Amy Culp, RD, CSSD, LD

Assistant Athletics Director, Performance Nutrition & Clinical Wellness | Intercollegiate Athletics | The University of Texas

How did you get started in your career?

I always knew I wanted to have a private practice, but never intended on specializing in eating disorders.  To build my practice, I put an ad in a local fitness magazine.  The first call I received was from a girl struggling with an eating disorder.  I gave it a shot, knowing that I could refer to another RD in town if it didn’t go well.  I got supervision from another RD to help me with the case, and after our first few sessions I was hooked.  I realized it was a challenging, yet fulfilling work.  I then went to Eating Disorders Boot Camp to hone my skills and continued to build my practice specializing in eating disorders, sports nutrition and weight management.  I worked full time in my private practice for about 10 years until I came to build and lead the performance nutrition department at the University of Texas.  The skills I gained working with clients with eating disorders and disordered eating in my private practice enabled me to be successful working with athletes who sometimes struggle with the same challenges.

What advice would you give to someone new to the field? 

Go for it…while getting training and support.  I highly recommend Eating Disorders Boot Camp & Molly Kellogg’s Counseling Intensive, as well as Molly Kellogg’s phone supervision.