), and the study.

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After 8 years of practice, one of my sisters needed help in California at the Jim Henson Company. Since family is important to me, I made a shift to support her and reestablish myself in California. When the contract ran out with the Jim Henson Company, I worked 4 jobs to try and make ends meet. Eventually, a coworker told me about union electrical work, and I joined Local 11 becoming an Inside Wireman. When COVID hit, we electricians were still considered "essential", so luckily, I could keep working to keep the "lights on". It was during this time that I also started stepping up for the Marine Reconnaissance Foundation. It was the death of one recon marine that I did not even know personally but could see/feel the impact his death would have on those he knew; consequently, I started running again for the many that can no longer speak. I began running the Marine Corps Marathon since 2020 as an ambassador athlete for the Foundation's lines of effort. I have since made many important friends within the community and I continue to look for ways to tackle suicide and be a bridge of support between civilian and military transitions.

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Not only am I a Registered Dietitian but I am also a Licensed Electrician and an Ambassador Athlete!

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This fall, I had yet another "career" shift-motherhood! Because my child is very much a newborn and I want to be there to raise him, I am making a comeback so I can be what my child needs me to be while also returning to the joys of giving hope to nutrition clients.

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As one of my clients taught me years ago "Ubuntu"- 'I am because of you'