Improving the standard of care through evidence-based education.
Integration of lactation education into the health sciences curricula is essential for improving care.
As an Assistant Professor of Nutrition, my goal is to foster an inclusive learning environment that empowers students to engage critically with nutrition science. I integrate innovative teaching methods and experiential learning while focusing my research on maternal and child health and lactation. My aim is to inspire students to become compassionate leaders who advocate for health equity and well-being in diverse communities.
Speaker | Educator
In 2000, I was invited to provide a nutrition lecture for a community college course. This ignited a passion and I have been teaching professional and college level courses ever since. I have been invited to talk at national and international conferences; many of these invitations were extended through competitive blind peer-reviewed abstract submissions. I have developed and directed lactation programs at both the college and university level. I own a lactation education program that aims to improve the public health of communities through education of health care providers (Global Lactation Education Associates).
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist | Lactation Consultant
I have experience working as a high risk nutritionist for the WIC Program, as well as working as a public health nutritionist for children with special health care needs for Arizona’s maternal child health team (Arizona Department of Health Services). In these positions I saw and provided nutrition care, including medical nutrition therapy for adults and children with a variety of conditions, including gestational diabetes, diabetes type I & II, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, Maple syrup urine disease, phenylketonuria, galactosemia, and other rare metabolic diseases.
I developed and operated the nutrition department at the Women’s Birth and Wellness Center in Chapel Hill and currently I have my own multi-practitioner nutrition and lactation consulting practice in Cary, NC (Cary Lactation and Nutrition Specialists).
Researcher | Writer
I have published numerous research articles and written book chapters for several texts, including the Core Curriculum for Interdisciplinary Lactation Care. My research interests include breastfeeding educational interventions for health professionals and community-based breastfeeding decisions.
“Dr. Watkins is so knowledgeable and a great instructor. I learned so many things from the Advanced Lactation Course and I am a better Peer Counselor for it. Thank you for offering this course”
— Elizabeth, WIC Peer Counselor