Professor April N. Hackert, MS, RDN, LD, CEDRD-S (@AprilHackert) is a Global Psychiatric Culinary Medicine Research Dietitian, Scientist, Chef, International Clinical Eating Disorder Supervisor, and the FOUNDER of Choose to Change Nutrition Services. As a scientific author birthing the use of Nutritional Neuropsychology and Psychiatric Culinary Medicine in conjunction with Medical Nutrition Therapy, this visionary orator is an international public policy advocate for the healing power of food on mental health.
As a passionately articulate teacher, scientific researcher, and chef, April brings over two decades of experience to her food chemistry-inspired, culinary creations. She strives to communicate scientific principles in an entertaining and meaningful language. As a former chair of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Behavioral Health Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, supporting universal integration of the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) into mental and physical health care became a personal passion project. With the use of over two decades of clinical experience, rigorous scientific training, and creator of an international clinical training program in the Middle East on the topic of Nutritional Psychology, leading a global conversation about the role of a RDN in the clinical and research practice of Nutritional Psychiatry is her new mission.
April integrates executive leadership principles alongside scientific and medical training from across the globe into daily practice. Valencia College, Virginia Tech, New York University, UCSF, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Harvard, National Institutes of Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Deakin University, and Federal/State Correctional Rehabilitation Centers into a diverse array of thought. Her clinical work and research encompasses a deep curiosity about the dietary and interconnected psychological belief patterns among humans with symptoms of anxiety. Translation of this information is a core element for improving mental and physical well-being for all.
Watch April’s TEDx talk entitled, “Turn in at the fork” (https://youtu.be/idDlgiCxpL8) or find numerous pictures of her culinary creations on Instagram (healingkitchen). You can also follow #adventuresofapril #foodmatters #whatsyoursbutterhead for the latest updates in her capers.