Child Nutritionist in Durham, North Carolina
Personalized, one-on-one nutrition counseling for children and families in Durham, NC.
All sessions are conducted virtually using a functional nutrition approach designed to support your child’s growth, behavior, and overall well-being.
Conditions I Support Through Pediatric Nutrition Counseling
Depression & Anxiety
Nutrition Support helps alleviate depression and anxiety by addressing nutrient imbalances and inflammation with vitamins and many other healthy eating tactics that impact mental well-being.
ADD & ADHD
Nutrient-dense foods in nutrition guidance support cognitive function and neurotransmitter balance, reducing ADD and ADHD symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity.
Autism
Personalized nutrition strategies for autism focus on reducing inflammation and supporting neurological health, potentially improving cognitive challenges.
OCD
Holistic health addresses gut health and neurotransmitter balance to reduce OCD symptoms and promote emotional stability.
Eating Disorders
Nutritional therapy restores physical and mental health by addressing nutritional deficiencies, healing the gut, and providing tailored guidance in recovery from eating disorders.
Is Pediatric Nutrition Counseling the Right Fit for Your Child?
I work with families in Durham who want thoughtful, personalized nutrition support without pressure, shame, or extreme food rules.
My approach focuses on functional pediatric nutrition, meaning we look at how food, digestion, nutrient status, blood sugar, and daily routines affect your child’s behavior, mood, and development.
Because care is fully virtual, families in Durham can work with me consistently whether you live near downtown, Duke University, Southpoint, or surrounding areas.
Pediatric Nutrition Counseling for Durham Families
ADHD Nutrition Support
Nutrition strategies to support focus, reduce energy crashes, and promote more consistent attention throughout the day.
Autism Nutrition Support
Individualized guidance that supports digestion, inflammation, and nutrient balance while honoring sensory preferences.
Gut Health & Digestion
Functional nutrition support for constipation, bloating, food reactions, and other digestive concerns common in children.
Anxiety & Emotional Regulation
Nutrition counseling that supports calmer moods, better sleep, and steadier energy.
Picky Eating & Feeding Challenges
Practical guidance to reduce mealtime stress and help children feel safer around food.
Food Sensitivities & Inflammation
Support to identify triggers and reduce symptoms without unnecessary restriction.
Who I Am and How I Help Children Thrive
I’m Samantha Gilbert, a certified functional nutrition counselor with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families with complex nutrition-related concerns.
I help parents understand how nutrition, digestion, nutrient status, blood sugar balance, and daily routines may be influencing their child’s behavior, focus, mood, and physical symptoms.
Rather than providing rigid meal plans, I offer clear education and realistic guidance that fits family life.
I provide nutrition education and therapeutic guidance, not medical diagnosis or treatment. When appropriate, I collaborate with your child’s healthcare providers to support coordinated care.
Why Families Choose to Work With Me:
- Over two decades of experience in functional
pediatric nutrition - Education-first, evidence-informed approach
- Gentle, non-restrictive guidance
- One-on-one support for parents and children
- Focus on root causes, not quick fixes
- Real stories of success from people like you
How Pediatric Nutrition Support Works
I keep the process clear and manageable so you know what to expect at every step.
Free Consultation
We discuss your child’s needs and determine whether nutrition counseling is the right fit.
Personalized Assessment
Food patterns, digestion, behavior, lifestyle factors, and relevant labs are reviewed when appropriate.
Ongoing Support and Adjustments
Guidance is refined over time based on progress, feedback, and real-life results.
Testimonials from Happy (and Healthy) Clients
Prior to finding Sami, our family was stuck in a nightmarish event, as my daughter was trapped in a recurring cycle of defiance and lack of emotional regulation, OCD behaviors, and overwhelming sensory issues.
This cycle crippled our daily activities and stole precious time from my daughter’s childhood and our family. We previously worked with two functional medicine doctors that provided some much needed reprieve, but my daughter did not truly begin to heal until we did extensive testing with Sami and received a honed-in nutritional and supplement protocol specific to my daughter’s needs.
We are now a year out with Sami’s protocol and my daughter is thriving emotionally and academically. We are forever grateful to Sami and her team. I will continue to recommend her to every other family dealing with similar circumstances.
verified customer
I came to Sami to help us with our boys who are both diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Apraxia and Sensory Processing Disorder. Sami is incredibly knowledgeable about all things nutrition, methylation and lifestyle.
She was able to run tests that gave us valuable insights. I sought her expertise as I had felt my own research on food and nutrients could only take me so far. Every piece of advice she gave us was so integral to our healing journey. After implementing her protocols for our twin boys we started to get more sounds/language than ever before – it was amazing to see their bodies responding so well and they continue to make gains.
Their overall mood, energy, appetite and happiness is the best it has ever been. She opened our eyes to what healthy living really means and how we can best optimize the food and water we are feeding our children. I now know what questions to ask and how to best source quality food for our family.
verified customer
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions that may help if you need assistance or have any inquiries.
Do you offer virtual pediatric nutrition counseling for Durham families?
Yes. All sessions are virtual, making care accessible and consistent for families in Durham and beyond.
Do you work with children with ADHD or autism?
Yes. I regularly support children with ADHD, autism, and related challenges using individualized nutrition strategies.
Is this a feeding therapy program?
No. I provide nutrition counseling and education, not feeding therapy or behavioral treatment.
Do you work with parents outside Durham?
Yes. I work with families across North Carolina and throughout the United States.
Ready to Support Your Child’s Health?
If you’re looking for clear, personalized nutrition guidance for your child, the next step is a free consultation.