About Joyce

PhD, RDN, LDN | Founder & CEO, Nutrition Counseling Academy | Motivational Interviewing Trainer (MINT)

Dr. Joyce Faraj-Ardura is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN, LDN), PhD-level nutrition educator, and Motivational Interviewing trainer dedicated to advancing the communication and coaching skills at the heart of effective nutrition counseling. With more than 15 years of experience spanning clinical practice, academia, and professional development, she helps dietitians and health professionals bridge the gap between what we know and what we do.

As Founder and CEO of the Nutrition Counseling Academy (NCA), Joyce has trained thousands of dietitians and health professionals through signature programs including the Elevated Nutrition Counseling Blueprint and the EmpoweRD Series. Her work equips practitioners with the confidence, communication tools, and behavior change strategies needed to deliver transformational client sessions—and build thriving, sustainable practices.

A proud member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and recipient of the 2025 Massachusetts Dietitian Leadership Award for Excellence in Leadership, Innovation, and Education, Joyce is widely recognized for elevating the counseling side of dietetics. Before launching the NCA, she served as a tenure-track professor of Nutrition and Public Health, where she designed innovative programs and championed inclusive, student-centered learning. Her academic background in nutrition, women’s health, and mental health continues to shape her work at the intersection of science and human connection.

Joyce is also the founder of Joyceful Nutrition, her private practice blending medical nutrition therapy with behavior change coaching to help clients shift their mindset around food, improve their health, and build habits that truly last. As a Latina dietitian with a PhD, she brings a multicultural, compassionate, and person-centered lens to every conversation—built on the belief that confidence, empathy, and curiosity (not perfection) are the foundation of growth and healing.

Outside the office, Joyce is a proud mom of three, devoted dog mom to a miniature schnauzer, and unapologetic coffee and dark chocolate enthusiast—forever dreaming up new ways to elevate the dietetics profession, one conversation, one CEU, and one empowered practitioner at a time.

lana Patti

Operations Manager

lana Patti, MS, RD, LDN, is a Registered Dietitian with a Master of Science in Food and Nutrition from Framingham State University. She currently serves as the Operations Manager at Nutrition Counseling Academy, where she supports daily operations and organization.

Outside of her role at Nutrition Counseling Academy, Ilana works as a Registered Dietitian providing outpatient nutrition counseling. She is passionate about helping individuals build realistic, sustainable habits and has a special interest in intuitive eating, gut health, and practical nutrition strategies that fit into everyday life.

Katelyn Russell

Instructional Design and Curriculum Specialist

Katelyn Russell, MS, RD, LDN, is a registered dietitian, health educator, and curriculum developer who has been obsessed with nutrition since taking her first nutrition class at UMass nearly 20 years ago. Since then, she has spent her career helping others build a more practical, sustainable, and evidence-based understanding of nutrition and health.

Katelyn has over a decade of experience teaching high school health classes. Before that, she worked in nutrition research and medical writing, which informs her approach to education and curriculum development. Her professional interests include intuitive eating, nutrition science, and behavior change with a strong focus on making education engaging, realistic, and accessible. Her personal interests include her two kids, husband, dog, and giant vegetable garden.

How is Dr. Faraj-Ardura's Approach Different?

Most nutrition counseling training stops at the page—a book, a worksheet, a webinar watched once. Dr. Faraj-Ardura's work goes further.

With advanced training in motivational interviewing and intuitive eating, she views counseling through a cultural humility lens and a strengths-based, solution-focused approach. She doesn't just talk about creating an inclusive practice environment—she teaches dietitians exactly how to build one in their own work.

Because reading a book on motivational interviewing isn't enough, Dr. Faraj-Ardura walks practitioners through every step, training the micro-skills of MI in live role-play sessions with immediate, personalized feedback so the skills actually stick.

It is the only program that combines all three of these elements in one hybrid experience, specifically designed for dietitians and nutrition professionals.

Live teaching with the practical “how-tos” dietitians use in real client sessions

Hands-on activities in a low-stakes environment with immediate, specific feedback

1:1 coaching to review real counseling sessions, work through challenging cases, and provide supervision.

The result: dietitians leave not just informed— but confident, skilled, and ready to lead the kind of lasting behavior change their clients are looking for.

Public Speaking & Workshops

Bringing the science of behavior change to your stage

Dr. Joyce Faraj-Ardura is a sought-after keynote speaker, trainer, and workshop facilitator for dietetic associations, healthcare organizations, universities, and wellness teams. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN, LDN), PhD-level educator, and Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) member, she translates the latest research on communication and behavior change into practical, immediately usable skills for the people in your room.

Her sessions are interactive by design. Expect an engaging and clear "how-to" guidance that audiences walk away ready to use in session.

Presentations and mentorship available in English and Spanish.

Testimonials

Carol

"This program is allowing me to be a better nutrition counselor vs. educator.

Join this program if you want to further your counseling skills."

Carol, RD

Maria

The Empowering Change Membership program has helped me improve my confidence in my nutrition counseling skills. Having access to monthly CDR-approved education and training webinars has made it much easier to meet my CEU requirements. I appreciate that the webinars are self-paced and that I have lifetime access to the recordings, allowing me to revisit topics whenever I need a refresher. Most importantly, it has provided access to RD mentors from diverse backgrounds and different levels of experience. This has been the most crucial part of the membership, and the area where I've experienced the most growth. This is an incredible opportunity and resource, particularly for newer dietitians who require additional support as they begin their careers. I highly recommend the Empowering Change Membership program and can't imagine going without it!

Maria, RD

Katie

“I stopped guessing about ‘what to say’ and gained exact phrasing that works. The programs and webinar have really expanded my knowledge while the handouts and scripts have made my job easier. I no longer struggle with how to structure my sessions"

Katie, RD

Get in Touch

To inquire about availability, custom workshops, or CEU programming for your team, contact us here or email [email protected].

Subscribe To Our Newsletter Form